Lithium-Ion Battery Environmental Exposure Claims

This document is a guide detailing various claim scenarios related to environmental exposures associated with lithium-ion batteries. It outlines incidents involving battery energy storage systems and electric vehicles, highlighting the environmental and liability implications of such events. The document describes a significant fire at a lithium-ion battery energy storage facility that resulted in environmental contamination due to firefighting efforts, leading to an environmental impairment liability claim. Additionally, it discusses a warehouse fire caused by thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, which resulted in property damage and environmental liability claims. The guide also covers lawsuits related to electric vehicle battery fires, detailing personal injuries and property damage claims. It emphasizes the need for specialized insurance coverage due to the unique risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, including pollution exclusions in standard policies. The document serves to inform agents and brokers about the complexities of insuring against these emerging risks.