Over 4 million Dell computers were recalled because the lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch on fire or explode. The recall involves Dell XPS, Latitude, Precision, and Inspiron laptops.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Dell induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by a laptop fire or lithium-ion battery explosion, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
4.1 Million Dell Batteries Recalled for Laptop Fire Hazard
In August 2006, 4.1 million lithium-ion batteries were recalled by Dell after six reports of the batteries overheating and causing property damage or destroying the laptop.
The recall involves the following Dell laptops:
- Dell Latitude™ D410, D500, D505, D510, D520, D600, D610, D620, D800, D810
- Dell Inspiron™ 6000, 8500, 8600, 9100, 9200, 9300, 500m, 510m, 600m, 6400, E1505, 700m, 710m, 9400, E1705
- Dell Precision™ M20, M60, M70 and M90 mobile workstations
- Dell XPS,™ XPS Gen2, XPS M170 and XPS M1710
Lithium-Ion Laptop Battery Fires
Laptops contain lithium-ion batteries for several reasons. These batteries, also known as Li-On batteries, recharge quickly and pack a lot of power into a much smaller size than other types of batteries. The convenience comes with a big disadvantage — fires and explosions, as well as destruction of the laptop, property damage, and potentially burn injuries or death.
How Do Laptops Catch on Fire?
Laptop battery fires are usually caused by a “thermal runway” in the lithium-ion battery. This occurs when the battery gets too hot due to an electrical short-circuit. As the battery overheats, it causes more short-circuits that increase the temperature until the highly-flammable chemicals in the battery start to boil. The gas from the boiling chemicals breaks open the case and allows the chemicals to leak out. Once the chemicals hit an electrical spark in the laptop, they catch on fire or explode at high temperatures.
Causes of Laptop Battery Fires
- Manufacturing defect
- Unsafe design
- Physical damage
- Wrong type or size of battery in the laptop
- Uneven separators
- Poor conductors
How to Extinguish a Laptop on Fire
Laptop battery fires are a mix of chemical and electrical sources. They burn extremely hot and are hard to extinguish, especially if they occur in the cargo area of an airplane or a car. The easiest way to suppress a laptop fire is with sand. You can also use a dry chemical fire extinguisher (type “C”), but type “D” extinguishers that use dry chemicals are the best type of fire extinguisher to use on a laptop fire.
Do I have a Dell Laptop Fire Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Dell induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by a laptop fire or lithium-ion battery explosion, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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