Atlanta EV Battery Fire Accident Lawyer

Electric vehicle adoption is growing rapidly in the Atlanta metro area. When EV batteries catch fire—whether from crashes, charging, or spontaneous thermal runaway—the resulting 5,000°F infernos can cause catastrophic burn injuries. Georgia product liability law provides remedies against manufacturers.

The Science of Thermal Runaway

NTSB investigations explain that lithium-ion batteries can enter thermal runaway—a self-sustaining chemical reaction reaching 5,000°F. Unlike gasoline fires, EV fires can reignite hours or days later, requiring extended water application per NFPA guidelines.

Major EV Recalls

• GM Bolt recall: 143,000 vehicles for battery fire risk
• Hyundai Kona EV: 82,000 vehicles recalled
• Ford Mustang Mach-E: 49,000 vehicles for battery issues
• Tesla Model S: Multiple recall campaigns for fire risk

Door Entrapment During Fires

Many EVs use electronic door systems requiring power. During fires, power failures can trap occupants inside burning vehicles. This design defect creates strict liability claims under Georgia product liability law.

Georgia Product Liability

Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11, manufacturers are strictly liable for defective products causing injury. You must prove the defect existed when the vehicle left the factory—not that the manufacturer knew about it.

Burn Injury Damages

Burn injuries from EV fires typically result in significant settlements due to: permanent scarring/disfigurement, multiple skin graft surgeries, chronic pain, PTSD and psychological trauma, and loss of earning capacity.

Settlement Ranges

• Partial burns with treatment: $100,000-$300,000
• Significant burns requiring grafts: $300,000-$1M
• Severe burns with disfigurement: $1M-$5M
• Fatal fire/wrongful death: $2M-$10M+