Juul Liability for Vaping Injuries

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Juul Liability for Vaping Injuries

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Vaping has been on the scene for years, and vaping companies like Juul spread significant misinformation about the effects of e-cigarettes versus smoking traditional cigarettes. If you suffered injuries from using Juul products, contact a Chicago Juul lawyer for assistance right away.

Common Vaping Illnesses

The medical community has a term for vaping-related conditions – EVALI (E-cigarette Vaping-Associated Lung Injury). The full extent of these medical problems is still not completely known, but it includes:

1. Respiratory infections and illnesses
2. Worsening of pre-existing heart problems and asthma
3. Nicotine poisoning (like alcohol poisoning—causes strokes, embolisms, seizures, blood clots, and can permanently damage the heart
4. A condition known as “Popcorn Lung”
5. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
6. Brain damage
7. Lung infections and irreversible lung damage
8. Heart problems
9. Gum disease
10. Death

E-Cigarette Lawsuits Are Booming

As Juul use becomes increasingly popular with young people, lawsuits against Juul are skyrocketing. As of July 2021, over 2,000 lawsuits have been filed against Juul in the U.S. alone. Many lawsuits being filed are by young adults who didn’t understand that the product was addictive and by parents of underage kids who are hooked on vaping. Even today, a non-profit website called Vaping.Org implies that vaping is a safe alternative to cigarettes by saying they “champion the use of vapor products and electronic cigarettes to help smokers quit.”

Many states, counties, cities, and local school systems have also sued Juul. Arizona recently sued Juul for $14.5 million, stating that the product targets youth and conceals the dangers of vaping. North Carolina sued Juul for $40 million due to a huge state-wide increase in underage vaping. The Federal Trade Commission even sued Juul over its marketing practices (marketing on college campuses and social media, for example).

Do You Have a Case Against Juul?

In order to present a strong case against a vaping company like Juul, you’ll need to show that Juul’s products caused you injury. Do you have evidence that a certain medical problem (which can include mental health) you have developed is directly related to vaping? Do you only vape with Juul products or do you, or have you used multiple brands? You must show not just that you have a breathing problem or a heart condition but that those illnesses are directly related to vaping with Juul products.

A sticky issue is whether addiction is considered an “injury.” People have definitely been suing Juul for becoming addicted, particularly teens. However, these types of cases are strongest when accompanied by complaints about Juul’s marketing (maybe a paid Instagram ad you saw that caused you to try Juul).

Other Types of Cases Against Juul

Not every strong case against Juul is related to medical conditions. If you feel that you’ve been the victim of, for example, consumer fraud, those are also grounds for a lawsuit. Combining non-injury-related and injury-related complaints into one suit is another idea.

Fight Back with a Chicago Juul Lawyer

What happened to the cigarette industry is now starting in the vaping industry. If you do not want to stand by quietly while Juul causes you injuries, please contact Malman Law for a free consultation.