E-cigarettes and vape pens have gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. Many prefer electronic cigarettes because they purportedly lack the dangerous side effects of tobacco and the distinct smell and taste of cigarettes while still delivering the addictive nicotine buzz that smokers seek. Though many e-cigarette companies promise a “purer” cigarette, people across the country have been put in danger by malfunctioning e-cigarettes. 

The Source of Danger: Batteries

Since e-cigarettes came on the market in 2007, many smokers have been severely injured by devices that have exploded or caught fire. There are a variety of reasons these explosions occur, but the most common cause is the batteries that power the devices. The powerful lithium-ion batteries used in e-cigarettes have been known to explode or catch fire when they are overcharged or shorted out. Due to these devices being used in proximity to a person’s face, a malfunctioning battery is likely to cause severe injuries and disfigurement. 

Exercise and activity are incredibly beneficial for children, and playgrounds provide a great environment for them to engage in active play. As we enter the summer months, more and more children are making use of these facilities. Unfortunately, this means that many children are at risk of being injured while using playground equipment. When a child suffers an injury because of defective or dangerous playground equipment, it is important for parents to understand their options for recovering compensation from the liable party or parties.

Playground Injury Statistics

Every year, more than 200,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for injuries which occurred on playgrounds. Falls are the most common cause of injuries, accounting for 44% of injuries. Equipment-related issues (including broken equipment, poorly-designed equipment, structures which tip over, and equipment which was not assembled or maintained correctly) account for 23% of injuries.

As the holiday season approaches, families across the United States are preparing to gather together to spend time with each other, give thanks for the positive things in their lives, and, of course, enjoy a delicious turkey dinner. As wonderful as this holiday time can be, it also presents serious dangers to families, that include fires and burn injuries.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 2,000 fires occur every year in homes on Thanksgiving. These fires result in an average of 25 injuries, five deaths, and $21 million in property damage. The following tips will help you avoid burn injuries during the holidays:

• Keep an eye on the oven - Whether the turkey is in the oven or other food is cooking on the stove top, be sure to check it frequently. Never leave the house with the oven on, and use a timer as a reminder.
• Be extra careful with turkey fryers - The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of fryers which use hot oil to cook a turkey, since they can be very dangerous—causing severe injuries and property damage. When using a fryer, make sure the fryer is placed outdoors on a flat, level surface and that it is never left unattended. Do not use a fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck. Do not overfill the fryer with oil, and be sure to use insulated pot holders or oven mitts and, if possible, safety goggles when touching the fryer.
• Keep kids safe - Make sure children stay at least three feet away from a hot stove, or better yet, designate the kitchen as a “kid-free zone” to reduce the possibility of injuries and help adults avoid distraction. Be careful when handling hot foods around children, since steam or splashing liquids can cause burns. Keep children away from turkey fryers even after cooking is finished, since they can take several hours to cool off.
• Watch for flammable items - Be careful when using items that can catch fire, such as pot holders, dish towels, oven mitts, or grocery bags, and avoid placing them near the stove while cooking. Do not wear loose clothes while cooking, since dangling sleeves can also catch fire when they come in contact with pots, pans, or burners.
• Practice fire safety - Make sure smoke alarms are present in the house, and test them to make sure they are working. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand to use if a fire occurs, and if a fire spreads, call the fire department immediately.

Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

In modern times, it has become common practice for businesses to require that its customers sign liability waivers participating in activities in its place of business. When renting equipment or joining a gym, patrons are often asked to sign one of these forms, and this is especially common when children attend a birthday party at a gymnastics facility or trampoline park.

Waivers are often signed without a second thought — we often assume that everything will work out. Yet what happens if an accident occurs and you are injured after signing a liability waiver? Or worse, what if your children are hurt due to someone’s negligence?

People that signed waivers oftentimes do not contact an experienced lawyer because they wrongfully presume nothing can be done by virtue of the fact they signed a liability waiver. This common misconception results in wrongdoers trampling on the rights of the injured and vulnerable. By contacting an experienced lawyer who can help you understand your rights, justice can still prevail.

Playgrounds have existed decades — outdoor play areas designed for young children to swing, slide, pretend, and just be kids. More and more indoor gyms for children are being opened as well. Unfortunately, the fun these playgrounds and gyms present are met with corresponding risks.

Children have continuously been injured on playground and gym equipment due to defective parts on a playground, and the property owner’s failure to properly inspect the equipment prior to allowing kids to play on it. We have seen these range from minor cuts and lacerations to severe fractures that require surgery. In fact, at Pullano Law Offices we represented a 6 year-old girl who suffered an awful leg injury at an indoor children's gym, and we were able to settle case for $225k.

Under Illinois law, playground hazards are the responsibility of owners, operators, schools, parents, and all other caretakers for children on the playground.