Takata Airbag Recall Lawsuits Continue To Mount
Takata Corporation, which makes airbags for vehicles, has been accused in a legal complaint of covering up evidence of lethal defects in the safety devices, which have prompted the recalls of some 8 million autos this year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cautions that the faulty airbags can over-inflate and explode, potentially projecting dangerous shrapnel into the passenger side of the vehicle.
The Takata-manufactured airbags have been linked to at least four fatalities in the United States, after the bags exploded, discharging shrapnel at occupants.
Takata airbag recall class action lawsuits filed
In a recent airbag recall lawsuit filed against Takata in Los Angeles district court, the plaintiff contends that the company was aware of test results indicating the device’s flaws ten years ago, but destroyed evidence of the study. Of the 8 million recalled vehicles, approximately 6 million were made by Honda Motor Co., which is also being sued in a class action brought by eight plaintiffs.
Court dockets indicate that five class action lawsuits regarding the defective airbags are currently pending in four federal courts, with each arguing that Takata manufactured faulty parts to Honda and other major automotive makers.
Given the uptick in litigation over the airbag recalls, a group of claimants has petitioned the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to consolidate all federally-filed cases before one judge in Southern District of Florida. Pretrial coordination as multidistrict litigation under the guidance of the honorable Judge James King would help expedite discovery, reduce inconsistent rulings and conserve judicial resources, according to the plaintiffs.
Regardless if the claims proceed individually or are joined together for pretrial proceedings, legal counsel for the plaintiffs will fight for maximum compensation on the basis of strict liability – manufacturing defects and other causes of action. The Sanders Firm product liability lawyers represent clients nationwide who have suffered personal injury, economic losses, property damage or the wrongful death of a loved one due to automotive defects and recalls.
Defective auto part litigation and compensation available
According to allegations in one Takata complaint filed in California federal court this year, “Takata and Honda repeatedly failed to fully investigate the problem and issue proper recalls, allowing the problem to proliferate and cause numerous injuries and at least four deaths over the last 13 years.”
In the wake of a serious vehicle accident caused by a faulty airbag, a product liability claim or wrongful death lawsuit can help victims recover past and future medical expenses, lost wages, compensation for emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. While the amount of monetary damages will vary depending on the case, juries routinely hand down multi-million dollar verdicts to those who have suffered harm because of manufacturing defects – whether committed by an auto maker or medical device company.
Assistance filing an airbag recall lawsuit
Bloomberg News says that continuing investigations will almost certainly focus not only on airbag manufacturing flaws, but on Takata’s use of an explosive chemical to inflate the bags. The Takata airbag recalls have impacted at least ten automakers in the U.S.
If you or a loved one has experienced financial loss or physical harm from Takata’s defective airbags and you want to explore your legal options, please contact The Sanders Firm for a no-cost consultation.
Our firm has the combined experience, resources and diligence to advocate effectively on your behalf. Protect your legal rights and call us anytime at 1.800 FAIR PLAY (800.324.7752).
