Well, this is something a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer never could’ve guess: lawsuits over exploding phones.
Samsung is smack dab in the middle of a massive recall of its Galaxy Note7 android phones and just announced the company is discontinuing the product. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “Samsung has received 92 reports of the batteries overheating in the U.S., including 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage.”
In September the first lawsuit was filed against Samsung by a Florida man alleging second-degree burns on his leg when the phone exploded in his pocket. The man is seeking damages for medical bills, lost wages and, pain and suffering.
Since the recall and replacement devices were doled out, the problems continue to happen. Just last week a man says his new Galaxy Note7 caught fire on an airplane, causing a widespread panic of sorts revolving around the exploding phones. The CPSC is currently investigating that incident, along with four other cases nationwide.
It’s estimated this fire-breathing fiasco could cost Samsung (the world’s number one smartphone company for sales) nearly $17 billion. That massive number doesn’t even take into account the onslaught of lawsuits that are expected.
“We are working with relevant regulatory bodies to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note7. Because consumers’ safety remains our top priority, Samsung will ask all carrier and retail partners globally to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 while the investigation is taking place.
We remain committed to working diligently with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available.” ~Samsung
Why the Exploding Phones?
Experts say the manufacturing defect surrounding the Galaxy Note7 may be the result of placing unnecessary pressure on the phone’s battery cells, causing it to heat up and catch fire. Lithium ion batteries contain highly flammable chemicals, which can explode.
Anyone injured by one of these exploding phones may file suit against Samsung. There would be several different types of cases, but the most obvious one would be because of the faulty battery. However, if you received notice of the recall and chose to risk keeping your phone, you are likely waiving your right to any injury caused thereby. If you do have a Galaxy Note 7, turn it off immediately, take it back to the retailer, and trade it in for something that won’t explode.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a Samsung Galaxy Note7, give us a call. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and let you know whether or not you have a case.
