Ever heard someone say that you shouldn’t talk on your cell phone while it is charging? After reading this story you might want to consider it to be true.
For most children, there’s no day like the day they get their first cell phone. But for 13-year-old Gabbie Fedro, that excitement would soon turn. A week after she got it, Fedro ran downstairs screaming, clutching her neck. It was hard for her family members to make out what was wrong.
Jackie Fedro
When she took her hands away, there was a second-degree burn on her neck. Fedro told her mom she got it after she used her phone while it was charging.
Jackie Fedro
Fedro said it all started with an electric shock. When the current traveled through her metal necklace, it reached her neck and gave her a nasty burn. She’ll now have a permanent scar. How did this happen? Nobody knows for now, but the Fedros have sent the phone to T-Mobile for testing. The company has since replaced it and offered to pay Gabbie’s medical bills.
Jackie Fedro
The Fedros said they got the phone and charger new from T-Mobile, which makes this unusual. Most of the time, phone-related electrocutions like this happen because of bad, third-party chargers. This is why phone companies urge customers to only use official chargers and batteries for their products. These products are subject to intense safety testing to prevent this from happening, which is why Fedro’s burn is such an anomaly. So until we hear what caused this, it’s probably a good idea not to use your phone while it’s charging.
Cell phones are made to go together with a specific charger and wall adapter and if they are used separately, slowed charging and possible electric shock can result. To be on the safe side, always use the charger that came with your phone.
