Takata Corp., a Japan-based automobile parts manufacturer, may be facing lawsuits filed on behalf of individuals who were allegedly injured due to the company’s airbags. According to reports, Takata began to produce and distribute the airbags as early as 2001, and at least 10 automobile manufacturers implemented these products into their vehicles. However, in the event of an accident in which the airbags deploy, there is a chance that passengers and the driver could become impaled with metal fragments from the airbag itself.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Arkansas defective airbag lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Millions of Vehicles Recalled
While the National Highway Traffic Administration initially issued a localized recall for warmer climates under the assumption that high humidity could result in the expansion and deployment of airbags, the agency recently updated its warning to issue a full recall for the products. On October 20, 2014, the NHTSA warned vehicle owners of the problem and urged consumers to meet with their local dealers as soon as possible to avoid the chance of injury or death.
The recall involves 12 million vehicles across the globe, 4.7 million of which are located in the U.S. Affected auto makers include General Motors, BMW, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Mazda. While the airbag recall includes cars throughout the country, the NHTSA again stated that those in warmer clients should be particularly careful as the agency continues to investigate and determine whether high humidity plays a part in the alleged defect. These regions include Saipan, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, Florida, and Guam.
According to the NHTSA, four fatalities have been reported due to the allegedly defective airbags. According to the reports, the decedents were injured and subsequently killed when metal shards flew into their bodies after the airbag deployed in the car accidents. The recall does not yet bring about concerns involving the deployment of airbags; rather, it is the metal shrapnel that is allegedly causing injuries and deaths. However, the NHTSA will be investigating the recall in depth to determine the cause and remedy of the situation.
Lawsuits May Be Imminent
As a result of the recall and the surfacing reports of injuries and deaths, those who have been harmed in an accident and believe a faulty airbag was to blame may consider filing a defective airbag lawsuit against Takata and attempt to hold the manufacturer responsible for the damages the product allegedly caused. Additionally, those who believe a loved one was killed by a faulty airbag may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for other damages pertaining to their loss.
How an Arkansas Defective Airbag Lawsuit Can Help
Although the manufacturer has agreed to pay a fine, including millions of dollars to a victim compensation fund, drivers or passengers who are injured by a defective Takata airbag may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries. Compensation can include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income and ability to work
- Pain and suffering
If the actions of the airbag manufacturer are malicious or so reckless that intent to harm can be inferred, the responsible party can be liable for punitive damages to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar conduct in the future.
If a loved one dies as a result of a defective Takata airbag, his or her family members may be able to pursue compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
