Samsung Rogue Phone Explodes in User’s Face
May 18
Product Liability product liability lawyer 1 Comment
The online community is abuzz with news about how Samsung cell phone has suddenly exploded right in front of the user’s face.
According to the owner, (who posted a detailed account of his “accident” at http://gizmodo.com/5539192/a-cellphone-exploded-in-my-face) when he got in his car to drive after going to the gym, he dropped his Samsung Rogue phone between the seat and the center console.
"Samsung rogue phone explodes" (photo credit: gizmodo.com)
Allegedly, he moved the car seat back to retrieve his phone but then heard a “creaking sound” right before the cell phone exploded in his face. The owner claimed that chemicals and debris had to be washed out from his eyes.
He was taken to the hospital where he was treated and given antibiotics. He reports that he still feels a burning sensation in his eyes after the explosion.
When the man complained to Verizon Wireless (his carrier) about the incident, all the company did was replace his phone. The man tried to file a complaint against Samsung but the cell phone explosion is still under investigation.
Every now and then, reports of exploding cell phones would make their way online. A few of the cases of explosions have been actually caused by the battery – specifically, batteries made of lithium-ion (Li-ion).
Li-ion batteries are actually very popular right now, and not just for cell phones. These are also used in laptops, iPods and palm pilots because these are lighter and the most energetic rechargeable batteries available.
Allegedly, two or three battery packs in a million end up exploding or bursting into flames – but the rate could be increased as when shorted and/or subjected to pressure.
So far, exploding batteries have not merited any recall on the part of the manufacturers or the government regulators. But if the injuries suffered by the Samsung Rogue owner phone can indeed be traced to a product defect – if the Samsung batteries were inordinately dangerous because of the combustible chemicals – the man would have a right to sue Samsung and/or Verizon as the manufacturer and retailer under Product Liability Law.
There are three kinds of defects which the “exploding cell phones” can be attributed to: manufacturing defects, dangerous design, and marketing or failure to warn defects. If you are injured or have experienced the same situation, it would also be best to consult with a personal injury attorney or a product liability lawyer to weigh the options whether mere replacement of your phone will suffice or further monetary compensation for your injuries.
Oct 24, 2010 @ 17:33:21
I had my phones screen explode into the left side of my face last friday sending small fragments of glass into my left ear and making my skin feel as if I had rubbed it with fiberglass. I bagged the phone, my shirt and the swab I cleaned my ear with. The phone did not get hot and in fact still functions perfectly, although using the touch screen functions will cut you. I had the phone against my ear while leaving a message on a customers voicemial and it sounded like a starter pistol went off. I pulled the phone from my ear and noticed a shattered screed that continued breaking as I watched. I let the customer know my phone exploded and went into my home and showed my wife, sat the phone on the counter and watched it as glass shards jumped off the screen. I had to replace the phone asap as my morning schedule required me to be on the road and in contact while on the road. I notified the carrier and was on the phone with a rep awaiting their legal department when they dropped my call. We plan on calling them monday and see if they will settle. This is clearly a dangerous product, scared the crap out of me and until friday I had no idea the screens were mineral glass. Also why wouldn’t the glass have a protective film just in case it shattered. I can be reached @269-317-2671 or resqrobsmarine@mei.net