Can Takata Air Bags Cause Injuries or Death? 2024 UPDATE
After more than a decade, injuries and deaths continue to be linked to defective Takata airbags. Just recently, it was confirmed that a 28th death had been linked to the defective Takata airbag recall. In addition to the 28 deaths, hundreds of alleged injuries are associated with exploding Takata airbags after a car accident.
According to the NHTSA, 67 million Takata airbags have been recalled as part of 12 priority groups. The recalls were issued because the airbags can cause severe injuries and deaths from explosions when they deploy.
In addition to the recalls, critical DO NOT DRIVE warnings have been issued for numerous vehicles. According to the NHTSA, the Takata airbags in these vehicles have a “far higher risk of ruptures” when the airbags are deployed than other recalled airbags.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to search the recall list to determine if their vehicle is included in the Takata recall. If so, they can contact a dealer for repairs. Dealers should replace or repair the airbag without charging the vehicle owner.
What Is the Problem With Takata Airbags?
A defect in the airbags can result in a violent explosion when they deploy. Typically, airbags deploy in a fraction of a second. A sensor detects a car accident and sends an electrical signal to the airbag’s inflator. The inflator causes a chemical reaction that inflates the airbag with a harmless gas.
An airbag that works properly helps protect the occupant from injuries during a collision. Unfortunately, a defect in the Takata inflator allows moisture to enter the inflator. The moisture creates a volatile environment with the ammonium nitrate in the container. The moisture allows the propellant to burn too rapidly, causing the canister to rupture.
When the inflator housing ruptures, pieces of metal can shoot through the compartment, striking the vehicle’s occupants. The metal shrapnel can cause severe injuries. In the worst cases, the flying metal causes injuries that result in death.
Common injuries caused by defective Takata airbags include:
- Facial trauma, including severe scarring and disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Puncture wounds
- Skull fractures
- Fractured and broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Chemical burns
- Rib fractures
Because the metal pieces are shot from the airbag at tremendous speed, any contact with the vehicle occupants can cause severe injuries. Generally, emergency medical treatment is required. The person may require extensive medical treatment for airbag injuries, including multiple surgeries.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Product Liability Claim for Defective Airbags?
If a defective airbag injures you, you may have a claim against the manufacturer and other parties for damages. You may receive damages as part of a product liability claim. Compensation for a defective airbag injury claim can include economic and non-economic damages. Examples of damages in a Takata lawsuit include:
- The cost of medical treatment, including future medical expenses
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages, benefits, and earning capacity
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitative therapy and treatment
- Impairments and disabilities
- Long-term personal and/or nursing care
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
If a family member dies because of injuries caused by a defective airbag, the family may receive compensation for a wrongful death claim. The amount you receive for a product liability or wrongful death claim depends on the specific circumstances in your case. An experienced Takata airbag injury lawyer can provide additional information during a free consultation.
Seek Legal Advice for a Takata Lawsuit
If you or a loved one was injured because of a defective Takata airbag, it is important to seek legal advice from an attorney who handles Takata lawsuits. Takata injury claims are complex legal actions. Numerous claims have been filed against Takata and other responsible parties.
However, your time to file a Takata airbag claim is limited. Therefore, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Waiting to pursue a claim could cause you to lose your right to seek justice for the harm you suffered because of a defective airbag. Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas.
We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 206-5088
www.alabamainjurylawyer.com
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 209
Hunstville, AL, 35801
(256) 666-4660
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 513-2110