Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones to e-bikes, but when they fail, the consequences can be catastrophic. Fires, explosions, and serious injuries have become alarmingly common, especially as the market floods with low-cost or poorly manufactured versions of these batteries. In Massachusetts, individuals injured by a defective lithium-ion battery may have the right to pursue compensation under product liability laws.

Understanding how these lawsuits work—and what makes a case viable—can help victims and their families take informed action.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Are So Dangerous

At the core of a lithium-ion battery's risk is its chemistry. These batteries pack a high energy density in a compact space. When working properly, they're efficient and safe. However, if something goes wrong—such as overheating, puncturing, or short-circuiting—the battery can enter a condition known as "thermal runaway," where it rapidly heats up, ignites, or even explodes.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 25,000 battery-related incidents were reported over a five-year period. Many were linked to products such as e-scooters, power tools, vapes, and laptops. Some incidents involved recalled batteries, while others were caused by counterfeit or poorly designed products that bypassed safety standards.

Massachusetts Product Liability Basics

In Massachusetts, product liability claims are governed by a combination of statutory law and common law principles. These claims typically fall under one or more of the following categories:

• Design defect: The battery or device was inherently unsafe due to how it was designed.
• Manufacturing defect: A mistake occurred during production that made an otherwise safe design dangerous.
• Failure to warn: The product lacked adequate instructions or warnings about foreseeable risks.

A person injured by a lithium-ion battery doesn't need to prove negligence in the traditional sense. Under strict liability standards, it may be enough to show the product was defective and that the defect caused the injury.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 106, Article 2 (the Uniform Commercial Code) also plays a role, particularly in breach of warranty claims, which are commonly brought alongside or in place of strict liability actions.

Common Products Involved in Lawsuits

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, but certain product categories see more incidents and litigation:

• E-bikes and scooters: Fires from improperly stored or charged e-bike batteries have made headlines, especially in urban areas like Boston.
• Vaping devices: Explosions in pockets and mouths have led to burns, dental injuries, and facial trauma.
• Laptop and cell phone batteries: While rare in brand-name devices, third-party or aftermarket batteries are more likely to pose a risk.
• Power tools and toys: Inadequate heat management or cheap internal components often play a role in failure.

In many cases, victims aren't even aware that the battery powering their device was a third-party replacement or knock-off sold through a marketplace with limited quality control.

Proving Liability: Key Evidence and Legal Strategy

Building a successful product liability case involving a lithium-ion battery typically requires a detailed investigation. Key steps include:

• Preserving the product: The damaged battery and device are critical pieces of evidence. If possible, they should be kept intact and documented.
• Identifying the supply chain: Plaintiffs can bring claims against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Even online sellers may be held liable in some cases, particularly if the product was defective when sold.
• Expert analysis: Engineers or battery specialists are often brought in to identify what caused the failure—whether it was a design flaw, manufacturing error, or misuse that the manufacturer failed to guard against.

Plaintiffs must also demonstrate damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may also be considered.

Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts

Massachusetts imposes a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury and product liability claims. The clock typically starts ticking on the date of the injury. However, in cases where the injury was not immediately apparent—such as slow-developing chemical burns or internal injuries—the "discovery rule" may apply, allowing the filing period to begin when the injury is first discovered or should reasonably have been discovered.

Missing the statute of limitations can bar a claim entirely, so it's critical to act promptly and consult a qualified attorney.

The Role of Recalls and Regulations

Manufacturers often issue recalls voluntarily or at the urging of agencies like the CPSC. While a recall does not automatically prove liability, it can serve as strong supporting evidence in court.

In addition, compliance with federal standards—such as UL certification or adherence to U.S. Department of Transportation packaging rules—can affect how a case is argued. If a product fails to meet known safety standards, it strengthens the plaintiff's position. Conversely, if a manufacturer followed all safety protocols, the defense may argue the injury resulted from misuse or unforeseeable events.

That said, under Massachusetts law, compliance with federal regulations does not automatically shield a company from liability if the product is still found to be unreasonably dangerous.

Preventative Trends and Legal Implications

As battery-related lawsuits increase, some manufacturers have started implementing stronger safety features:

• Built-in thermal cut-off switches
• Battery management systems (BMS) to regulate charge cycles
• Fire-retardant casing

While these features reduce risk, they also raise the legal bar. A company that fails to adopt widely accepted safety technologies may be seen as falling short of industry standards—an important factor in liability cases.

Additionally, the rise of online marketplaces has complicated traditional notions of responsibility. Courts in Massachusetts have increasingly scrutinized platforms like Amazon for selling defective or unverified third-party goods, opening the door to broader liability.

Conclusion

In Massachusetts, lithium-ion battery-related injuries are no longer rare anomalies—they're a growing area of concern with serious legal consequences. Victims may be entitled to compensation, but success in a lawsuit hinges on timely action, careful documentation, and a clear understanding of how product liability law applies.

Injured? The Office of Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Lawyers, Can Help

If the unfortunate happens and you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t go at it alone. An experienced lawyer can advocate for your best interest and pursue fair compensation for your damages. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you can count on us to work tirelessly for your quality of life. Our long track record of success has helped people like you move forward after sustaining an injury caused by another’s negligence.

Contact us now for a free legal review.