JUUL is a type of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) that has boomed in popularity since its introduction to the market in 2016. JUUL is a type of vaporizer that boasts a sleek design, simple-to-use pods and limited smoke release. For these reasons and others, they are especially popular among a teenage crowd. Most JUUL users are young, with many under 18 when they first try the device. JUUL works by vaporizing liquid nicotine (plus other chemicals) and allowing the user to inhale the vapors rather than smoking them. Organizations such as the National Center for Health Research call JUUL and other e-cigarettes one of the most alarming health threats to youth in the world.
Common JUUL Injuries and Illnesses
JUUL is unique in that it delivers a greater potency of nicotine than most of its competitors. A single JUUL cartridge contains a liquid that contains 5% nicotine by volume, compared to 2.4% nicotine in similar devices, such as Blu e-cigarettes. A higher nicotine concentration increases the risk of dependency and related issues. One study found youths that use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to start smoking tobacco cigarettes than those who do not. Using a JUUL could cause many different injuries and illnesses over a user’s lifetime.
- Nicotine dependency
- Nicotine-related brain development delays in youths
- Blood clots
- Ulcers
- Cardiovascular problems
- Birth defects
- Increased likelihood of smoking cigarettes
- Throat and respiratory irritation
- Lung illnesses
- Diseases related to JUUL chemicals
- Cancers
- Fires and burns from exploding e-cigarettes
On top of delivering as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes (200 puffs), a single JUUL cartridge may also contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene and acetamide, according to studies. The latter two are known carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances, that could cause serious illnesses in users. Although e-cigarette studies have not directly analyzed the substances in JUUL cartridges, they have found these harmful chemicals in many other e-cigarette brands. The chemicals and additives in e-cigarette liquids could lead to serious diseases down the road for users – diseases physicians are only now discovering.
Can I Sue if Injured?
The JUUL e-cigarette device may seem harmless to youths based on the company’s marketing and campaign efforts. JUUL and other e-cig companies do not always openly disclose the substances they include in their cartridges. Even when they do, most young people do not fully understand the dangers of inhaling certain chemicals such as carcinogens. Yet JUUL users could suffer serious and irreparable harm from using the vaporizer for an extended period. If inhaling the nicotine and other chemicals does not cause illness directly, an exploding lithium battery could severely injure the user in defective e-cigarette devices.
Victims with JUUL-related injuries may be able to file lawsuits against the e-cigarette company for damages. If the company reasonably should have prevented the injury or illness in question but failed to do so, the victim may have grounds for a case against JUUL or another company. In Florida, victims have a maximum of 12 years to bring product liability claims. Filing a lawsuit against JUUL could lead to recovery for past and future expenses, including personal injuries, medical bills, live-in care, surgeries, cancer treatments, lost income, missed earning opportunities, lost quality of life and a loved one’s wrongful death.
As a JUUL user or someone who uses any type of e-cigarette, you may have a case if you have developed an illness associated with these devices, such as popcorn lung or cancer. You may also have a case if an e-cigarette caught fire or exploded during use, causing serious injuries. A product liability lawyer in Florida can help you build a case against JUUL for negligently failing to ensure the reasonable safety of its products or for false advertising. A review of your case from a lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal opportunities moving forward.
