In recent years, vaping exploded in popularity. Advertised by vaping companies as “better than smoking” and as “a safer alternative to smoking,” vaping rapidly became the top way to indulge in a smoking habit – supposedly without any worry¹. But vaping turned out to be far more dangerous than it seemed.
Now, cases of vaping-related illness and injury are skyrocketing. From addiction to lung diseases, e-cigarettes and vaping addiction have caused serious, costly health problems in individuals. And people are beginning to file lawsuits against the vaping companies responsible for this growing problem.
mani A / ShutterstockIndividuals who’ve become addicted to e-cigarettes or vaping as well as those who’ve fallen ill as a result of vaping are starting to fight back. And they’re doing so through personal injury attorneys who file lawsuits. A lawsuit is the only way to get compensation for the damages that vaping has caused.
Could an attorney help you get what you deserve? Are you eligible to file a vaping lawsuit? It’s time to take the steps to see if you could qualify. If you’ve been affected by vaping in a negative way, here’s what you need to do before you file a lawsuit.
Determine Your Eligibility
Before you can even consider putting together a vaping lawsuit, you’ll need to figure out whether or not you’re eligible to do so. Personal injury attorneys are currently taking on many individual cases against vaping companies like Juul – but only some cases will be accepted by lawyers.
According to TorHoerman Law, the primary focus right now is on teenagers who’ve become addicted to vaping (and Juul products, specifically)². Personal injury attorneys are filing lawsuits on behalf of teens who’ve become addicted to vaping, particularly because of targeted marketing and misunderstandings about the risks³.
If you or someone you’re filing a lawsuit on behalf of has come down with any of the following injuries and ailments as the result of vaping, you may be eligible to have a lawyer take on your case⁴:
- Serious addiction to vaping or e-cigarettes.
- Behavioral changes or issues.
- Mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts or attempts.
- Nicotine poisoning.
- Heart problems, including heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
- Lung or respiratory failure.
- Seizures.
- Stroke.
- Complications during pregnancy or birth defects.
- Other health complications.
In the coming months, it’s expected that increasingly more individuals will want to file vaping lawsuits. As more information comes out regarding vaping companies, addiction, and health issues related to e-cigarettes, there will be a potential for even more lawsuits to be filed.
So, if you don’t qualify yet, it’s still a good idea to consult with an attorney. Keep a record of any health issues or damages you experience, as you may need that information if your case is accepted in the future by a lawyer.
Search for a Vaping Lawyer
Once you’ve determined whether or not you have a legal case, you’ll need to find a lawyer who will take that case. With vaping lawsuits becoming increasingly common right now, you should be able to find someone in your local area who can work with you.
Start your search for a lawyer who’s willing to take on vaping cases by searching online. Search for lawyers who are actively seeking vaping cases, or lawyers whose firms have experience with these types of cases. You can search specifically for vaping lawyers or e-cigarette lawyers.
You can also search for personal injury attorneys. These types of lawyers handle cases where physical or psychological injuries have been caused by the negligence of another person, entity, or organization⁵. They’re the right attorney for a case involving injuries, health problems, and other serious damages connected to vaping.
Once you find a few lawyers in your area who are taking on clients with vaping lawsuits, you’ll want to schedule a consultation. Many attorneys offer free consultations to potential new clients. This gives you the opportunity to meet with the attorney, address your questions and concerns, and see if you’re a good fit. It’s also a great way to get estimates about costs and potential damages or rewards.
Collect Information and Evidence to Support Your Case
After consulting with personal injury attorneys, you’ll make the decision on which attorney is the best fit for your case. From there, your attorney will give you instructions as to how you should proceed.
But in addition to their professional advice, it’s also a good idea to take the extra step to begin documenting evidence and information related to your case. Information is one of the most important tools you can have when it comes to a lawsuit.
Your lawyer will give you more specific instruction. But, generally, it’s a good idea to gather the following information and documentation to build your case⁶:
- Receipts for any vaping products and purchases.
- Billing information connected to any vaping products or purchases.
- Photo or video evidence of you using vaping products.
- Medical records, particularly those connected to vaping issues or illnesses.
- Personal accounts of your vaping history or e-cigarette use.
- Others’ accounts of your vaping addiction, use history, and injuries or ailments.
- Costs and bills associated with vaping, like medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Most importantly, make sure to keep a careful record of any changes or new information going forward. If your health changes or your medical bills begin increasing, for example, make sure to keep documentation of this. The more information you have, the more your attorney can work with.
Consult With Your Lawyer and File a Vaping Lawsuit
Once you’ve completed the steps above, you’ll be able to get your lawsuit moving forward. The most important step from here on out is to consult with your lawyer.
Make sure you stay in contact with your lawyer as your case is prepared and as it progresses. It may take time to gather information and move forward. Your attorney will be able to keep you informed with regular updates and communication.
If you’re unsure about whether or not filing a vaping lawsuit is the right choice for you, it’s important to see if you are eligible and have a case. Search for personal injury attorneys, or look for other attorneys in your area who can handle vaping cases. Then, consult with them about the specifics of your case.
The negative health effects of vaping are becoming increasingly clear. There’s no better time than right now to seek compensation or damages for any vaping-related ailments you’ve developed. To see if you have a legal case, make sure to reach out to an attorney who’s taking on vaping clients and cases.
