Samsung Ordered to Pay $10.86 Million in US Battery Explosion Lawsuit
Background of the E-Cigarette Battery Explosion Case
On July 23, 2025, Samsung Electronics America (SEA) was ordered to pay $10.86 million in damages after an e-cigarette battery explosion injured a 19-year-old in Georgia, US.
- The incident occurred in 2019, leaving the victim with burns, scars, and emotional distress.
Legal Missteps Lead to Costly Default Judgment
Although the battery in question was a Samsung SDI product, the lawsuit mistakenly targeted SEA instead of the battery manufacturer.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, SEA’s legal team, working remotely, missed the 30-day response deadline required by Georgia law,
- This lapse resulted in SEA being placed in default status by August 2020.
Consequences of Missing Court Deadlines
Under US law, default judgments accept the plaintiff’s claims if the defendant fails to respond,
- SEA’s legal team also missed the 45-day window to contest the default,
- In October 2020, the court ordered SEA to pay $10.86 million, citing the victim’s permanent injuries.
Legal Battle and Appeals
SEA argued its lack of involvement in battery manufacturing and attempted to overturn the ruling,
- In January 2022, a new judge set aside the original verdict, deeming the amount excessive,
- However, after further appeals by the plaintiff’s attorneys, the court reinstated SEA’s default status on July 23, 2025.
Samsung’s Response and Ongoing Appeal
A Samsung Electronics official emphasized that SEA was not responsible for the e-cigarette explosion,
- The company has stated its intention to appeal the latest decision in hopes of reversing the outcome and correcting the legal missteps.
This high-profile case highlights the significance of legal procedures and timely responses in US courts, especially when large corporations are involved in complex product liability claims.
