Takata Airbag Injury

Airbags are supposed to save lives and protect us in an accident. However, defective airbags, such as those manufactured by Takata Corporation, could be ticking time bombs. Although subject to several recalls, vehicles on the road today may still contain dangerous airbags. When they deploy incorrectly or fail to inflate, Takata airbags can cause significant injuries and even deaths.  

If you or a loved one suffered a Takata airbag injury, you could be entitled to compensation. However, litigating product liability cases can be challenging, costly, and lengthy. Morgan & Morgan has your back. As America’s largest personal injury firm, we have the resources and experience to stand up to big corporations and fight even complex airbag liability claims.

Let us assess your airbag injury claim today with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Takata Airbag Recalls and Lawsuits

The safety problem with Takata airbags was first discovered in the early 2000s. However, the issue did not become widely known until around 2014, when several major car manufacturers recalled vehicles equipped with faulty airbags.

According to Reuters, at least 19 individuals died in the US due to defective Takata airbags. However, not all vehicles with Takata airbags have been fixed, and many affected cars may still be on the road, posing a risk of injury to drivers and passengers.

When Were Takata Airbags Recalled?

In the early 2000s, car manufacturers recalled vehicles equipped with Takata airbags due to reports of airbags deploying abnormally. However, authorities and manufacturers only recognized the scale of the problem when a series of Takata airbag injuries and fatalities occurred in the late 2000s and early 2010s

In response to the growing crisis, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating the issue and issued recalls for affected vehicles. According to the agency, high heat and humidity could cause Takata airbags to explode when deployed in a crash. Manufacturers recalled over 60 million cars in the United States alone due to defective airbags.

Further Takata Recalls in 2019 and 2020

In 2019 and 2020, more Takata airbags were recalled separately from the original safety recalls. The newer recalls may explode or fail to inflate correctly due to defective inflators. According to the NHTSA, vehicles with potentially faulty inflators include those from car makers like BMW, Audi, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Isuzu.

The Causes of Takata Airbag Defects

Takata's airbags problems stem from using ammonium nitrate as a propellant, which can degrade and become unstable over time. This instability can cause the airbags to rupture upon deployment, sending metal fragments flying into the vehicle's cabin, resulting in shrapnel potentially causing severe injury or death. High temperatures and humidity exacerbate the problem by accelerating the degradation of ammonium nitrate.

Takata Lawsuits

The original Takata airbag lawsuit involved millions of vehicles with faulty airbags manufactured by the Japanese company Takata Corporation. It was one of the largest and most complex product liability cases in history. The scope of the recall, the number of vehicles affected, and the number of injuries and deaths caused by the defective airbags made it a major crisis for the automotive industry.

In total, automakers paid billions of dollars to settle lawsuits related to defective airbags. The settlements compensated victims injured or killed as a result of the faulty airbags. If you or someone you know is affected by a Takata airbag injury, let Morgan & Morgan know, as you may be entitled to damages.

Takata Airbags Can Cause Severe Injuries

In a collision, crash sensors trigger inflation of the airbag. However, since airbags inflate very quickly, they could cause significant injuries and even deaths if defective. Faulty Takata airbags have caused devastating injuries to drivers and passengers by sending metal pieces flying through the air during deployment. Common Takata airbag injuries include:  

• Deep lacerations
• Abrasions
• Hearing loss
• Eye injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Bruising of the face
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Fractures
• Bleeding of the brain
• Burns
• Neck injuries

Drivers and occupants may also suffer severe and fatal injuries when defective Takata airbags fail to deploy in an accident.

Compensation in Takata Airbag Injury Claims

Victims of Takata airbag defects could qualify for significant compensation with a personal injury lawsuit or by filing a claim with a Takata trust fund.

What Is the Takata Trust Fund?

As part of the bankruptcy proceedings of Takata Corporation, trust funds were established to provide compensation to individuals and entities injured or affected by the defective airbags. Therefore, you could be entitled to a settlement from the fund if affected. A lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can walk you through the process of filing a claim.

Damages You Could Recover

What you could receive will depend on the facts of your case, such as the scope of your injuries, medical expenses, income losses, and other factors. Available damages can include, among others:

• Healthcare expenses and long-term care costs
• Loss of wages and the ability to earn a future income  
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of a sense, such as eyesight or hearing
• Permanent disability
• Reduced life enjoyment

Wrongful Death Due to Takata Airbag Injury

If your loved one died from an airbag injury, you could have legal recourse and recover a settlement from the Takata trust fund or a responsible car manufacturer. While damages you can recover will depend on your jurisdiction, you could be entitled to the following:

• Loss of income and benefits from the deceased
• Loss of companionship (spouse)
• Loss of parental guidance (minor children)
• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses before death
• Pain and suffering

Losing a loved one in unexpected circumstances, such as a car crash, can be heartbreaking and traumatic. While we cannot turn back the time, Morgan & Morgan could help you recover the settlement you need to avert financial hardship and manage your future life after the death of your loved one.

How Morgan & Morgan’s Product Liability Lawyers Can Help

Firstly, we want you to stay safe and advise you to check your car and ensure that it is not involved in a Takata airbag recall, particularly if you own an older vehicle. If you or a loved one already experienced an injury from a defective Takata airbag, Morgan & Morgan could help. We can:

• Investigate the Airbag Defect with the help of professional automotive experts
• Help you understand whether you qualify for compensation
• Explain your options, such as initiating a claim with an existing settlement fund or filing a personal injury lawsuit
• Move forward with filing a settlement claim or lawsuit and fight vigorously for what you deserve

Not all law firms have the resources and knowledge to handle complex Takata airbag injury claims and stand up to powerful global car or car part manufacturers. However, you can place your trust in Morgan & Morgan. We have been fighting for the injured for over 35 years, recovering over $20 billion in damages. We want nothing more than to help our clients receive the compensation they need to get their lives back on track.