Takata Airbag Recall
Ten different automakers used Takata brand airbags in over 17 million vehicles between 2002 and 2008. The problem? When deployed, these airbags build up so much pressure they can rupture the inflator housing sending out metal shards throughout the passenger cabin. This has allegedly lead to more than 130 injuries and 5 deaths.
While most carmakers have been vague on their description of what could happen with these defected airbags, Nissan released an explanation that clarifies things:
“The propellant could potentially deteriorate over time due to environmental factors, which could lead to over-aggressive combustion in the event of an air bag deployment. This could create excessive internal pressure within the inflator and could cause the inflator housing to rupture.”
To make matters worse, a New York Times article published on November 7, 2014, showed that Takata was aware of the problem in 2004, 4 years before it filed the paperwork for the first recall in 2008.
In a video by Carrie Halperin seen on this page, you can see the deadly effect of this defect when the air bag deploys. The airbag erupts and the inflator housing goes flying through the cabin. In that video, the housing does not explode; however, the exploding housing was the cause of the fatalities associated with the recall.
Takata Airbag Recall Attorneys
How To Know Your Car Was Affected
If you know your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you can use the NHTSA’s VIN-lookup tool to see if your vehicle is part of the recall. You can find your VIN number in the lower driver-side corner of the window, or on your registration and insurance documents. If you own an affected car, it may take weeks or even months to get a replacement. Takata’s assembly lines are running at maximum capacity but it could still take up to 2 years for them to produce the sufficient number of replacement airbags.
What To Do If You or A Loved One Has Been Hurt
If you believe that you have suffered injuries or loss of a loved one due to a defected Takata airbag, please contact the experienced attorneys at Cohen, Placitella, and Roth. We will examine the details of your case and advise you of your legal actions.
Product liability cases like Takata airbag cases require experienced attorneys who understand how to deal with large companies. Beyond that, you will also need industry leading experts, engineers, and scientists in the field of product design and manufacturing to help determine the liable parties. Depending on when your injury occurred we might need to look at not only Takata as liable but also the carmaker.
Our attorneys and experts will look at all of the details of your case and work toward getting you just compensation for any injuries, medical expenses, loss of wages, and emotional distress.
We have made significant recoveries in product liability cases on behalf of our clients for many years, and pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to those who have suffered due to no fault of their own.
Get your free Birth Injury consultation here. Discuss your case today.
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