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Thousands of households across the country may still be using a portable battery that poses a serious risk of fire, burns, or property destruction. The INIU BI-B41 10,000 mAh power bank, sold through Amazon between August 2021 and April 2022, is now the subject of a national recall after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed it can overheat and catch fire.
The recall impacts more than 210,000 units and follows at least 15 confirmed overheating incidents, including 11 fires, three cases of minor burns, and more than $380,000 in property damage.
Many of these devices are still in homes, bags, and vehicles, and they may be used daily without knowledge of the fire hazard they present. This presents a serious public safety issue, especially for families, travelers, and anyone relying on backup chargers for phones, tablets, or other devices. Those harmed by these batteries may have grounds to pursue legal claims.
The recall applies to the INIU BI-B41 portable power bank, a slim, 10,000 mAh external battery marketed as a lightweight and convenient charging solution. Sold primarily on Amazon, the device was popular among travelers, students, and tech users.
However, federal safety officials have now confirmed that specific batches of this model can overheat and ignite, resulting in fires that damage property and pose significant health hazards.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission emphasized that these fires occurred in ordinary settings, on furniture, in bags, and near bedding. In some cases, minor burns were reported when users attempted to pick up or move the device once it started overheating.
The scale of the recall, combined with how easily consumers may overlook the risk, makes this a widespread threat. Unlike vehicle recalls or prescription drug warnings that are well-publicized, these smaller electronics often escape national attention — until someone is injured.
According to the CPSC, 15 incidents have been confirmed where the power bank overheated. Of those, 11 resulted in fires, causing damage to bedding, couches, travel bags, or electronics stored nearby.
Three users reported minor burns after handling a hot or flaming unit. However, burns are not the only threat. These lithium-ion battery fires burn extremely hot and can be difficult to extinguish. In confined spaces, such as bedrooms, cars, or aircraft, these fires can escalate quickly and pose life-threatening risks.
As the holidays approach and travel increases, these devices are commonly packed in suitcases or carried in pockets. This increases the danger, especially since the FAA restricts how these batteries must be transported.
The total property damage reported has exceeded $380,000, but the real number may be far higher, especially if some incidents were not reported or if damage was not linked to the device at the time.
Consumers who purchased a portable power bank through Amazon between August 2021 and April 2022 should check the back of the device for the model number BI-B41.
Next, check for one of the following serial numbers, which are printed near the bottom of the device:
If your device matches these identifiers, stop using it immediately. The lithium-ion battery inside must not be thrown away or placed in household recycling. These batteries require proper disposal at a hazardous waste or e-cycling facility.
Consumers are encouraged to document any damage or injuries before contacting the company for a refund. INIU has created a recall registration page and a hotline: +1-606-220-6170 or recall@iniu.shop.
Consumers injured by a defective lithium-ion battery have legal rights. When a product fails in a dangerous way, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller may be held liable.
Victims who suffered burn injuries, property loss, or emotional trauma from a fire started by a defective INIU power bank may be able to file a product liability lawsuit. This could include claims for:
If multiple affected parties come forward, this type of recall could also lead to class action lawsuits or mass tort claims.
It’s also worth noting that Amazon, while quick to remove recalled products, has faced increasing scrutiny over the sale of dangerous goods on its platform. Victims may potentially hold Amazon or third-party sellers accountable if they failed to remove, warn about, or handle defective products appropriately.
This is not an isolated incident. Similar lithium-ion battery fires have been linked to other electronics, including:
The growing number of battery-related recalls shows a pattern: manufacturers using inexpensive components, poor internal circuit protections, or inadequate testing before shipping to mass markets like Amazon.
These electronics are often marketed with high-capacity claims at low prices — a combination that appeals to budget-conscious shoppers but increases risk.
With global suppliers and marketplaces operating across borders, quality control can vary widely. Some manufacturers cut corners on testing or fail to follow proper certifications, leaving consumers vulnerable to dangerous products without knowing it.
Anyone who was burned, injured, or experienced property damage due to an overheating INIU battery pack should take the following steps immediately:
Claims must be carefully documented, and in many cases, an attorney can assist in recovering financial compensation that accounts for long-term impacts.
Can I sue if my INIU power bank caused a fire?
Yes. If the battery caused a fire or injury, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit for damages, including property loss, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
Is Amazon responsible for selling these recalled devices?
Potentially. If Amazon sold you the product or failed to remove it after the risk was known, you may be able to include Amazon or the third-party seller in a legal claim.
How do I know if my battery is part of the recall?
Look at the back of the charger for the model number BI-B41 and the serial number. If your device has one of the following serial numbers — 000G21, 000H21, 000I21, or 000L21 — it has been recalled.
What compensation can I receive?
Compensation may include the cost to replace damaged property, hospital bills, wages lost due to recovery time, and monetary awards for pain, burns, or emotional trauma.
What if I already threw away the device?
You may still have a valid claim if you have photos, purchase receipts, or other documentation proving the brand and model, and if you suffered a loss or injury.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Time limits vary by state. In many states, product liability lawsuits must be filed within 1 to 3 years from the date of injury or discovery. You should consult an attorney immediately.
If you or someone in your household was injured or suffered property loss due to a recalled INIU power bank, you may be entitled to compensation. Fires caused by defective batteries are serious and can result in long-term health, financial, and emotional harm.
Parker Waichman LLP is currently investigating claims involving these defective devices. As a national personal injury law firm, we have the experience to pursue product liability claims against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers — including Amazon — when unsafe products cause harm.
Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free legal consultation today. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Let us help you protect your rights and hold negligent companies accountable.
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