Personal injury victims that were affected by faulty Takata airbags have been included as official claimants in the company’s bankruptcy suit. Due to the widespread and severe damages caused by the faulty airbags, court officials found they had a significant financial stake in Takata’s dissolution.
Takata filed their bankruptcy in direct relation to the billions of dollars in product recalls and liability lawsuits. Airbag injury victims will be represented by a seven-member committee, according to a Reuters report.
Takata airbag injury claims in the U.S.
The Takata airbag injury suit is one of the most extensive in recent years. Hundreds of people were affected by faulty airbags, resulting in 16 deaths and many more severe personal injuries. The United States, one of the largest auto consumers in the world was heavily affected by the faulty airbags. Personal injury attorneys representing airbag injury victims say there are millions more airbags that have yet to be recalled.
Common types of airbag injuries
Although airbags are meant to protect you in the event of a crash, you’re probably aware that they aren’t the most gentle of car safety features. Airbags deploy rapidly, with a lot of force. They can also become extremely dangerous if you do not take any other necessary safety measures when driving.
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, 80 percent of the 300 deaths that occurred in an accident where an airbag was deployed from 1990-2008 involved drivers not wearing seat belts.
Despite proper safety measures, there are common injuries associated with airbag deployment:
- Chemical burns/Irritation
- Airbags inflate via chemical reaction. While this ensures rapid deployment and eliminates the possibility of a mechanical failure, airbag chemicals are the major cause of personal injury to drivers. You have probably heard of drivers getting skin irritation or even burns from airbag chemicals. They can also be dangerous if inhaled.
- Bruising
- Bruising is perhaps the most common type of airbag injury. Due to the nature of an auto accident and the sheer force of impact, there is going to be some bruising that occurs.
What’s the danger of Takata airbags?
Takata airbags use a faulty inflator compound, which become unstable with age. Unlike other airbags, the faulty compound causes Takata airbags to deploy with excessive force, which causes much more harm than good.
If you’ve been a victim of an airbag injury, contact our personal injury team today.