What You Need to Know About the Takata Airbag Lawsuit

You’ve probably heard about it on the news and wondered if the recall pertains to your vehicle, but have you taken the necessary steps to ensure that your life is not in danger from faulty Takata airbags? To date, four deaths and more than a hundred injuries have been tied to the Japanese corporation’s defective products. Even during seemingly minor accidents, these airbags can rupture and send shrapnel flying into front seat occupants. The recall involves a number of car manufacturers including Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, and Honda. A complete listing of vehicles that have these airbags can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

The flawed airbags are particularly dangerous after years of exposure to humid environments. The propellant may deteriorate and cause too much pressure inside the inflator during deployment. However, the problem has occurred in non-humid areas as well. On occasion, the Takata airbags have failed to work at all. If your vehicle is part of the recall, your first order of business is to return it to the dealer for replacement. The various automakers are struggling to keep up with the demand, so you may have to wait. You are encouraged to carpool, rent a car, or find another means of transportation until the problem is solved.

In addition to the endangerment of your life, along with the lives of your passengers, the Takata airbag recall can be a source of inconvenience. These concerns have led to lawsuits against both Takata and specific carmakers. The NHTSA has recently threatened to order an extended recall if Takata is unwilling to include non-humid states. The eight million vehicles that have been called back are mostly in Florida, Puerto Rico, and other regions notorious for atmospheric moisture. Plaintiffs claim that the airbag producers knew about the deadly problem several years before the safety features started exploding during fender benders.

Takata Corporation, as well as automakers, have a legal responsibility to ensure that all components of their products are safe. When a defect threatens the well-being of consumers, the manufacturer is required to act immediately. Family members of the individuals killed by the malfunctioning airbags have a strong wrongful death case, while living victims can file personal injury lawsuits. Allegations can include medical expenses, loss of earnings, physical impairment, and mental anguish. These damages can cover both past and future suffering.

If you’ve been involved in a Takata airbag ordeal, but have not been injured, you may still have a legitimate case against the company. The defective airbags have put you at risk and the process of replacement may cause unnecessary stress and delay. You may incur unexpected expenses as you arrange for alternative means of transportation while waiting for the problem to be fixed. You will want to contact a litigation attorney and have a thorough review of your specific situation. The attorney can them go over your options and guide you through your best course of action. You should be able to get legal help on a contingency basis if you were injured. Always take advantage of the free consultation with a few attorneys before hiring one to represent you. Contact a lawyer or legal specialist today with any questions you may have on the Takata airbag lawsuit.