The Centers for Disease Control recently announced that 530 people had suffered some form of a vaping-related disease. That number includes seven deaths. The announcement follows the Trump Administration’s efforts to cut down on the number of e-cigarettes and vaping products targeted toward young consumers. Now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has opened an investigation into this surge in vaping-related sicknesses, which is effecting users 25 and under at a higher rate.
No conclusions yet
There is likely to be ties between vaping and illness, but the FDA is not jumping to any conclusions:
“Even though cases appear similar, it is not clear if these cases have a common cause or if they are different diseases with similar presentations, which is why our ongoing investigation is critical,” the FDA announced. “CDC and the FDA are providing consultation to state health departments and working closely with them to gather information on any products or substances used.”
Civil liability may be an issue
While the FDA is conducting a criminal investigation, it is quick to assure people that it is uninterested in prosecuting users, but they do want to find out what they bought. The Agency says it is going after those who supply legal or illegal vaping products that contain either tobacco or THC (the active ingredient in marijuana).
Because there are a variety of different products that caused illness, it is difficult to identify a single cause. This will likely make it difficult for victims and their families to file suits against the manufacturers and sellers of these products. Nevertheless, this could be a significant case in the coming months.
Get help as soon as possible
Those who have fallen ill from vaping should seek medical help. They or families may also wish to pursue damages based on product liability, particularly if the products were purchased on the black market. Those with questions about this quickly evolving matter may want to discuss it with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney with experience handling product liability cases.
