Ford Airbag Lawsuit

Based on an investigation conducted by the NHTSA, it believes that ruptures may result from the weld slag produced by the friction welding manufacturing process. The report states, “Should weld slag of a sufficient size become dislodged, it can cause a blockage of the inflator exit orifice when the airbag deploys. A blockage of sufficient size will cause over pressurization and rupture of the inflator, leading to the potential forced propulsion of shrapnel or metal fragments from the inflator into the passenger compartment.”

Roughly seven people have been injured by the rupturing air bag inflators, and there has been one reported death in the United States.

While both the ARC and Takata issues involve airbag inflators, both recalls stem from different issues. Created by the now-bankrupt Japanese company known as the Takata Corporation, the Takata airbag inflators were installed in vehicles from 2002 through 2015. An investigation by the NHTSA deemed that the millions of vehicles fitted with Takata airbag inflators were a safety risk for drivers and their passengers and should be recalled. 

The root cause of the exploding Takata airbags comes from the design and the chemical compound the company used to inflate the airbags. The airbag design had a metal cartridge loaded with ammonium-nitrate-based propellant, a "cost-efficient" fertilizer and highly flammable chemical typically found in bombs. Takata did not include a chemical drying agent when loading the compound into the metal cartridge. 

Without the drying agent, things like environmental changes, high temperatures, the aging of the airbag, or an accident could cause the inflator's housing to rupture. This rupture can propel metal shards from the airbag throughout the passenger cabin, leaving those in the vehicle with severe injuries or, in some cases, can lead to death.

Depending on the type of vehicle you own, the placement of the defective airbags may vary. To learn more information, owners may enter their car's vehicle identification number into the NHTSA recall search engine. It will provide you with information on whether the driver-side, passenger-side, or both frontal airbags in their vehicle are affected by the ARC airbag inflators. Customers are also urged to contact their local Ford dealer for more information on affected vehicles. 

Defective airbag deployments, ruptures, and or explosions can cause drivers and their passengers to suffer from one or more of the following injuries:

• Black eyes
• Brain injury or concussion
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Compound fractures
• Facial or cranial fractures
• Hearing loss
• Neck Injury
• Permanent scarring
• Rib, sternum and/or clavicle fractures
• Serious cuts or avulsions
• Spinal fractures
• Vision damage 
• Vocal damage
• And more

Ford vehicle drivers and other occupants may also suffer fatal injuries when defective airbags are deployed. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or have lost their life due to a defective airbag, our attorneys may be able to help. Learn more today by connecting with a Morgan & Morgan attorney.

While every case will vary depending on the level of accident or injury, if you or a loved one have sustained damages due to a defective airbag, you may be eligible to recover one or more of the following forms of financial compensation:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of wages
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Emotional distress
• and more. 

For more information on what you may be eligible to recover, victims can contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney by completing our case evaluation form.

After you've been injured or have suffered a loss due to a defective airbag, speaking to an attorney can help lessen the burden of trying to sort through what your next steps are. At Morgan & Morgan, we have over 35 years of experience helping our clients fight back after they've been wronged by an auto company. When you decide to work with us, we'll stop at nothing to ensure you and your loved ones have the best shot at recovering what you are entitled to, and these auto companies face real accountability for the hurt they've caused. 

For more information on how a Morgan & Morgan attorney can help you, or if you have questions regarding the ARC airbag inflator recall, contact our law firm today by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form.