Takata Airbag Injuries

Discuss Your Legal Rights with an Experienced Airbag Injury Lawyer

If you have suffered injuries caused by a defective Takata airbag, you are not alone—not even close. Since 2015, Takata Corporation has recalled tens of millions of faulty airbags installed in vehicles sold by nearly all major automobile manufacturers. Takata Corporation’s defective airbags have caused hundreds of injuries, and many millions of drivers and passengers are still at risk of suffering a Takata airbag injury.

Drivers and passengers have suffered injuries caused by Takata airbag defects in all parts of the body. This includes face Takata airbag injuries as well as injuries to the chest, arms and legs. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major concern with Takata airbag explosions as well. Regardless of the type of severe injury (or severe injuries) you have suffered, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation, and you should speak with a lawyer about your legal rights promptly.

How Do Takata Airbags Cause Injuries?

Takata airbags cause injuries when they explode during deployment. Rather than deploying as they are supposed to, some of Takata’s faulty airbags are literally exploding—sending plastic and metal fragments, and shrapnel flying toward drivers and passengers. The force of the explosion itself can cause serious injuries as well; and, along with hundreds of injuries, Takata Corporation’s defective airbags have also been blamed for at least 23 airbag deaths.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “exposure to high heat and humidity” can increase the risk of Tataka airbag explosions. As a result, while tens of millions of vehicle owners across the United States have cars, trucks and SUVs with defective Takata airbags, the NHTSA and vehicle manufacturers are prioritizing the replacement of dangerous airbags in certain states. The recall process is still several years away from being completed; and, as a result, many people continue to face the risk of suffering a Takata airbag injury due to a dangerous airbag explosion.

Common Injuries from Takata Airbags

Takata airbag explosions can leave drivers and passengers with multiple types of severe traumatic injuries. All types of injuries are eligible for compensation, and all injured drivers and passengers should speak with a lawyer about their legal rights. Some examples of the most common types of injuries from defective Takata airbags include:

Airbag Shrapnel Injuries

The force of a Takata airbag explosion can fracture steering wheel covers, dashboards and other plastic panels—sending plastic fragments flying throughout the cabin. Explosions can also send metal shards and other shrapnel from the airbag itself into drivers’ and passengers’ faces and bodies. Airbag shrapnel injuries will often require stitches or sutures, and they can leave drivers and passengers with permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Arm Injuries

The force of a Takata faulty airbag explosion can cause arm injuries as well. If a driver is holding onto the steering wheel when an airbag explodes, the force of the explosion can cause fractures, burns and other forms of trauma. For passengers, arm injuries commonly occur when exploding airbags force their arms into windows, B-pillars, and other solid objects in the vehicle.

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries from airbag explosions can result from shrapnel, chemical exposure, and blunt-force trauma. These injuries can have consequences ranging from temporary visual impairments to total blindness, and they can require treatment ranging from cleansing to surgery. Sadly, eye injuries caused by Takata airbag explosions will be permanent in some cases.

Chest Injuries

The force of impact from an exploding airbag can also cause serious, and potentially life-threatening chest injuries. These include chest wall injuries, collapsed lungs and broken ribs, among others. Seat belts can cause chest injuries during high-speed accidents as well, and chest pain, bruising, difficulty breathing, and tenderness to the touch are all signs that emergency medical treatment may be necessary.

Facial Injuries

Takata airbag injuries can include cuts, burns, fractures, and nerve and tissue damage to a victim’s face. Depending on the nature and severity of a facial injury, it can potentially have long-term (or permanent effects), including scarring and disfigurement. Drivers and passengers who suffer facial injuries will frequently suffer eye and ear injuries as well, and these injuries can require prompt and invasive treatment (including surgery) followed by a long road to recovery.

Leg Injuries

Leg injuries from Takata faulty airbag explosions most often happen when passengers are riding with their feet on the dashboard. If a passenger has his or her legs on the dashboard when a frontal airbag explodes, the forces involved can be enough to break both hips, while also causing various other forms of trauma. These injuries may require surgery and a long recovery period as well, and passengers who suffer airbag-related leg injuries may suffer from chronic pain, limited mobility and other long-term complications.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

One of the greatest risks associated with Takata Corporation’s defective airbags is the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The forces generated by an explosion are more than enough to cause a concussion, coup-contrecoup injury or another more-serious form of TBI. Anyone who experiences symptoms of a TBI (i.e., headaches, visual impairments, loss of consciousness, or difficulty sleeping) after an airbag explosion should seek treatment promptly. They should also talk to a lawyer about filing a claim for a Takata airbag injury.

Due to the risk of serious internal injuries, if you are experiencing pain or any other symptoms after an accident involving a Takata airbag deployment, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Not only is this important for your health, but it is also important for protecting your legal rights.

Fatal Injuries from Takata Airbag Explosions

While most Takata airbag injuries are not fatal, there are exceptions. Sadly, Takata’s defective airbags have been blamed for multiple deaths across the United States. Whether due to brain trauma, internal injuries, puncturing the carotid artery, cardiovascular complications or other causes, deaths linked to Takata’s defective airbags can devastate families, and they can leave spouses, children and other loved ones facing significant financial losses.

Along with Takata airbag injury cases, we also handle cases involving Takata airbag deaths. If you have lost a loved one due to a Takata airbag defect, it is important that you seek help. Our lawyers can explain your family’s legal rights in detail, and we can work to recover financial compensation on your family’s behalf.

Treatment Options (and Costs) for Takata Airbag Injuries

The treatment options for non-fatal Takata airbag injuries vary widely. Treatment options depend on both the nature and severity of a driver’s or passenger’s injury—with emergency treatment being necessary in some (but not all) cases. With this in mind, some examples of potential forms of treatment for Takata airbag injuries include:

Rest and Rehabilitation – From concussions to soft tissue injuries, rest is a critical aspect of the recovery process for many types of airbag-related injuries. With adequate rest, the body can begin to heal, and then the rehabilitation process can begin.
Surgery – In some cases, rest and rehabilitation won’t be enough. Torn muscles and tendons, severe bone fractures, severe burns, eye injuries, collapsed lungs, and many other types of airbag-related injuries will require surgery. When surgery is necessary, getting the necessary procedure promptly can be critical for mitigating the risk of long-term complications.
Physical or Occupational Therapy – Regardless of whether surgery is necessary, physical and occupational therapy can also be essential forms of treatment for physical injuries caused by Takata airbag explosions. Strengthening the muscles, ligaments and tendons after an injury and regaining flexibility and mobility can be essential for returning to work and maintaining a good quality of life.
Medications – Several forms of medication may be necessary during the recovery process. Your doctor may recommend pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications and other prescription drugs in order to manage your pain and facilitate the recovery process.
Stitches, Sutures and Wound Care – Injuries such as severe lacerations and punctures may require stitches or sutures, as well as attentive wound care to prevent infections and other risks. Unfortunately, while these forms of treatment will be necessary in some cases, they can leave drivers and passengers with permanent scars.

While getting the treatment you need is essential, it can also be very expensive. Regardless of the type (or types) of care you need, your medical costs can add up quickly. Add to this your loss of income during the recovery process, and you can find yourself facing significant financial losses. Your lawyer can fight to recover these losses—while also seeking just compensation for your pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Filing a Takata Airbag Injury Lawsuit

Recovering your losses from a Takata airbag injury will involve filing a lawsuit against Takata or your vehicle’s manufacturer. This requires experienced legal representation, and you will need to work with your lawyer throughout the process to maximize your chances of a full financial recovery. Here are five important facts about filing a Takata injury lawsuit:

You Only Have a Limited Amount of Time to File – The statute of limitations establishes a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit for a Takata airbag injury. If you wait too long and the statute of limitations expires, you won’t be able to recover any financial compensation.
The Sooner You Take Action, The Better – Even if you still have time before the statute of limitations expires, it is still best to take action as soon as possible. Unnecessary delays can make it harder to assert your legal rights; and, if you make mistakes before filing your lawsuit, this can also prevent you from recovering the financial compensation you deserve.
You May Be Entitled to Significant Financial Compensation – The financial and non-financial costs of a Takata airbag injury can be substantial. You are entitled to just compensation for your current and future losses, and your future losses could far exceed the costs you have incurred to date.
You May Be Able to Obtain an Out-of-Court Settlement – Many airbag injury lawsuits result in out-of-court settlements. If you have serious airbag injuries, you may receive a settlement offer before your case goes to trial. If you do, you will need to make an informed decision about whether to accept or keep fighting for more.
Hiring a Lawyer is the First Step Toward Recovering Your Losses – No matter how long it has been since your injury or how much you are entitled to recover, consulting with a lawyer is the first step toward asserting your legal rights. Your lawyer may file a lawsuit on your behalf, negotiate for a favorable settlement, and take your case to trial if necessary.

It Costs Nothing Out-of-Pocket to Hire a Lawyer for a Takata Airbag Injury

Another important fact to know about seeking just compensation for a Takata airbag injury is that it costs nothing out-of-pocket to hire a lawyer. At Willis Law Firm Airbag Injury Lawyers, we represent all of our clients on a contingency-fee basis. With contingency-fee representation, you pay no up-front or monthly fees, and you pay nothing at all unless we help you obtain just compensation.

Do Not Let a Takata Airbag Injury Unnecessarily Impact Your Life

If you have been seriously injured by a defective Takata airbag, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is doing nothing. While hiring a lawyer can seem overwhelming, it is extremely important. It is also much more straightforward than most people realize.

At Willis Law Firm Airbag Injury Lawyers, we make the process of asserting your legal rights as easy as possible. We will explain everything you need to know, and we will handle most of the process on your behalf. We will help you make informed decisions, and we will work hard to make sure you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.

FAQs: Filing a Takata Airbag Injury Claim

How Much Will I Get from the Takata Airbag Settlement?

Recovering financial compensation for injuries sustained due to a Takata airbag defect requires legal action. While Takata entered into a $1 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2017, only a relatively small portion of this was earmarked to compensate victims, and Takata filed for bankruptcy shortly after pleading guilty during the DOJ’s criminal probe. As a result, if you think that you may be entitled to financial compensation for a Takata airbag injury, you should speak with a lawyer about filing a claim as soon as possible.

If you have a claim, the amount you are entitled to recover depends on the effects of your (or your loved one’s) airbag related injuries. Generally speaking, victims of airbag-related injuries can seek compensation for their current and future medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other financial and non-financial losses. Families that have lost loved ones can seek compensation for their financial and non-financial losses as well. But, the value of your claim depends on your individual circumstances, and you will need to work closely with an experienced lawyer to determine how much you deserve to recover.

What Cars Are Affected by the Takata Airbag Recall?

Numerous cars are affected by the Takata airbag recall. The NHTSA maintains a running list of vehicles that are subject to recalls and that present risks for Takata airbag injuries. Automakers that have issued recalls related to Takata airbag defects include:

Acura (Honda)
2003 Acura 3.2CL
2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL
2013-2016 Acura ILX
2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid
2003-2006 Acura MDX
2007-2016 Acura RDX
2005-2012 Acura RL
2009-2014 Acura TL
2009-2014 Acura TSX
2010-2013 Acura ZDX
Audi (VW)
2006-2013 Audi A3
2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant
2007-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan
2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet
2006-2011 Audi A6 Avant
2005-2011 Audi A6 Sedan
2009-2012 Audi Q5
2017 Audi R8
2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
2007-2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan
2005-2008 Audi S4 Avant
2007-2009 Audi S4 Cabriolet
2005-2008 Audi S4 Sedan
2010-2012 Audi S5 Cabriolet
2007-2011 Audi S6 Sedan
2016-2017 Audi TT
BMW
2008-2013 BMW 1 Series
2000-2013 BMW 3 Series
2001-2003 BMW 5 Series
2013-2015 BMW X1
2007-2010 BMW X3
2001-2003 BMW X5
2007-2013 BMW X5
2008-2014 BMW X6
2010-2011 BMW X6 Hybrid
Cadillac (GM)
2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade
2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Chevrolet (GM)
2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD
2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado LD
2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
2007-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
Chrysler
2005-2015 Chrysler 300
2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen
2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire
Daimler Trucks North America (Sterling Bullet)
2008-2009 Sterling Bullet
Daimler Vans USA LLC (Sprinter)
2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter
2007-2017 Freightliner Sprinter
2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Dodge/Ram (Chrysler)
2008-2014 Dodge Challenger
2006-2015 Dodge Charger
2005-2011 Dodge Dakota
2004-2009 Dodge Durango
2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
2003-2008 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 Pickup
2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup
2007-2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup
2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis
Ferrari
2010-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale
2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A
2012-2015 Ferrari 458 Spider
2016-2017 Ferrari 488 GTB
2016-2017 Ferrari 488 Spider
2009-2014 Ferrari California
2015-2017 Ferrari California T
2013-2017 Ferrari F12
2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf
2016 Ferrari F60
2012-2016 Ferrari FF
2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
Fisker (Karma)
2012 Fisker Karma
Ford
2007-2010 Ford Edge
2006-2012 Ford Fusion
2005-2006 Ford GT
2005-2014 Ford Mustang
2004-2011 Ford Ranger
GMC (GM)
2007-2014 GMC Sierra HD
2007-2013 GMC Sierra LD
2007-2014 GMC Yukon
2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL
Honda
2001-2012 Honda Accord
2001-2011 Honda Civic
2003-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
2001-2011 Honda Civic NGV
2010-2015 Honda Crosstour
2002-2011 Honda CR-V
2011-2015 Honda CR-Z
2003-2011 Honda Element
2010-2014 Honda FCX Clarity
2007-2013 Honda Fit
2013-2014 Honda Fit EV
2010-2014 Honda Insight
2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
2003-2015 Honda Pilot
2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline
Infiniti (Nissan)
2003-2008 Infiniti FX
2001 Infiniti I30
2002-2004 Infiniti I35
2006-2010 Infiniti M
2002-2003 Infiniti QX4
Jaguar
2009-2015 Jaguar XF
Jeep (Chrysler)
2007-2016 Jeep Wrangler
Land Rover (Jaguar Land Rover)
2007-2012 Land Rover Range Rover
Lexus (Toyota)
2007-2012 Lexus ES350
2010-2017 Lexus GX460
2006-2013 Lexus IS250/350
2010-2015 Lexus IS250C/350C
2008-2014 Lexus IS F
2012 Lexus LFA
2002-2010 Lexus SC430
Lincoln (Ford)
2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
2006-2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ
Mazda
2004-2009 Mazda B-Series
2007-2012 Mazda CX-7
2007-2015 Mazda CX-9
2003-2013 Mazda6
2006-2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed6
2004-2006 Mazda MPV
2004-2011 Mazda RX-8
McLaren
2016-2017 McLaren 570
2015-2016 McLaren 650S
2016 McLaren 675LT
2012-2014 McLaren MP4-12C
2011 McLaren P1TM
2013-2015 McLaren P1TM
Mercedes-Benz
2005-2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2011-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio
2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
2010-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
2009-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class
Mercury (Ford)
2006-2011 Mercury Milan
Mitsubishi
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
2016-2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
2004-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer
2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider
Nissan
2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
2007-2012 Nissan Versa
Pontiac (GM)
2003-2010 Pontiac Vibe
Saab (GM)
2005-2006 Saab 9-2x
2006-2011 Saab 9-3
2006-2009 Saab 9-5
Saturn (GM)
2008-2009 Saturn Astra
Scion (Toyota)
2008-2015 Scion XB
Subaru
2003-2006 Subaru Baja
2009-2013 Subaru Forester
2004-2011 Subaru Impreza (Including WRX/STI)
2003-2014 Subaru Legacy
2003-2014 Subaru Outback
2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca
2012-2014 Subaru WRX/STI
Tesla
2012-2016 Tesla Model S
Toyota
2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
2003-2013 Toyota Corolla
2003-2013 Toyota Corolla Matrix
2004-2005 Toyota Rav4
2002-2007 Toyota Sequoia
2011-2014 Toyota Sienna
2003-2006 Toyota Tundra
2006-2011 Toyota Yaris (Hatchback)
2007-2012 Toyota Yaris (Sedan)
Volkswagen
2009-2017 Volkswagen CC
2010-2014 Volkswagen Eos
2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf
2013 Volkswagen Golf R
2009-2013 Volkswagen GTI
2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat
2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
2017-2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

If you have a vehicle from one of these manufacturers, you will need to review the NHTSA’s list to determine if your specific model (and model year) are subject to a recall. Alternatively, you can contact your vehicle’s manufacturer or your local dealership. If you need to get your vehicle’s airbags replaced, you will need to contact your vehicle’s manufacturer or your local dealership to schedule an appointment as well.

What Was the Outcome of the Takata Airbag Case?

While Takata Corporation’s criminal case was resolved via a $1 billion settlement with the DOJ, lawsuits related to Takata’s defective airbags remain pending across the country. This includes not only lawsuits against Takata Corporation, but also lawsuits against auto manufacturers that sold vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. If you or a loved one was harmed by a Takata airbag, you should talk to a lawyer about filing a lawsuit as soon as possible.

What Defect was Found in Takata Airbags?

Takata Corporation’s defective airbags were equipped with faulty inflator mechanisms. These faulty airbag inflators are prone to exploding without warning when exposed to moisture, and they can also explode violently during a collision instead of deploying safely. Tragically, the inflator defect in Takata Corporation’s airbags has been blamed for numerous injuries and dozens of fatalities.

What Financial Compensation Is Available to Victims of Takata Corporation’s Faulty Airbags?

If you have a claim for financial compensation for serious injuries caused by Takata Corporation’s faulty airbags, you are entitled to recover the money you need to cover all of your out-of-pocket losses—both now and in the future. You are entitled to compensation for your current and future non-financial losses as well. With this in mind, when you hire us to handle your Takata airbag injury claim, we will seek the following types of financial compensation on your behalf:

Payment for all of the medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses and therapy costs you incur as a result of your serious injury (or serious injuries) from a defective Takata airbag;
Reimbursement for your loss of income and benefits if you suffered a Takata airbag injury that has prevented you from working (or will prevent you from working in the future);
Reimbursement for any other out-of-pocket costs you may incur as a result of your accident involving Takata’s defective airbag inflators;
Compensation for your pain, suffering, emotional trauma, loss of consortium and companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life; and,
Compensation for any permanent disabilities or disfigurement you suffered as a result of a defective Takata airbag deployment.

How much can we help you recover if you have a Takata airbag injury claim? The answer to this question depends on your specific circumstances. Once we get to know you and gain a comprehensive understanding of your injuries and the costs you have incurred (and will incur in the future), then we will be able to provide an accurate assessment of the value of your claim.

We provide these services for free. It costs you nothing to learn about your legal rights. If you decide that you want to pursue your Takata airbag injury claim, then we will handle your claim on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you pay nothing unless you win.

Do You Have a Takata Airbag Injury Claim? Find Out for Free

Do you have a Takata airbag injury claim? Contact us to find out. Airbag injury lawyer David P. Willis is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer since 1988 and has been representing injured clients against product makers and the automobile manufacturers for 40+ years. To discuss your legal rights with Mr. Willis in confidence, call us or request a free consultation online today.