Generally, there are two parties that can be held accountable for injuries from defective e-cigarette batteries: the manufacturers that make the batteries and the retailers that sell them.

The manufacturers of e-cigarette batteries have the option to create their batteries with or without protective circuitry. Protective circuitry can prevent dangerous explosions; without this technology, the electrolytes in lithium e-cigarette batteries may overheat and catch fire, a condition known as “thermal runaway.” However, many manufacturers choose not to include this circuitry. They continue to manufacture batteries that they know are dangerous.

Bad battery retailers in Michigan also have a duty to warn customers about the hazards of lithium battery explosions. If a vape shop or other retailer neglects to educate and warn their customers, they may also be liable for injuries caused by the batteries they sell.