Recalled Lithium-Ion Batteries Pose Fire & Explosion Risk

Recalled lithium-ion batteries have been in the news a lot lately. Examples include:

• The major recall for LG solar storage batteries. Overheating of these batteries can lead to spontaneous fires.
• Two university students in Melbourne narrowly escaped a fire at the Carlton Student Accommodation when a mobile phone bank exploded. Fifty residents were forced to evaluate.
• Exploding lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and scooters have been linked to a number of fires, some of them resulting in fatalities.
• From 2017–2023, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) received more than 230 product safety reports concerning lithium-ion batteries. 

As a consumer, you should be able to trust that the products you purchase are safe when used in the manner for which they are intended. You may have a defective product claim if you or someone you love has been injured by a faulty lithium-ion battery.

Henry Carus + Associates have extensive experience handling product liability claims for clients in Melbourne and throughout Victoria. Call 03 9001 1318 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.

Which Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Being Recalled?

Multiple lithium-ion batteries have been recalled due to issues with overheating and fire hazards. Recalls announced by the ACCC within the last year include:

• LG ESS Home Energy Storage System Batteries
  • Manufactured between 29 March 2017 and 13 September 2018 and sold in Australia starting 15 May 2017.
  • Affected models:
    • RESU3.3
    • RESU6.5
    • RESU10
    • RESU13
    • RESU7H Type-R
    • RESU10H Type-C
    • RESU10H Type-R
    • RESU10H Type-R (Secondary)
    • S/A Gen2 1P (EM048063P3S4)
    • S/A Gen2 2P (EM048126P3S7)
    • S/A Gen2 1P (EM048063P3S5)
• SolaX LG S/A Gen2 ESS Batteries
  • A separate recall has been announced for LG S/A Gen2 ESS batteries (model numbers LG S/A Gen2 1P (EM048063P3S4) and LG S/A Gen2 2P (EM048126P3S7)) supplied by SolaX.
  • These batteries were sold from 1 April 2017 to 31 July 2018.
• Baseus Magnetic Wireless Charging Power Banks
  • Includes model numbers PPCXW06 (sold between 1 May 2022 and 28 June 2024) and PPCXM06 (sold between 1 July 2023 and 28 June 2024).
• Yoto Mini USB Rechargeable Powered Speaker
  • Affected products have serial numbers beginning with 1FE-8FE. They were sold between 1 November 2021 and 30 November 2023.
• Lenovo USB-C Laptop Power Bank
  • Affected products have model number PBLG2W and part number 40ALLG2WWW. They were built between December 2021 and June 2022 and sold from 12 May 2023 to 8 July 2023.
• Moen Incorporated Flo Smart Water Monitor Lithium-Ion Battery Backup
  • Affected products have model number 920-001 and were sold between 1 September 2020 and 31 May 2023.

You can search the Product Safety Australia website for a full list of products with recalled lithium-ion batteries. If you have a product included in a recall, it is vital to follow all instructions for safely handling, storing, and/or disposing of the battery.

Dangers Associated with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are seen as an integral part of Australia’s sustainability goals. The technology is portable, allowing for a wide range of energy needs to be met, as well as rechargeable, which reduces waste and minimises demand for additional manufacturing.

Unfortunately, the technology isn’t perfect. A number of safety issues are associated with lithium-ion batteries—mainly overheating.

Swollen or bulging batteries should not be used. These issues occur when too much electrical charge builds up inside of the battery. If a faulty device is used, the battery may overheat, catch fire, and even explode. Overheating can also lead to the release of toxic gases.

Injuries Associated with Defective Lithium-Ion Batteries

Every year, emergency services respond to more than 3,000 structure fires in Victoria. While recalled lithium-ion batteries likely account for a fairly small portion of these fires, the danger cannot be discounted. Overheating and explosions can occur without warning, posing a significant danger to people who have one of these devices on their person or in their homes.

Notable injuries that may be caused by a defective or malfunctioning lithium-ion battery include:

Burn Injuries

Flames and gases from a lithium-ion battery fire or explosion can easily lead to burn injuries. Burns can be superficial, affect multiple layers of skin (partial thickness), or penetrate all layers of skin and damage the underlying tissue (full thickness). Partial and full thickness burns can have a number of serious effects:

• High risk of infection
• Loss of blood and fluids resulting in hypovolemic shock
• Nerve damage
• Soft tissue and orthopaedic injuries
• Elevated pressure inside the muscles (compartment syndrome)

Severe burns often result in permanent scarring. Depending on the degree of the injury and how extensive the burn is, a number of permanent impairments may also occur.

Explosion Injuries

If the battery explodes, debris from the battery or device may cause catastrophic injury to multiple areas of the body, as well as severe bleeding. The blast can also knock people to the ground, resulting in broken bones and amputation injuries. Alternatively, grievous injury to one or more extremities may require medical amputation at a later date.

Inhalation Injuries

Smoke inhalation is a major concern with any fire. Breathing in smoke can damage the lungs and airways. The toxic chemicals released by a lithium-ion battery when it burns or explodes can also be dangerous, causing skin and respiratory injuries, loss of consciousness, and even death.

Psychological Trauma

Victims of fires may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other difficulties. Physical injuries can exacerbate the traumatic experience of being in a fire, losing your home and possessions, etc.

Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Consumers who are injured by defective products may be able to bring claims against the manufacturer. To recover compensation, it must be shown that the injury was caused by a defect in the product’s design or assembly. Prompt and thorough investigation by a defective product lawyer is key for establishing that (a) the product posed an unreasonable safety risk and (b) this flaw caused your injuries and damages.

Contact Henry Carus + Associates Today

Recalled lithium-ion batteries represent a known safety risk. However, this will not stop manufacturers and other companies from trying to argue that errors on the part of the consumer led to the injury (such as failure to follow instructions, store the battery or device properly, or ignoring recall announcements).

An experienced defective product lawyer can protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. This may include:

• Payment of medical expenses
• The cost of therapy, rehabilitation, and needed supports
• Loss of earnings
• Impairment of earning capacity (loss of future earnings)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Injured by a Lithium-Ion Battery? Seek Legal Counsel Today!

The personal injury lawyers at Henry Carus + Associates collaborate with qualified experts to prove our clients’ injuries were caused by product defects. We are closely following the latest updates on recalled lithium-ion batteries and are prepared to fight for maximum compensation on behalf of those who have been seriously injured or lost loved ones due to these dangerous devices.

Henry Carus + Associates is recognised as one of Victoria’s leading personal injury and product liability law firms. Call 03 9001 1318 today for a FREE consultation.