LITHIUM-ION BATTERY FIRE ATTORNEY
It is now common knowledge that lithium-ion batteries cause fires. These batteries are found in numerous pieces of equipment that a homeowner may have: e-bikes, golf carts, electric vehicles, hoverboards, cell phones, laptops, vape pens, etc. Lithium-ion battery fires have seen a rise in the percentage of fires from the use of, or while charging of a golf cart. News Channel 4 in Jacksonville, Florida published a story from the St. Johns County Fire Department which stated that golf cart fires are “80%” of the fires they now handle. As is typical with e-equipment which catches fire, most fires occur when the equipment (golf cart, e-bike, electric vehicles) is charging. See the full news article at this link for the July 23, 2024 story. 80% of fires caused by golf carts and lithium-ion batteries, according to SJC Fire Rescue (news4jax.com)
The charging of lithium-ion batteries past the full charge can lead to overheating of the battery which can lead an event known as “thermal runaway”. Thermal runaway can be exhibited by the battery catching fire or exploding and then catching the surroundings on fire. To make matters worse, the charging of many golf carts: 1. Occurs within a garage, and 2. Occurs while the owners are sleeping. This means when the lithium-ion battery ignites it can spread quickly and envelope not only the garage but also the entire home. Fires from lithium-ion batteries are not only a threat to property but are a threat to life and safety of the owners.
Lithium-ion battery fires are not confined to golf carts. Stellantis, the manufacturer of Jeeps just had to recall more than 150,000 electric Jeeps due to reports of lithium-ion battery fires arising while the vehicles were in operation, and while charging. This is a link to that notification from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Agency Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee Recall for Fire Risk | NHTSA
It is instructive that Jeep (Stellantis) recommends not re-charging the batteries until after the vehicles have been repaired by dealers. The fear is that if the lithium-ion batteries are re-charged the vehicle runs the risk of catching fire.
In August 2024 our expert witnesses went to the home of clients whose golf cart had caught fire while charging. The clients made it out of their residence but the residence, garage, an automobile, the golf cart, and the clients’ belongings were all a total loss. Insurance may not cover such losses, or may not fully cover the losses and injuries. When a lithium-ion battery causes a fire and extensive damage, the homeowner, or condominium owner, apartment resident, etc., has the right to pursue their damages against: the manufacturer of the battery, potentially against the installer, against the seller, and potentially against golf cart manufacturer if the battery originally came with the golf cart. These cases can be complex. It is important to seek out an attorney who is tuned into the issues presented by this unique source of loss. If the attorney you are talking to does not know what “thermal runaway” is, and does not know why and how it happens, you are talking with the wrong law firm.
At www.GolfCartAttorney.com (the law offices of Frank D. Butler, PA) we are knowledgeable in the issues of these cases. It is not enough for a claimant to say that a golf cart fire occurred, the claimant must demonstrate that a company was legally at-fault for the fire. The golf cart owner typically must prove both the “origin” and “cause” of the fire. This can be very involved where there is more than one possibility as to why the fire begin and where it actually started.
If you have suffered injury or property loss as a result of a golf cart fire contact us at www.GolfCartAttorney.com to fight for your recovery. There is never a fee or cost unless we win for you. We are golf cart attorneys.
Contact Us Now To Get Started On Your Golf Cart Injury Case.
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