LG Chem Not Subject to Vaping-Battery Burn Suit in California

South Korean battery maker LG Chem Ltd. escaped a California man’s suit alleging he was injured by an exploding e-cigarette battery, when a state appeals court said it had no jurisdiction because the man’s claims lack the needed link to LG’s California activities.

LG Chem has contested jurisdiction across the US in numerous suits alleging its batteries caused burn injuries to electronic cigarette users, with mixed results.

Ryan Lawhon alleged his leg and hand were badly burned when an 18650 lithium-ion battery he bought from a San Diego vape shop exploded in his pants pocket. He said he was hospitalized ...