Air Bag Inflator Deployment Results in Death

An inappropriate airbag inflator deployment not only leveled a woman’s home but also claimed her life in late August of 2016.

In the small town of Quemado, airbag inflators produced by Takata Corp. exploded in a truck that was carrying them, and which a subcontractor was operating at the time.

The explosion killed Lucila Robles and injured four others.

Takata said that their company follows strict procedures regarding how its products are transported and that these procedures meet all government regulations. The problem, however, lies in the ammonium nitrate.

Ammonium nitrate is used to create the small explosion which fills these airbags so quickly in a crash. This chemical can slowly deteriorate when it is exposed to humidity and prolonged heat. This can cause the product to burn too fast, blow apart the metal canister, and then hurl shrapnel into anyone inside of the vehicle.

Takata is now facing multiple class-action lawsuits due to its defective and dangerous airbag inflators.

How to Prove a Defective Liability Claim

Proving a defective liability claim may differ slightly from state to state, but the basics are always:

  • Proving you were injured or suffered any kind of loss as the result of the product
  • Providing that the product is/was defective
  • Showing how the defect resulted in personal injury
  • Proving that you used the product as it was designed to be used

What If I Was Not Using It “As Designed?”

In the situation above, the product was not being used as it was designed to be used (i.e. in the event of a collision). But in this story it is clear that the product was clearly defective.

Let’s say, however, that you were using garden clippers which were marketed as being ideal clippers for snipping your favorite flowers. If you then chose to use those clippers to snip some of your favorite herbs in the garden and the blade then snaps off and causes you injury, you will likely still have a valid claim even though you were not using the clippers to cut flowers.

Seeking Legal Assistance for Your Claim

If you are sure that your claim satisfies the four above basic elements, then it is time to reach out and contact Charles J. Argento.

Charles J. Argento & Associates has allowed victims of defective products including asbestos and medical devices recover maximum damages for their injuries in the Houston area for over three decades. To speak to one of our Houston defective product attorneys today, please call (713) 225-5050.

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