Lithium-ion batteries have become the go-to power source for countless consumer products—smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, e-bikes, and even power tools. Their compact size and high energy capacity make them ideal for modern technology. But their benefits come with serious risks. When these batteries overheat, short-circuit, or are poorly manufactured, the results can be catastrophic—ranging from minor burns to house fires and severe explosions.

In New Jersey, injured consumers may have the right to pursue a product liability lawsuit when a lithium-ion battery malfunctions. But holding manufacturers or retailers accountable requires navigating a complex legal landscape. Here's what injured victims—and their attorneys—need to understand about how New Jersey handles these cases.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Are a Safety Concern

At the core of a lithium-ion battery is a delicate balance of chemical reactions. If that balance is disrupted—through damage, improper charging, or internal defects—the battery can go into "thermal runaway." This process causes uncontrollable heat buildup and, in many cases, an explosive fire.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), lithium-ion batteries were involved in over 200 fire or overheating incidents in a single year across various products. In 2023, the New York City Fire Department reported that e-bike battery fires alone caused 17 deaths and over 130 injuries, a growing concern across densely populated areas like Northern New Jersey.

Understanding New Jersey Product Liability Law

New Jersey product liability cases are governed by the New Jersey Products Liability Act (NJPLA). This law gives injured consumers the ability to sue for damages if a product causes harm due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn.

In a lithium-ion battery case, the product can be deemed defective under one or more of the following legal theories:

• Design Defect: The battery's design is inherently unsafe—even if made exactly as intended.
• Manufacturing Defect: An error during production—such as contamination or poor quality control—causes the battery to become dangerous.
• Failure to Warn: The product lacks proper instructions or safety warnings, making consumer misuse more likely.

Plaintiffs don't have to prove negligence. Under the NJPLA, liability is strict—meaning if the product is proven defective and it caused injury, the manufacturer may be held responsible, regardless of their intent.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Product liability lawsuits involving lithium-ion batteries often name multiple defendants. In New Jersey, any party in the supply chain can be liable under strict liability rules. This includes:

• Battery manufacturers
• Device manufacturers (e.g., laptop, e-bike, or tool companies)
• Retailers and online sellers
• Importers and distributors

Even if the battery was made overseas, injured consumers in New Jersey can bring a claim against the U.S. distributor or the retailer that sold the product.

Common Scenarios Leading to Lawsuits

Product liability cases involving lithium-ion batteries often stem from the following situations:

• Explosions during charging: Faulty chargers or internal battery failures can cause fires while the device is plugged in.
• Overheating while in use: Devices like laptops or vape pens may suddenly overheat due to a defective battery cell.
• Fires during storage or transport: Even idle batteries can ignite if improperly stored or exposed to certain conditions.
• Non-certified replacements: Aftermarket or counterfeit batteries purchased online are particularly risky and often lack safety testing.

Victims may suffer burn injuries, smoke inhalation, property damage, or even death, particularly in residential fire cases.

Evidence in a Lithium-Ion Battery Lawsuit

To succeed in a lawsuit, the injured party must establish:

• The product was defective at the time it left the manufacturer
• The defect caused the injury
• The plaintiff was using the product as intended (or in a reasonably foreseeable manner)

Evidence may include:

• Expert analysis of the battery and device
• Purchase records and warranties
• Photos or video of the fire or injuries
• Fire department or insurance investigation reports
• Testing results or industry recall data

Plaintiffs typically rely on engineering or fire safety experts to prove the existence of a defect and the chain of causation.

Damages Available in New Jersey

Victims of defective lithium-ion batteries may pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious corporate conduct)

While New Jersey caps punitive damages at five times compensatory damages or $350,000, they are rarely awarded unless the defendant's behavior was especially reckless.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

Under New Jersey law, injured parties typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a product liability lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing the right to pursue compensation altogether. If a minor is injured, the statute of limitations may be extended—but legal advice should be sought immediately to avoid losing evidence.

Recent Trends and Legal Challenges

As the use of rechargeable batteries continues to rise, courts in New Jersey are seeing more complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions and foreign manufacturers. In particular, courts have addressed whether e-commerce platforms like Amazon can be considered part of the supply chain when third-party sellers are involved. While some rulings have held them liable, the legal standard continues to evolve.

Additionally, battery recalls are becoming more frequent. If the battery or device that caused injury has been part of a manufacturer's recall, this can support a plaintiff's claim that the product was known to be defective.

How a Product Liability Attorney Can Help

Navigating a lithium-ion battery case often requires coordination between fire investigators, engineers, medical experts, and legal counsel. A knowledgeable product liability attorney in New Jersey can:

• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Preserve and examine the damaged product
• File claims within legal deadlines
• Calculate long-term damages for serious injuries
• Negotiate with insurers or pursue litigation if needed

Because these cases often involve national or international corporations, legal representation with experience in complex product litigation is essential.

Conclusion

Lithium-ion battery injuries can happen in an instant, but their consequences can last a lifetime. Whether from a vape pen explosion or an e-bike fire, New Jersey residents harmed by these defective products may be entitled to significant compensation under the state's product liability laws. Understanding your legal rights and acting quickly—especially with the help of an experienced attorney—can make a critical difference in protecting your health, property, and future.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating New Jersey product liability claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.