5th Circuit Revives Samsung Battery Explosion Lawsuit: What Are Your Rights After a Device Malfunction?

5th Circuit Revives Samsung Battery Explosion Lawsuit: What Are Your Rights After a Device Malfunction?

Imagine you’re using your electronic device when suddenly, without warning, it bursts into flames. This isn’t a scene from an action movie; it’s a real-life nightmare that happened to James Ethridge, who suffered severe burns from an exploding e-cigarette battery. The legal battle that followed highlights a crucial question: What are your rights when a device malfunctions and causes you harm?

The Ethridge Case: A Spark for Consumer Rights

In May 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit revived Ethridge’s lawsuit against Samsung SDI Co., the battery manufacturer. The court reversed a lower court’s dismissal, asserting that Samsung had sufficient contacts with Texas through its contracts with companies like Black & Decker, HP, and Dell. This ruling is a significant win for consumers, suggesting that manufacturers can be held accountable in states where they conduct substantial business, even if the product failure occurs elsewhere. However, as of December 15, 2025, the Fifth Circuit reconsidered, stating the lower court lacked jurisdiction because Samsung uses a customer vetting process to prevent individuals from getting the batteries that caused the burn.

Understanding Product Liability

Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, suppliers, and sellers for ensuring that their products are safe for consumer use. In Texas, where the Ethridge case originated, product liability laws allow consumers to pursue legal claims when defective products cause harm. These laws cover a wide range of products, including:

  • Medical devices
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Consumer goods
  • Toys
  • Appliances
  • Vehicles

Types of Product Defects

To pursue a product liability claim, it’s essential to understand the different types of defects that can make a product dangerous:

  1. Design Defects: These occur when a product’s inherent design is flawed, making it dangerous even when manufactured correctly.
  2. Manufacturing Defects: These arise from errors during the production process, affecting a limited number of items within a batch.
  3. Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn): This involves inadequate warnings or instructions about potential risks associated with using the product.

Proving Your Claim in Texas

If you’ve been injured by a defective product in Texas, you’ll need to establish certain elements to succeed in a claim:

  • The Product Was Defective: You must show that the product had a design, manufacturing, or marketing defect that made it unreasonably dangerous.
  • Demonstrating Causation: The defect must be directly linked to your injury or harm.
  • Showing the Product Was Used as Intended: You must have been using the product in a manner that was intended or reasonably foreseeable.

Texas operates under a strict liability standard in product liability cases. This means that an injured consumer doesn’t need to prove that the manufacturer or seller was negligent; they only need to prove that the product was defective and that the defect caused the injury.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Texas law allows you to pursue claims against various parties in the product’s distribution chain, including:

  • Manufacturers: The original creator of the defective product.
  • Distributors: Companies that distribute the product from the manufacturer to retailers.
  • Retailers: Stores or online sellers that sell the defective product to consumers.
  • Wholesalers: Businesses that act as intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers.

What Are Your Rights After a Device Malfunction?

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are paramount. Get prompt medical attention for your injuries.
  2. Preserve the Device: If possible, keep the device and any related packaging, instructions, or correspondence with the manufacturer.
  3. Document Everything: Maintain a detailed record of your symptoms, treatments, and any expenses incurred due to the device’s failure.
  4. Report the Issue: File a report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), depending on the product type.
  5. Consult an Attorney: Speak with a qualified personal injury attorney to evaluate your case and explore your legal options.

Potential Compensation

If you have a valid product liability claim, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages (in some cases)

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally two years from the date the injury occurred. It’s crucial to act promptly to protect your rights.

The Broader Implications

Cases like Ethridge’s and Brewer’s highlight the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for the safety of their products. While Samsung faced different outcomes in different jurisdictions, these cases underscore the complexities of product liability law and the importance of seeking legal advice if you’ve been injured by a defective device.

Advice

If you have been injured due to a defective product, taking the following steps can help protect your rights:

  • Do not use the device again: Continued use of the device could result in further injury.
  • Keep the device: As stated before, if possible, keep the device and any related packaging, instructions, or correspondence with the manufacturer.
  • Contact a lawyer: Consulting with a product liability lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

Were you injured?

If you or a loved one has been injured by a malfunctioning device, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for seeking compensation.