PITTSBURGH — A man is suing a Vapor shop in Blawnox after the lithium batteries he purchased at the store allegedly exploded in his pocket and caused him to suffer burns.
John Fruechtel filed a complaint July 22 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Vapor Connection LLC doing business as Vapor Connection alleging negligence and other claims.
According to Fruechtel's complaint, he purchased lithium ion batteries at the Vapor Connection store on Center Avenue in Blawnox. He alleges that on Aug. 3, 2019, he had one of the lithium batteries in his pocket when it suddenly exploded and caused him to suffer burns to his lower right extremity which required skin grafts as well as disfigurement.
Fruechtel claims the defendants were negligent for selling the batteries in a "defective condition," for failing to have a warning label or instructions on the batteries and for failing to make sure the batteries were properly tested before selling and marketing. He also claims as a result of the accident, he has incurred medical expenses and suffered from loss of income.
Fruechtel seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Carl Schiffman and Benjamin Wilt of The Schiffman Firm LLC in Pittsburgh.
Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County case number GD-21-8420