Ryobi Leaf Blower Battery Lawsuit Claims Short Circuit Caused House Fire

Lawsuit claims a short circuit in the Ryobi leaf blower battery’s printed circuit board caused one or more cells to overheat, vent and ignite.

An insurance company is seeking to recover more than $352,000 it paid after a Ryobi lithium-ion battery allegedly exploded while charging in the basement of a New Jersey home, sparking a fire that destroyed the residence.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Palisades Property and Casualty Insurance Company on behalf of its clients Abraham Urena and Denny Maria Polanco de Urena in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey on May 15. The lawsuit names Ryobi’s parent company, TTI Outdoor Power Equipment Inc., as the defendant.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks

Lithium-ion batteries are used in smartphones, power banks, electric vehicles and many other consumer products. However, when defective, they may overheat rapidly, catch fire or explode without warning.

These failures are often referred to as thermal runaway events. They can be caused by internal short circuits, design defects or inadequate systems for controlling battery heat. Once triggered, the reaction may escalate quickly, producing intense heat, fire and explosions.

A number of product liability lawsuits have been filed against major brands in recent years due to defective lithium-ion batteries catching fire and causing major damage to homes and properties in addition to individual burn injuries.

Ryobi Battery Defect Allegations

While individual homeowners have filed a number of claims over lithium-ion battery fires, insurers have also brought lawsuits seeking to recover large sums paid for property damage caused by allegedly defective products. 

According to the lawsuit, a lithium-ion battery from a Ryobi-branded leaf blower exploded and caused a fire on April 19, 2023 at the Urenas’ home in Maple Shade, New Jersey. The fire caused significant property damage and other expenses totaling $352,152 that were paid by the Palisades Property and Insurance Company.

The lawsuit alleges the fire was caused by a Ryobi 40V lithium-ion battery used with a leaf blower, which was charging in the basement at the time. According to the filing, a short circuit on the battery’s printed circuit board caused one or more lithium-ion cells to explode, vent, overheat or catch fire.

Palisades Property’s complaint indicates the battery had a defective design that Ryobi neither warned consumers about nor indicated posed a threat of fire during use or charging. Furthermore, the insurer contends that the company failed to adequately design and test the battery to ensure it was safe for users.

“Ryobi designed, manufactured, distributed, marketed, and/or sold the battery in an unreasonably dangerous and/or defective condition.”

— Palisades Property and Casualty Insurance Company v. TTI Outdoor Power Equipment Inc.

The complaint raises allegations of strict liability, negligence and breach of warranties. It seeks damages for the amount paid on the insurance claim, as well as pre-judgement interest, and any other relief the court deems suitable.

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