TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — A Florida man alleges a defective vape pen caused him to suffer severe burns to his mouth and throat.
Jon Michael Monk filed a complaint May 31 in Hillsborough County Circuit Court against Surterra Holdings Inc., alleging negligence and other claims.
Monk, according to his complaint, purchased a vape pen from Suterra Wellness in Palm Bay in June of 2019. He claims that he took a puff from the pen, sat it down and after a few minutes took another puff, but the vape was so hot that it burned his mouth and throat.
Monk alleges the vape pen malfunctioned and that the heating element did not turn off after he sat it down for a few minutes. He claims the cartridge continued heating and would not turn off, which caused him to suffer serious injuries. Monk alleges that the defendant knew or should have known about the issues with the batteries in the vape pens it was selling yet they failed to warn him of the defective condition. He claims the defendant manufactured, tested and sold the vaping pens in a manner that exposed individuals to harm.
Monk seeks monetary relief, interest and all other just relief. He is represented by Lisa Gorshe of Johnson Becker PLLC in St. Paul, Minn.
13th Judicial Circuit Court Hillsborough County case number 174290271