A civil suit has been filed in Carbon County court claiming a battery pack caused a fire that did extensive damages to a home.

Connie McHugh and Gilbert Fallen, of 151 Fredericks Grove Road, Lehighton, filed the action against Vertical Partners West LLC, doing business as Venom Group International, 14028 N. Ohio St., Rathdrum, Idaho.

According to the suit, the defendant firm is in the business of manufacturing, distributing and/or selling batteries, battery packs and battery charges, including the Bias 500 mAh battery pack, the subject of the suit.

The suit states around March 19, 2016, the plaintiffs purchased the battery pack from an online seller. On July 27, 2016, a fire broke out at the plaintiffs’ property, causing severe fire and smoke damages. Damages were estimated at $156,111.03.

The suit charges that the fire was caused by a failure of the subject battery pack, which was plugged in and charging in the utility/storage area of the basement of the home.

The suit also states, “More specifically, the fire was caused when the Subject Battery developed an internal short that could not be detected or mitigated by the separate charger based system.”

The suit alleges negligence against the defendants for manufacturing, distributing and/or selling a product that failed during its normal course of use. In all eight allegations of negligence concerning the operation of the battery pack are made in the suit.

The plaintiffs also allege breach of warranty and strict liability.

A judgment of $156,111.03 along with interest, costs and other relief deemed just and proper is sought.