Airbag explosion injuries—particularly those caused by defective Takata inflators—are among the most complex and catastrophic product liability cases in the United States. These cases often involve metal shrapnel injuries, traumatic brain injury, blindness, facial disfigurement, and wrongful death. They also involve extensive technical evidence, federal recalls, engineering analysis, and multinational manufacturers.

When the injuries are severe and the defendants are powerful corporations, the experience and qualifications of the lawyer you choose matter.

One recognized credential for Texas attorneys is Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). Board Certification is issued by the State Bar of Texas through TBLS and is intended to identify lawyers who have demonstrated substantial involvement and tested competence in a specific area of law.

According to the State Bar of Texas, fewer than 2% of Texas attorneys are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law.

David P. Willis has been Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by TBLS since 1988.

What Board Certification Means Under Texas Law

Board Certification is not a law firm designation or a marketing label. It is an individual certification awarded only after an attorney satisfies strict requirements set by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, including:

Substantial Trial Experience

Applicants must demonstrate meaningful involvement as lead or first-chair counsel in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including jury trials.

Peer and Judicial Evaluation

Certification requires confidential evaluations from other attorneys and judges familiar with the lawyer’s work, professionalism, and ethical standards.

Comprehensive Written Examination

Candidates must pass a rigorous written exam covering personal injury trial law, including liability, damages, evidence, product defects, and courtroom procedure.

Advanced Continuing Legal Education

Board Certified attorneys must complete additional continuing legal education focused specifically on personal injury trial law.

Re-Certification Every Five Years

Certification is not permanent. Attorneys must apply for re-certification every five years and demonstrate continued compliance with TBLS standards.

Why Board Certification Matters in Takata Airbag Injury Cases  

Airbag injury claims are not ordinary car accident cases. They are complex product liability matters involving defective inflator design, propellant instability, recall failures, and long-term catastrophic injuries. Manufacturers and suppliers often dispute causation, shift blame, or argue that recall notices were sufficient.

An attorney experienced in personal injury trial law is familiar with:

• Defective product and failure-to-warn claims
• Federal airbag recalls and regulatory history
• Preservation of vehicles and airbag inflators as evidence
• Coordination with engineers, biomechanical experts, and medical specialists
• Litigation against automotive manufacturers and component suppliers

NOTE: Board Certification is not needed, nor does it guarantee a particular outcome in any case, but it reflects sustained experience handling serious injury cases through trial.

Board Certification and Nationwide Takata Litigation

David P. Willis is licensed in Texas and New York. He represents Takata airbag injury victims nationwide through association with local counsel where required, in compliance with applicable state bar rules.

His practice focuses on catastrophic injury cases involving defective automotive components, including airbag explosions, shrapnel injuries, traumatic brain injury, blindness, and wrongful death.

Why the “Less Than 2%” Statistic Matters

Texas has more than 100,000 licensed attorneys. Only a small percentage are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, and fewer still have maintained that certification for decades.

Board Certification is one factor injured consumers may consider when selecting legal counsel for complex automotive defect litigation.

Free Takata Airbag Case Review

If you or a loved one was injured by a defective Takata airbag, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

We offer Free Airbag Injury Case Reviews, and all cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.
No Fees if No Recovery – No Attorney’s fees or expenses are owed unless a recovery is obtained.

Call 866-AIRBAGS (866-247-2247) to discuss your situation.