Takata Airbag Recall Lawsuit Attorney

The Takata airbag recall involved the use of a cheap, volatile ingredient in Takata’s manufacturing of millions of airbags. From 2000 to 2008 the company kept quiet about these defects. As a result, over 20 people have been killed and hundreds more severely injured because of these defective airbags.

Our firm founder John Foy says, “In my more than 20 years of practice, this Takata case is one of the most outrageous examples of corporate greed and negligence.”

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Takata airbag accident or if you have questions about this case, call our class-action lawyers at John Foy & Associates at 404-400-4000. We are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions.

What caused the airbags manufactured by Takata to be defective?

Simply put, the pursuit of a cheaper and easier path led to these defective airbags. Takata replaced a safe chemical compound ingredient with a volatile compound simply because the compound was so much cheaper. In addition, Takata executives admitted to knowing about these defects, but still continued to supply car manufacturers with millions of airbags.

Did the Takata corporation admit to wrongdoing?

Takata Corporation was founded in Shiga, Japan, in 1933. Initially built as a parachute company, Takata was one of the innovators of the two-point seat belts used in cars today. In fact, it built the first crash-test plant in the world. However, its reputation was first sullied in 1995 with a seatbelt recall. And in 2014, Takata executives admitted to the New York Times that they knew their plants in Mexico were not properly storing the chemicals used to manufacture airbags. The Times suggests that because there are only three global suppliers of airbags car manufacturers continued to use Takata airbags.

How many deaths and injuries were caused by the Takata Airbags?

At least 10 injuries worldwide have been caused by Takata Airbags, including the recent death of a Georgia man who was driving in South Carolina. More than 100 people have claimed injuries from these defective airbags.

What types of injuries were caused by the Takata Airbags?

Because these defective airbags cause a shrapnel-like explosion, these injuries can be quite horrific, mimicking a shooting or knifing death. In fact, the first few airbag deaths were investigated as homicides because investigators assumed the victims had been shot or stabbed.

Injuries include:

• Eye injuries, including blindness, from flying shrapnel
• Skull and other bone fractures
• Blunt force trauma
• Trauma to organs
• Scrapes and bruises
• Head, neck, and spine injuries
• Hearing loss
• Paralysis

What are the make and models of the automobiles affected by the defective Takata Airbags?

The government has listed the vehicles affected by defective Takata Airbags.

You can also check your car by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at Safercar.gov. We urge you to contact your local dealership and get your car repaired. It should be free of charge. Please let us know if an unscrupulous dealer charges you. Call our attorneys at 404-400-4000.

Honda also has a recall site to check your VIN to see if your car needs new airbags.

What caused this defect to happen?

In 2001, Takata replaced a long-time used chemical compound, tetrazole, with a less expensive one called ammonium nitrite. Unfortunately, ammonium nitrite is not a stable compound and breaks down in hot and humid conditions. Ammonium nitrite was used in the homemade bomb that exploded in Oklahoma City in 1995. This chemical reaction to heat and humidity causes the breakdown of these airbags, and this is why humid parts of the country, such as Georgia, Florida, and Southern California have been particularly affected.

Is the U.S. government taking action?

The United States government has taken action, forcing a recall, as well as fining Takata $70 million for failing to promptly disclose the defect. The penalty can increase to $130 million if Takata does not obey the agreement it made with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the New York Times.

Was there a recall on the defective Takata Airbags?

Yes, there was a massive recall on defective Takata Airbags for many cars manufactured from 2000 to 2008. This list is contained on this government website, http://www.safercar.gov/rs/takata/takatalist.html.

NHTSA warnings about Takata airbags

The NHTSA has issued two warnings about Takata airbag defects. The first concerns Alpha airbags.

Alpha airbags are the most dangerous and are therefore the most important to repair. Honda and Acura vehicles from 2001 to 2003 come equipped with alpha airbags, as do 2006 Ford Rangers and Mazda B-Series trucks.

The NHTSA’s second warning is that more vehicles are expected to pop up on future lists of Takata airbag recalls. If you’ve suffered injuries as a result of faulty airbags, give our attorneys a call today.

What are the allegations being filed against the Takata corporation and the automobile manufacturers?

The government states that Takata and car manufacturer Honda knew about these defects in 2004 and did not notify the NHTSA. The Wall Street Journal found internal company memos that showed that Takata knew about the airbag defects as early as 2000, four years before Honda started testing these airbags.

If I or a loved one was injured or killed due to the defective Takata Airbags what steps should I take?

If you or a loved one was injured, or if a loved one was killed, due to a defective airbag, we are devastated for your loss. When you purchase a car, you have the right to expect that manufacturers had your safety and comfort as their No. 1 goal. A car is a 1.5-ton machine and every piece must be carefully built. That is the public covenant car manufacturers must make. Nothing makes us madder than when a billion-dollar company deceives and harms or even kills an innocent person.

If you or a loved one has been harmed, we can decide to join a class action suit or file a personal injury claim against Takata and the car manufacturer. If a loved one has been killed from injuries caused by a defective Takata airbag, we can file a wrongful death case to compensate the appropriate family.

Will Takata claiming bankruptcy affect your ability to collect compensation?

In 2017, Takata filed for bankruptcy. However, while Takata may now be history, a small branch still exists solely to handle airbag part replacements. And there is still money available to compensate accident victims suing for damages, particularly from the automakers like Honda that set aside cash reserves to handle such a thing.

So, no, Takata claiming bankruptcy has no effect on your ability to seek compensation for injuries resulting from their faulty airbags.

How can John Foy & Associates assist me with my case?

John Foy & Associates is one of Atlanta’s most established personal injury law firms. With around 30 attorneys and 100 employees, we can afford to go up against a billion-dollar multinational company. Our outrage at what has happened to you fuels our already strong commitment to protecting those who have been harmed by someone else’s negligence. Whether we decide to file a personal injury claim or join a class-action lawsuit, we guarantee personal attention to your case.

Call a Takata Airbag Recall Lawsuit Attorney at 404-400-4000 and let’s get to work.