Recalled Takata airbag inflators have now been linked to 28 deaths and more than 400 injuries in the United States. US regulators linked the most recent death to a driver who was killed in 2018 in Alabama.
The driver was in a 2004 Honda Civic in Etowah County, Alabama. The collision occurred at high speeds, which made it more complicated to definitively determine the cause of death.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it is extremely important for owners of vehicles to replace their recalled airbag inflators as soon as they can.
Takata used ammonium nitrate in their airbag designs to create a small explosion that inflates the airbag in the event of a crash. However, these airbags have been recalled due to the chemical deteriorating over time in high heat and humidity conditions. This can cause the airbag to explode with too much force, which can blow apart a metal canister and cause shrapnel to fly into the passenger compartment.
Worldwide, there have been at least 36 deaths due to the defective Takata inflators. The company says that it has replaced or accounted for nearly 95% of the recalled inflators. The potential for dangerous malfunction in the Takata inflators led to the largest auto recall in US history, with a minimum of 67 million inflators being recalled in the US. Worldwide, about 100 million inflators were recalled.
Legal Recourse for Victims Injured or Killed by Malfunctioning Takata Airbags
Victims killed or injured due to malfunctioning Takata airbags, and their families, may have the right to pursue legal recourse against the responsible parties to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and more.
“The tragic loss of life and the hundreds of injuries caused by the defective Takata airbags is nothing short of heartbreaking,” says attorney Danielle Mason of Singleton Schreiber, “What makes the situation more devastating is that it could have been prevented. The victims and their families deserve accountability and justice for the suffering they’ve endured.”
Victims and their families affected by the defective Takata airbags may be able to file a few different claims, depending on the circumstances. These may include:
- Personal injury claims – victims injured due to a malfunctioning airbag may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. In these cases, the victim may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages they sustained.
- Wrongful death claims – families of the victims who died because of the defective Takata airbags may be able to pursue wrongful death claims. These will allow them to seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering caused by the death of their loved one.
“While no amount of money can bring back a loved one or restore your life to the condition it was before the accident, it can provide the financial support needed to move forward and hold those responsible accountable for the harm they caused,” says Brett Schreiber, personal injury lawyer of Singleton Schreiber.
If you were injured or lost a loved one due to the defective Takata airbags contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn how they may be able to help you. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.
