BELLEVILLE — A woman is suing a Waterloo-based e-cigarette retailer after the device allegedly exploded in her pocket.
Audra Buckley filed a complaint Sept. 8 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Joe Barnnion and Nichole Barnnion, doing business as Green Forest Vapor Shop LLC, and others, alleging they negligently placed in the stream of commerce and sold defective lithium batteries.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Jan. 4, she purchased an e-cigarette with two mini lithium batteries from the defendants. She claims the device suddenly exploded in her pocket, burning her clothing, hips, thigh and buttocks.
Buckley claims she has suffered pain and mental anguish and incurred medical expenses.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to provide adequate warning that the lithium batteries were dangerous and could explode and catch fire.
The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $50,000 plus costs of this suit and any other amount that is just and proper.
She is represented by Paul M. Storment Jr. of Paul M. Storment Jr. PC in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 17-L-498