Takata Airbag Lawsuit Loans

Takata Airbag Lawsuit Overview

Drivers and passengers rely on airbags in the event of an accident. However, consumers are now learning that certain types of airbags can be very dangerous. Especially alarming is that the airbag manufacturer Takata tried to hide these risks. Continue reading this article to learn more about Takata airbag settlements, how to file a claim, and lawsuit loans.

The more valuable a case, the higher the chance of a larger settlement for the plaintiff. In strong cases, the plaintiff has most likely endured significant injury and loss of quality of life, amounting to higher damages.

Unfortunately, the plaintiff is often left with the financial burden until a settlement arrives. To make matters worse, mass tort product liability cases like Takata can take time. Lawyers often spend years testing cases before settling some mass tort claims.

In the meantime, Takata airbag lawsuit loans can help cover your expenses. If all of the following are true, you may qualify:

• You or a loved one suffered damages as a result of faulty Takata airbags and are engaged in active litigation.
• An expert has determined that your Takata airbag was faulty and did not perform as intended.

Takata Airbag Recall and Lawsuit

Takata made headlines when its defective airbags resulted in 17 deaths and over 180 injuries. Faulty Takata airbags would sometimes explode, causing metal shrapnel to fly at drivers and their passengers. More disturbingly, Takata was aware of the risks associated with its airbags. Over a decade ago, it conducted secret tests and tried to hide the evidence.

Its airbag recall is the largest in American automotive history, with more than 60 million cars recalled. This number is expected to grow to 90 or even 100 million. Many plaintiffs continue to file lawsuits against the manufacturer after these recalls. In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) charged Takata with a civil penalty of $200 million. In January 2017, Takata pled guilty to criminal misconduct, which led it to reach a $1 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Many car brands (Toyota, BMW, Mazda, Subaru, and Nissan) agreed to pay a $553 million settlement in order to resolve charges related to economic losses. However, this does not cover personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage lawsuits. Many plaintiffs still look to file lawsuits against Takata to recover damages for injury and wrongful death.

Recently, Takata filed for bankruptcy and announced a recall of 2.7 million additional vehicles from Ford, Mazda, and Nissan with calcium sulfate inflators.

Past Settlements

Parham v. Takata

• In 2009, Ashley Parham was involved in a minor accident when the airbag in her Honda Accord shot shrapnel into her neck. The shrapnel sliced an artery, and she bled to death. The Parham family then filed a wrongful death lawsuit, which Takata quickly settled for an undisclosed amount.

Williams v. Takata

• In 2010, Kristy Williams’ airbag exploded while she waited at a red light. The explosion caused shrapnel to sever her carotid artery. While Williams survived, she suffers from strokes, seizures, and a speech disorder. She filed a lawsuit against Takata, and the manufacturer settled for an undisclosed amount in 2011.

Rathore v. Takata

• In 2009, a mail truck struck Gurjit Rathore’s Honda Accord, causing her airbag to explode. Shrapnel fired into her chest and neck, resulting in her death. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Takata, and the company settled for $3 million.

Johnston v. Takata and Honda

• In 2015, Randi Johnston was involved in an accident when a Takata airbag fired shrapnel into her face and neck, resulting in vocal cord damage. Johnston filed a lawsuit against Takata, Honda, and the car dealership. In 2016, the defendants reached an undisclosed settlement.

Hanif v. Takata and Honda

• In 2016, Huma Hanif’s Civic rear-ended another vehicle. The airbag fired shrapnel into Hanif’s neck, and she died at the scene. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Takata, Honda, and Westside Hummer (where the vehicle was purchased). The defendants reached an undisclosed settlement that same year.

Uplift Legal Funding

If you or a loved one is suffering as a result of a defective Takata airbag, you should consider filing a claim. Uplift Legal Funding can help cover your medical costs, lost wages, and other life expenses so that you can negotiate a higher settlement. Best of all, if you do not win the case, you do not owe us anything! Apply online or give us a call at (800) 385-3660.