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Juul Co-Founders and Other Vaping Companies Face New Lawsuit from the State of North Carolina

11/5/2021
Mass Torts
BY

Juul, the maker of one of the most popular vaping devices on the market, is the subject of yet another lawsuit filed by the attorney general of North Carolina. In this recent lawsuit, the co-founders of Juul are alleged to be personally responsible for the conduct of the company, which is linked to the vaping epidemic that has left teenagers with debilitating lung conditions.

While a prior lawsuit filed by the attorney general of North Carolina against Juul was resolved through a settlement agreement, this new lawsuit does not involve the company itself but rather the individuals that make up the company. In addition to the two co-founders, the new lawsuit names multiple current and former members of Juul’s board of directors. Skilled product liability lawyers are helping thousands of clients hold Juul and others accountable for their actions.

Co-Founders of Juul Made Billions by Selling Shares Before the Lawsuits Began Flying

The recent lawsuit filed by the state of North Carolina alleges, among other things, that the co-founders of Juul made billions when they sold a large percentage of Juul – 35% – to Altria, a large tobacco company. In addition to filing a lawsuit against the founders of Juul and multiple current and former board members of the company, the attorney general of North Carolina has included twenty additional e-cigarette manufacturers in the lawsuit. 

The complaint alleges that these other companies acted just as Juul did by intentionally marketing their products to teens and young adults, contributing to the vaping epidemic. The conduct alleged in the recent lawsuit is much like the conduct alleged in the thousands of lawsuits Juul is facing nationwide. 

A few examples of the alleged tactics used by vaping manufacturers include, but are not limited to, designing a device that is attractive (such as Juul’s USB design), masking the taste of tobacco, which may otherwise not be appealing to young consumers, and creating flavors specifically designed to target minors and young adults. 

The key theme present in most lawsuits is that Juul, and other e-cigarette manufacturers, intentionally deceived the public, enticed teenagers and young adults to use their products, and willfully disregarded the health consequences of their actions.

Recent Lawsuit Follows Separate $40 Million Settlement with Juul

Earlier this year, the state of North Carolina reached a $40 million settlement agreement with Juul for claims that the company contributed to the harm suffered by North Carolina teenagers, parents, and schools. The settlement did not include potential claims against the individual owners of Juul but instead the company itself.

As such, the state of North Carolina is seeking to hold all potential parties accountable for contributing to the vaping epidemic. Filing a lawsuit against the co-founders of Juul and board members sends a message that all parties who contributed to the vaping epidemic will be held accountable.

Juul Faces Multiple Lawsuits Nationwide

North Carolina is not the only state seeking legal action against Juul. Presently, Juul is facing more than 2,000 lawsuits nationwide, many of which have been filed by individuals injured by the company’s defective vaping products.

Other parties who have filed lawsuits against Juul include other states, local governments, school districts, individually injured victims, parents of injured victims, and other institutions harmed by Juul’s conduct, among others. Because many of the injured victims are minors, parents are involved in the process as legal representatives.

Injuries Associated with the Use of E-Cigarettes

As explained by Yale Medicine, a major injury that results from the use of e-cigarettes is “E-cigarette, or Vaping Product, Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI).” Symptoms of EVALI include, but may not be limited to, shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. Treatment for this lung condition includes the use of steroids and antibiotics. Because many individuals suffering from this lung condition are minors, many pediatric pulmonology doctors are involved in the treatment of this condition.

Additional issues many individuals are experiencing nationwide are e-cigarette explosion injuries involving Juul e-cigarettes and other vaping products. Some people have experienced severe burns, wounds, and even death. 

Whether a person has experienced injuries from an exploding vaping device or internal lung injuries from using a vaping device, he or she deserves a strong advocate to help seek compensation for injuries resulting from the deceptive, negligent, and egregious conduct of Juul and other vaping companies.

Contact a Juul Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries you believe were caused by Juul e-cigarettes or any other vaping device, consider reaching out to a Juul lawyer who has experience representing clients in large-scale litigations involving defective products. 

At Searcy Denney, our product liability lawyers have a track record of helping many clients recover the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering. If you would like to schedule a free consultation to speak with a member of our legal team, contact our office today by calling (800) 780-8607 or by completing a free case evaluation form on our website.

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