Accidental fires don’t just come from unattended open flames and inflammable objects; they can also erupt due to defective electrical appliances and wiring.
Tech company Lenovo is recalling thousands of its USB-C laptop power banks due to the high electrical fire risk they pose. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) explained that the power banks in question have internal screws that can come loose over time, which can lead to short-circuiting and electrical fires.
CPSC has warned that owners of the batteries, which were manufactured between January 2022 and June 2022, should immediately stop using the devices and contact Lenovo for a free replacement. The federal agency also cautioned owners not to throw the power banks in the trash or in battery recycling boxes since they can cause fires and explosions when damaged.
The dangers of electrical fires
Though electrical fires only differ from regular flames in how they’re caused, they’re still just as destructive. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that in one year, electrical malfunctions caused 24,200 fires, 295 deaths and 900 injuries.
Steps to take after suffering electrical fire injuries
If you sustain injuries from an electrical fire caused by an exploding power bank, you should first seek immediate medical care. Because a power bank will most likely be next to you and your devices, your injuries could be grievous. Expect to go through rounds of medication, wound dressings and even surgery to treat your burn injuries.
After treatment, you might want to file a product liability lawsuit against the power bank’s manufacturer. A lawsuit can help you recover recompense for your injuries and hold the company responsible. If the resulting fire also causes property damage, a lawsuit should help cover for the destruction.
Consider speaking with a legal professional beforehand to learn if you have a strong case.