Holding Manufacturers Accountable: Filing a Burn Injury Lawsuit Against Defective Power Bank Companies

Did you know that defective lithium-ion batteries in power banks can overheat and ignite, posing serious fire and burn hazards? According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there have been numerous reports of power banks exploding, catching fire, and causing significant property damage and injuries. If you’ve been a victim, understanding your legal options is crucial. This blog post will guide you through the process of holding manufacturers accountable and filing a burn injury lawsuit against defective power bank companies.

The Rising Danger of Defective Power Banks

Power banks have become essential accessories for our increasingly mobile lives. However, the convenience they offer comes with potential risks. The lithium-ion batteries that power these devices are prone to overheating due to manufacturing defects, damage, or overcharging. This can lead to a dangerous condition known as thermal runaway, where the battery rapidly increases in temperature, resulting in fire or explosion.

Recent Recalls Highlight the Problem:

Anker: In June 2025, Anker Innovations recalled over 1.1 million PowerCore 10000 power banks due to fire and explosion risks. There were 19 reports of incidents, including two minor burn injuries and over $60,700 in property damage.
Charmast: In December 2024, Charmast recalled approximately 488,000 power banks sold on Amazon due to fire and burn hazards.
Casely: In April 2025, Casely recalled around 429,200 Power Pods 5000mAh MagSafe wireless phone chargers due to the risk of overheating and ignition. The CPSC received 51 reports of incidents, including at least six burn injuries.
Yiisonger: The CPSC warned consumers to stop using Yiisonger power banks (model KT-D007) immediately due to fire and burn hazards. There were 79 reports of explosions, ignitions, and swelling, including one fire causing $15 million in property damage.

These recalls underscore the importance of vigilance and the need to hold manufacturers accountable when their products cause harm.

Understanding Product Liability

Product liability law ensures that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are responsible for the safety of their products. If a defective product causes injury, victims can pursue compensation through a product liability claim. There are typically three types of product defects that can lead to a lawsuit:

Design Defects: These defects exist from the outset, making the entire product line inherently dangerous. For example, a power bank design that lacks adequate ventilation or uses substandard materials could be considered a design defect.
Manufacturing Defects: These occur during the production process, causing a specific product to deviate from its intended design. Faulty wiring or improper assembly can lead to overheating and fires.
Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn): This involves inadequate warnings, improper instructions, or a failure to provide sufficient safety information about the product. If a power bank lacks clear warnings about potential burn hazards, the manufacturer may be liable.

Establishing a Strong Case: What You Need to Prove

To successfully file a burn injury lawsuit against a defective power bank company, you must establish the following elements:

The product was defective: You need to demonstrate that the power bank had a design, manufacturing, or marketing defect.
The defect existed when it left the manufacturer’s control: This means proving that the defect was present when the product was manufactured or distributed, not something that occurred later due to misuse.
The defect caused your injuries: There must be a clear link between the defect and the burn injuries you sustained.
You were using the product as intended (or in a reasonably foreseeable way): You must show that you were using the power bank in a normal or expected manner when the incident occurred.

Steps to Take After a Power Bank Burn Injury

If you’ve been injured by a defective power bank, taking the following steps can help protect your legal rights and build a strong case:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get immediate medical treatment for your burn injuries. Medical records will also serve as crucial evidence for your claim.
Preserve the Evidence: Keep the defective power bank, any damaged property, and the original packaging. Do not throw anything away, attempt to repair the device, or return it to the store.
Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, the damaged property, and the power bank itself. Keep detailed records of medical expenses, lost income, and any other costs associated with the injury.
Report the Incident: Notify the manufacturer and the retailer (e.g., Amazon) about the incident. Follow any recall instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Consult a Product Liability Attorney: An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, and represent your interests to secure fair compensation.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured by a defective power bank, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical bills, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation, and therapy.
Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to the injury, as well as potential future earnings if the burn injury affects your ability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Damages awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement, scarring, and reduced quality of life.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for the costs of repairing or replacing damaged personal belongings.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the manufacturer’s negligence was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future.

The Role of a Product Liability Attorney

Navigating a product liability claim can be complex and challenging. An experienced product liability attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:

Investigating the Cause of the Injury: Attorneys work with experts to determine the root cause of the power bank failure and identify any defects.
Gathering Evidence: They collect medical records, incident reports, expert opinions, and other evidence to build a strong case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Attorneys handle communications with insurance companies and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, they will file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Protecting Your Rights: They ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and advocate for your best interests.

Recent Lawsuits and Recalls

Several recent lawsuits and recalls highlight the dangers of defective power banks and the importance of holding manufacturers accountable:

Charmast Power Bank Class Action Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit was filed against Shenzhen Charmast Technology Co. after the recall of approximately 488,000 Charmast power banks due to fire and burn risks.
Anker Power Bank Lawsuit: The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Anker Power Bank burn injury cases in all 50 states, following the recall of thousands of Anker power banks due to fire hazards.

These cases demonstrate that victims of defective power bank injuries have legal recourse and can seek compensation for their damages.

Conclusion

Burn injuries from defective power banks can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Holding manufacturers accountable is essential to ensure consumer safety and prevent future injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective power bank, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact a product liability attorney today to discuss your case and explore your options for seeking compensation.