Fort Myers Takata Airbag Injuries

Takata airbags have caused severe and fatal injuries all over the United States and even closer home in Florida. Some common injuries sustained include large wounds, severe lacerations, eye injuries, torn arteries, skull fractures, and bleeding of the brain.  

Takata uses ammonium nitrate in its airbags. This is an explosive chemical used for inflating airbags during a crash. However, this chemical is prone to deterioration when subjected to high temperatures and humidity, leading to rapid burning, which shoots out the metal canister as shrapnel. 

So far, there have been at least 24 fatalities and over 400 injuries linked to Takata airbags in the U.S. alone. Although these accidents and injuries have existed since the early 2000s, it took Takata more than a decade later, June 2015 to be precise, to publicly acknowledge the problem despite knowing about its existence in the first place. 

Following investigations into the matter, the U.S. Department of Justice found Takata responsible for manufacturing defective airbags and failing to disclose the defect to the public and relevant authorities. As a result, the Japanese automotive parts manufacturer agreed to pay $1 billion in criminal penalties. 

To address the harm caused to innocent drivers and passengers all over the country, Takata formed two restitution funds. The first one, a $125 million fund, is intended for individuals who suffered physical injuries due to Takata's airbags and have not yet settled their claims with the company. If you were injured or lost a loved one, you may be entitled to a portion of this amount reserved for Takata airbag victims and their families.

Besides getting medical attention, the second-most important thing to do is to seek legal representation. At Morgan and Morgan, we will review your case for free to determine whether you may have been entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. This also goes to individuals who lost their loved ones in car accidents in which Takata airbags were deployed. They may have a valid wrongful death claim.

Takata airbag lawsuits are time-sensitive, just like other personal injury cases throughout Florida. The sooner you contact Morgan and Morgan for a free case evaluation, the better we will be able to tell whether you still have time to pursue compensation and how best to approach this case. So don't wait any longer; contact us now to have your case reviewed by a member of our legal team handling Takata airbag injury cases in Fort Myers.