It comes no longer as a surprise to hear about a burning iPod, but this time, the news is also about a lawsuit being filed against Apple and several retail employees. The mother of a child in Cincinnati, Ohio, has filed a complaint in the Southern District of Ohio after an iPod touch exploded in her child’s pants.

The story, which was first reported by Ars Technica, brings back old memories. In 2007, another “hot” incident occurred at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, when an iPod nano caught fire…while peacefully sitting in somebody’s pocket.
This more recent incident is somewhat similar, only this time it involves a child who suffered second-degree burns. According to the lawsuit, the child was sitting at his desk with the Apple iTouch in the off position in his pants pocket.

Suddenly, he heard a loud pop and noticed that his pant had caught fire. He immediately rushed to the bathroom, where he also received the aid of a friend. The device had apparently melted through the Nylon/Spandex underwear, burning his leg.

The child was later taken to a hospital for medical attention. According to the lawsuit, the incident caused him pain and suffering, and resulted in serious injuries. Furthermore, the child continues to suffer from mental and emotional distress.

The company, and the 10 unnamed employees, are being accused of negligence and acting with conscious disregard, and are considered responsible for the incident and for the child’s injuries. The mother said customers were unaware that the product purchased could have caused serious bodily injuries.

The plaintiffs are asking for compensatory damages in excess of $75,000, punitive damages in an amount to be determined at the trial, but in excess of $75,000, and the cost of the litigation, attorney fees, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, and special damages in excess of $75,000.