What Happens If a Loved One Dies from Vaping?
Vaping — a common term for using e-cigarettes — was initially billed as a safer alternative to smoking; however, that hasn’t turned out to be the case. Last year, health officials in Kansas reported that a local woman became seriously ill after she started using e-cigarettes. It didn’t take long before she succumbed to lung disease. Sadly, she joined a growing number of people who have died from lung disease related to vaping, which has become an increased concern for public health and safety officials. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and state health departments have been investigating the growing number of cases of vaping-related illnesses, with more than 450 possible cases of lung illnesses associated with e-cigarettes reported.
If you or someone in your family has suffered harmful side effects after using e-cigarettes, it’s important to reach out to experienced personal injury lawyers who can guide you on how to proceed to seek compensation for your medical care and suffering. If your health is being compromised, there’s no time to wait.
What Do We Know About Vaping Illnesses?
Before the public learned about the woman in Kansas, there were also reports of vaping-related deaths in California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Oregon, raising concerns among health officials about this disturbing trend.
Kansas State Health Officer and Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Dr. Lee Norman, quickly issued a warning about the use of vaping and its possible side effects. Dr. Norman noted:
“It is time to stop vaping. If you or a loved one is vaping, please stop. The recent deaths across our country, combined with hundreds of reported lung injury cases continue to intensify. I’m extremely alarmed for the health and safety of Kansans who are using vaping products and urge them to stop until we can determine the cause of vaping related lung injuries and death.”
Since then, two vaping deaths have been reported in Florida due to complications from vaping. The Florida Department of Health also reported an increase in the number of vaping-associated illnesses across the state.
The CDC continues to research the link between vaping and lung illnesses, and has since issued a warning against using THC-containing vaping products, stating, “The only way to assure that you are not at risk while the investigation continues is to consider refraining from use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products.”
The CDC has also warned that e-cigarettes should never be used by teens, young adults, or pregnant women, and those who have used e-cigarette products in the past should monitor themselves for symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Vaping-Related Illnesses?
Health officials still aren’t sure of what’s causing the illnesses, but they have been studying the chemicals and oils in e-cigarettes. Researchers generally believe that e-cigarettes may be placing a heavy burden on the user’s lungs, making it more difficult for them to pump oxygen through the body.
Health officials worry that the oils in e-cigarettes may be coating the user’s lungs, making it more difficult to exchange oxygen while also causing the lungs to become severely inflamed. That may be why more patients are experiencing respiratory failure. But not all of the research is pointing in that direction.
Among the symptoms that have been reported so far include:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- and weight loss.
What Should You Do If You Have Some of These Symptoms?
If you’ve used vaping products and are experiencing any of those symptoms, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. Those who have experienced health problems after using vaping products find themselves coping with rising medical bills, a loss of income from time out of work, and a loss of their livelihood.
That’s why it’s important to seek out legal advice. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek recoverable damages meant to compensate for the losses you suffered as a result of using e-cigarettes. You may be entitled to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost income, physical and mental pain and suffering, and the loss of your enjoyment of life.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Vaping Case
If you’re unsure if you have a personal injury case related to use of e-cigarettes, speak with one of our Orlando personal injury lawyers. If we think you might have a case, we will begin an investigation to obtain the proof needed to get you full and fair financial compensation.
At The Umansky Law Firm, our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined legal experience representing people in Central Florida, and they’re passionate about providing aggressive legal representation to our clients. To speak with one of our attorneys over a free consultation, complete an online contact form or call anytime.
