South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Can you sue over an airbag recall if you were injured? Nearly 67 million airbags built by Japanese auto parts maker Takata were recalled in 2019 and 2020. This is a critically important recall, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.” Nineteen different automakers have used these defective airbags in multiple car models.
The problem is in the metal cartridge within the airbag, which is loaded with propellant wafers that cause the airbag to quickly inflate upon impact. High humidity, high temperatures, and age can cause the system to become unstable and the cartridge to ignite and explode upon impact, sending metal shards throughout the car. So far, this defect has caused 17 deaths and over 200 injuries in the United States alone.
The problem, according to the NHTSA, is the use of an ammonium-nitrate-based propellant without a chemical drying agent. What makes this situation particularly troubling is that there is some evidence that Takata was aware of the potential danger before going to market with these airbags.
If you are injured by Takata airbags or another auto defect
If you have been injured by a Takata airbag, you may be eligible for compensation through a product liability or defective product claim. You may also be eligible for participation in a class-action lawsuit. Contact me at (954)448-7288 from anywhere in Florida to discuss how I can help you.
In any situation in which you have experienced injury due to a defective product, you will need to do several things:
- Seek medical help immediately. Keep detailed records of doctor visits, diagnoses, medications, etc.
- Preserve evidence. Take pictures of the damage if possible. Keep any written documentation related to the incident such as a police report or repair shop invoice.
- Get statements from others who know you well who can corroborate your statements regarding the accident and your injuries. Pictures of you before and after the injury are also helpful.
Bring any evidence you have to a discussion with me, anywhere in the state of Florida, or with another highly experienced personal injury lawyer.
There are a number of categories of product defects and product liability claims. A defect can be in design, in manufacturing, or in a failure to warn the user about possible risks. Product liability can be in warranty breaches or in the negligence of a manufacturer, vendor, or distributor. There can also be strict liability for products that by their nature can cause serious injury.
With my extensive experience in helping injured people win significant compensation for damage, pain, and suffering, I will seek out every possible avenue to help you receive the best possible outcome for your claim.
Check your car for recalls
It’s important to make every effort to keep yourself safe when operating your vehicle. If you would like to check your vehicle for a Takata airbag recall or any other recall, you can go to the NHTSA website at nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN number. Keep yourself and your family safe by regularly checking this website. If you have already been injured by a Takata airbag or sustained injuries due to a vehicle accident, defective product, or other event caused by someone else’s negligence, contact me today.