Drivers and passengers trust airbags to cushion the impact of a collision. Airbags deploy in severe crashes to protect people from hitting the interior of the vehicle and outside objects like trees, dividers, and other vehicles. Although airbags do inflate with incredible force and speed, the benefits of the airbags outweigh the dangers of experiencing the full force of the crash. However, many people have suffered severe injuries from metal shrapnel sprayed from Takata airbags. Did a defective Takata airbag injure you or a loved one? Reach out today to learn more about how a Takata airbag lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals harmed by Takata airbags. Motor vehicle accidents are frightening, but airbags should save people, not inflict further damage. Speak to one of our Takata airbag lawyers to discuss your potential claim.
Takata Corporation is a Japanese supplier of automotive safety systems based in Tokyo. Takata produces a variety of automotive features like seat belts, headrests, visors, steering wheel systems, and airbags. In 1988 the company introduced its airbags to the market, and in 2014 held 20% of the global airbag market. Takata is the only company that utilizes ammonium nitrate in its airbag inflators. Upon impact, the chemical would create a small explosion to inflate the airbag.
For years, auto manufacturers and consumers reported hazards related to Takata airbags. However, it was not until 2014 that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finally issued a nationwide recall of vehicles with defective Takata airbags. The NHTSA referred to the Takata airbag recall as one of the most complex and largest vehicle recalls in U.S. history. The recall applied to tens of millions of vehicles and affected 19 automakers, including Honda, Toyota, BMW, and Ford.
The NHTSA investigation revealed that front passenger and driver-side Takata airbags spewed metal shards at vehicle occupants. A major design defect in the airbag inflator caused the steel canister to explode into fragments and expose driver/passengers to high-speed sharp metal pieces. The ammonium nitrate unique to Takata airbags degrades when exposed to high temperatures and humidity. This degradation causes the chemical to burn too quickly and place too much pressure on the canister.
Excessive pressure can result in the airbag deploying violently, or even send flying shrapnel at drivers or passengers. Defective Takata airbags have caused horrendous injuries and deaths. For example, in 2014, police initially ruled a woman’s death a homicide after apparent stab wounds in her neck. But, police later concluded the woman’s explosive Takata airbag sent metal shards into her neck. Volatile Takata airbags may cause brutal injuries such as:
Takata airbags have resulted in several individuals sustaining severe injuries, with some accidents even proving fatal. These hazardous airbags continue to risk the lives and well-being of consumers nearly a decade after the recall. A Takata airbag lawyer at The Lake Law Firm can hold the manufacturer accountable for the harm you endured due to the defective airbags.
Roughly 37 deaths worldwide and over 400 injuries in the United States alone occurred because of defective Takata airbags. Lawsuits allege the Takata Corporation knew of the explosive airbags as early as 2004. Furthermore, several auto manufacturers reported numerous airbag malfunctions to Takata years before the recall. Plaintiffs claim that Takata failed to prevent hundreds of injuries by refusing to recognize and notify the public of its airbag issues.
In 2017, Takata pleaded guilty to criminal charges in a U.S. court. The company entered a $1 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to compensate automakers and victims and to pay fines.
As of September 2023, over 178 lawsuits are pending in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) regarding Takata airbags. This MDL targets the Takata Corporation and auto manufacturers for the faulty and dangerous airbags.
Takata airbag victims continue to file lawsuits nationwide. If a defective Takata airbag caused you or a loved one harm, you may qualify for a Takata airbag lawsuit. A Takata airbag lawyer can help you recover compensation for:
Takata Corporation allegedly willfully concealed the hazards associated with its airbags from automakers and consumers. Despite various complaints, the company neglected to address that its airbags did not function properly. Although airbags do forcefully inflate, the Takata airbags far exceeded the safe parameters by exploding and sending flying shrapnel.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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