Cotton candy. Bubblegum. Cookies and cream. Those words you would associate more with sugary treats than nicotine-laced solutions. These days, however, it’s fairly commonplace to see someone puffing away on a vape with billowing plumes of vapor in their trail. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2.8% of adults and 3.6 million middle and high school students in the United States use e-cigarettes. This cigarette alternative, however, is beginning to have serious health effects on its users.
Originally touted as a safe alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are now causing health concerns across the county. As young people continue to end up in hospitals with lung damage related to e-cig use, questions revolving around liability and negligence arise. If you’ve suffered injuries as a result of vaping, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. A Louisville vaping e-cig lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can evaluate your situation and help you determine how best to proceed.
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E-Cigarette Regulations in Kentucky
While e-cig regulations are still in the developmental stages, states have begun to implement laws. As of August 2019, the following laws apply to residents of Kentucky:
- A vape is defined as “any noncombustible product that employs a heating element, battery, power source, electronic circuit, or other electronic, chemical, or mechanical means, regardless of shape or size and including the component parts and accessories thereto, that can be used to deliver vaporized nicotine or other substances to users inhaling from the device.”
- No one is allowed to sell an alternative nicotine product or vapor product in stores to anyone under the age of 18.
- It’s unlawful for anyone under the age of 18 to attempt to purchase vaping products.
- The following municipalities prohibit vaping where smoking is prohibited: Bardstown, Berea, Danville, Glasgow, Lexington, Mancher, Morehead, Richmond, Versailles, and Woodford County.
- You cannot use electronic cigarettes on properties owned or operated by the Executive branch. This includes places like health care facilities, veterans’ facilities, state parks, fairgrounds, highway rest areas, and courtrooms.
Our lawyers recognize that laws can change regularly, which is why we stay up-to-date on all the latest legislation.
Lung Conditions Related to Vaping
The regulations above were developed because of the concerns surrounding e-cig use. When someone smokes for decades, there’s a higher risk of developing lung conditions and cancers. But, people in their teens and twenties are being seen in hospitals for lung damage related to vaping. While doctors have yet to understand the long-term consequences of e-cigarettes, certain conditions have been linked with short-term use and exposure.
Pneumonia and eosinophilic pneumonia are related to vaping. Pneumonia is a serious infection that can result in hospitalization. If not properly treated, the illness is life-threatening. Vaping increases the risk of pneumococcal bacteria sticking to the cells that line the airways and nasal passage. Eosinophilic pneumonia is a serious lung problem. Patients often need to reside in the intensive care unit (ICU) with this diagnosis because respiratory support with intubation or mechanical ventilation is necessary. This disorder is potentially linked specifically to JUUL products. Other lung conditions resulting from e-cigs include hypersensitivity pneumonitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What You Need to Know About JUUL
JUUL is the country’s most popular brand of e-cigarettes. Dominating 68% of the $2 billion market, the company’s nicotine salt formation delivers a potent dose of nicotine for users. While the majority of e-cigs on the market contain 2.6% of nicotine, JUUL pods contain 5%. Using one JUUL pod is the equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes. Some users go through one or more pods every day.
With higher levels of nicotine, JUUL vapes are more addictive than traditional cigarettes. While research is still in the early stages, evidence suggests that these devices have the potential to be incredibly harmful. In addition to lung conditions, the risks could include heart attacks, seizures, and cancer.
Lawsuit Against JUUL Labs
Plaintiffs all over the country are taking action against JUUL. Most lawsuits allege the company knew its e-cigs were not safe for non-smokers and increased the risk of agitating nicotine addiction in smokers. Instead of informing consumers of this information, JUUL provided misleading information on its website and through advertisements and social media.
A number of lawsuits also claim the company specifically targeted and encouraged young people to use its products. While e-cigs are intended for adult use, the flavors and design appeal to young people. If you or your child has suffered as a result of using JUUL products, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit or join a class action.
File a Vaping Lawsuit with Thomas Law Offices
We understand how intimidating it can be to go up against a large corporation like JUUL Labs, or any other e-cigarette company, but our Louisville vaping e-cig lawyers will be with you every step of the way. At Thomas Law Offices, we believe negligent parties should be held accountable for their actions, regardless of who or what they are.
The sooner you file your claim, the better your chances are of receiving the compensation you need to get your life back in order. Whether you’re dealing with looming medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, or emotional suffering, we’ll fight to ensure the compensation you’re awarded is full and fair. To learn more about your legal rights and options regarding e-cig injuries, scheduled a free consultation with our firm today.
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