The product has been marketed towards younger users.
Electronic cigarettes have been on the market for approximately a decade. In that time, manufacturers have refined the design of the product, and optimized the delivery system for the nicotine product. While e-cigarettes are considered to be safer than smoking traditional cigarettes, not much is known about the health risks of “vaping,” or inhaling the vapors of nicotine from these devices. A new set of lawsuits against e-cigarette maker Juul may bring forth new details about just how safe these products truly are.
Each of the three lawsuits has been brought against Juul Labs, the San Francisco-based e-cigarette maker that is already under pressure from schools, public health advocates and the Food and Drug Administration because its product is so popular with teens. Juul manufacturers a discrete rechargeable vaporizer, with nicotine pods that are available in a variety of flavors that are appealing to younger users, such as mango and fruit medley. Since the company was founded, its devices have been marketed towards teens and young adults, with colorful billboards and advertisements with social media influencers.
In recent months, at least three lawsuits have been filed against Juul. The first two were filed in northern California and the third was filed in New York. While each lawsuit has separate allegations, the themes are similar. The plaintiffs claim that Juul deceptively marketed its product as safe. In reality, Juul devices deliver more nicotine than cigarettes. Each of the plaintiffs allege that they became heavily addicted to nicotine as a result of using Juul devices.
According to a personal liability attorney, these lawsuits are a type of products liability case. These cases allege that there was something wrong with a product that caused an injury or illness. Products liability cases are based on one of three theories:
- The product had a manufacturing defect;
- A product was defectively designed; or
- The product did not have proper instructions or failed to warn consumers about its dangers.
In the Juul cases, the plaintiffs are claiming that Juul Labs did not warn consumers about the dangers of using its devices, including the potential for addiction.
As a personal injury attorney can explain, there is evidence that Juul targeted young adults, including social media marketing and a multimillion dollar advertising campaign featuring young people. A study has also revealed that Juul contains more nicotine than advertised.
While lawsuits against e-cigarette manufacturers may be new, these types of claims are not unusual. Americans use dozens of products in their everyday lives — and many have the potential to cause harm. Lawsuits are one way that consumers can help to ensure that corporations manufacture safe products, and compensate those who are harmed by their goods.
If you have been hurt by any type of product or in an accident, you will need a skilled personal injury attorney. Contact PLBH today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation or to learn more about how we can help.