In an article published in Law360 on July 8, 2025, Drew LaFramboise examined the complex forensic issues involved in lithium-ion battery fire and explosion cases.
Drew states that lawsuits involving these types of fires often center on whether the battery was defective due to a design or manufacturing flaw or if the combustion was caused by some other external factor, such as misuse of the product by the consumer or end user. He explained that resolving this issue requires “a careful forensic examination of the battery and the circumstances surrounding the combustion.”
In the article, Drew highlights the importance of understanding thermal runaway, a chain reaction within the battery initiated by a short circuit that causes a sharp and uncontrolled rise in temperature, destabilizing the battery’s inner structures. Environmental factors like extreme temperatures or moisture, as well as physical damage such as denting or puncturing, can increase the risk of such failures.
Most lithium-ion batteries are manufactured overseas, primarily in China and this can present litigation challenges because safety and quality controls can be inconsistent. Drew states that litigation arising from these fires can be long and costly, emphasizing the need for attorneys on both sides to promptly conduct forensic investigations to fully understand the causes of failure.
Read the full article “Forensic Challenges In Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Cases” (PDF)
