Summary
Lithium battery injuries from devices like e-bikes, scooters, and tools are rising in California. Fires, explosions, and toxic fumes can cause severe harm. Victims may have grounds for a product liability claim. Learn what you need to know about your legal rights, liability, and how a lawyer can help.
Table of Contents
A fire, a loud pop, or an explosion are just some ways lithium battery injuries happen. Whether it’s your e-bike, electric scooter, phone, or power tool, a faulty battery can cause life-changing damage. Victims often suffer burns, trauma, or even toxic exposure. In California, filing a product liability claim may be your legal path to compensation.
What Is a Lithium-Ion Battery?
A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable energy storage device commonly used in modern electronics and electric vehicles. These batteries are compact and efficient, but can pose serious dangers due to chemical reactions. They may catch fire or explode if they overheat, suffer internal shorts, or lack proper battery management systems.
Common Hazards That Lead to Injuries
Many lithium-ion batteries used today are poorly regulated or defectively manufactured. Common risks include:
- Overheating during charging or operation
- Explosions from internal shorts
- Burns and fires due to poor battery safety standards
- Exposure to toxic fumes from damaged cells
- Traumatic brain injury due to force from a blast
Victims may be eligible for compensation if the injury occurs at home or on the road.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Product Liability Claim?
Under California personal injury law, multiple parties can be held accountable for lithium battery injuries:
- Battery manufacturers (due to design defects or manufacturing defects)
- Distributors and importers (if they knowingly sold defective batteries)
- Retailers (if they failed to provide warnings or recalls)
- E-bike or scooter rental companies
According to California Civil Code Section 1714.45, strict liability applies if a product fails to meet ordinary expectations.
Why Preserving Evidence Is Crucial
To support your personal injury claim, it’s critical to preserve:
- The damaged battery or product
- Photos of the injury or accident scene
- Medical records documenting the toxic fumes, burns, or trauma
- Purchase receipts
Act fast. California’s statute of limitations for most product-related injuries is two years.
Types of Compensation You May Recover
With the help of a California personal injury lawyer, victims may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses and long-term rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering (including non-economic damages)
- Lost wages and future income
- Costs of psychological counseling (especially in traumatic brain injury cases)
- Punitive damages, if gross negligence is proven
The Importance of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating a product liability claim involving lithium-ion batteries can be overwhelming—especially when you’re dealing with severe burns, toxic fumes, or even a traumatic brain injury caused by an explosion. That’s where having the right legal team makes all the difference.
Led by Attorney Justin Farahi—an award-winning advocate and elected member of the 2026 Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) Board of Directors—our team brings unmatched experience and dedication to high-stakes injury cases.
We can help by:
- Evaluate your case and give personalized legal advice
- Investigate potential violations of battery safety standards
- Work with experts in battery management systems and chemistry
- Handle complex product liability litigation
Our Santa Clara personal injury lawyers are experienced in high-stakes injury cases and offer free consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If the lithium-ion battery was defective or lacked proper battery safety mechanisms, you may be able to file a product liability claim. It’s essential to preserve the battery and consult a lawyer immediately.
Victims often suffer severe burns, toxic fume inhalation, blast injuries, and even traumatic brain injury from impact. These injuries can require long-term medical attention and rehabilitation.
Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may all share liability. Under California law, strict liability applies even if the manufacturer wasn’t negligent.
The statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of injury. However, acting fast to preserve evidence and file your injury claim promptly is best.
No. At Farahi Law Firm, we work on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless we win your case.
Get the Medical Care You Need and the Money You Deserve
If you or a loved one suffered lithium battery injuries, don’t wait. Fires, explosions, and exposure to toxic substances are serious matters. Our team is here to help you understand your legal rights and pursue full compensation.
Call us today or contact our Santa Clara office online to schedule your free case review.
