Recently, vaping culture took the nation by storm, especially among users as young as 13 years old. Unlike cigarette use, vaping did not carry the same stigma of harmful effects of long-term use. In fact, many companies claimed that their e-cigarettes are a healthier alternative than smoking traditional cigarettes.
This past week, health officials in the state have confirmed the death of another person that has died as a result of an e-cigarette-related ailment. The victim is the seventh person to be reported in deaths associated with the sudden outbreak of lung disease related to the use of e-cigarettes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of earlier this month, there have been 380 confirmed cases of lung disease that were found to be associated with vaping.
Individuals that have suffered an illness associated from the use of an e-cigarette have reportedly experienced the following symptoms:
- Fatigue,
- Shortness of breath,
- Coughing,
- Diarrhea, and/or
- Vomiting
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health experts are currently investigating the cause behind the illnesses and there is no single e-cigarette company that has been found to be the sole cause of the ailments. The agency goes on to state that because there is no indication of a common infectious source, they suspect that people are becoming ill because of some form of chemical exposure.
Filing a Lawsuit Over E-Cigarette Illness
People that have no previous experience in smoking, including underage users, are flocking the stores to buy e-cigarettes. Consumers have been led to believe that e-cigarettes are “better than traditional smoking” and “a safer substitute to traditional smoking”. But consumers have found themselves not only addicted to vaping, but are facing serious health risks associated with vaping.
Individuals that have suffered health issues as a result of vaping may have the legal right to file a products liability claim against the e-cigarette company that manufactured the product. Many of these manufacturers failed to warn consumers of the dangers associated with vaping.
Additionally, families of those recently deceased may have a right to file wrongful death lawsuits against the manufacturers for causing the untimely death of their loved one.
If Vaping Has Caused You Serious Injury, Consult a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney
Vaping is a relative new technology and very little is known about the risks associated with its long-term use. Presently, a number of vaping-related illnesses have been reported across the nation, which has led to the scrutiny of e-cigarette companies. If you or someone you know has experienced illness after the use of an e-cigarette pen, consider seeking the legal support of a qualified personal injury attorney.
At Martinez & Schill LLP, the defending the rights of those that have been injured as a result of another’s negligence is our utmost objective. Suffering an illness related to vaping can leave a victim with serious and life-changing consequences. If you were injured after using an e-cigarette pen, it is important to act quickly and seek an attorney who can explain what your legal options are. The State of California has strict deadlines to file lawsuits, and passing a deadline can invalidate a claim. Consult a proficient law firm today.