Court to Decide on Takata Airbag Case Consolidation
Chris Welsh, Esq.
Later this month, there will be a hearing to decide whether federally-filed Takata Airbag cases should be consolidated for one district court and, if so, which in particular.
Takata, a Japanese auto supplier, has struggled with airbag ruptures for nearly two decades (NY Times). The cause is believe to be an
Attorney Chris Welsh
unstable compound that blows up in response to pressure or temperature changes. The explosion may be due to the fact that Takata is reportedly the only supplier to use ammonium nitrate, an explosive chemical, to inflate airbags rapidly. The faulty airbag has been linked to at least five deaths and many injuries, which have translated to thousands of lawsuits alleging that Takata hid critical information about the fatal defect.
Despite allegations, Takata stands by its use of the chemical and points to a propellant issue–which it claims to have fixed. Still, there has been a recall of 7.8 million vehicles from ten different automakers to replace the dangerous airbags.
To find out more about the recall, Takata’s history, and how it may affect you, visit consumerreports.org. If you or a loved one has been injured by a Takata airbag, you may want to consider legal action. Contact an attorney to discuss your options.