Airbag-Related Injuries

Joseph Conboy | December 13, 2024
Airbag-related injuries

Car accidents can leave drivers and passengers with severe injuries. While airbags are meant to protect you, they can sometimes cause harm. Airbag injuries happen when the airbag deploys with too much force, at the wrong time, or due to defects. These injuries can range from minor cuts to life-altering trauma.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers help car accident victims pursue compensation for airbag-related injuries. Our team understands how devastating injuries from airbag deployment can be.

We work to hold manufacturers and other responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one suffered serious airbag-related injuries, we can help.

Common Types of Airbag-Related Injuries

Common Types of Airbag-Related Injuries

Airbag injuries vary depending on the force of the airbag deployment and the position of the vehicle occupants during the crash. Here are common airbag injuries:

  • Facial injuries: Cuts, bruises, and fractures caused by the airbag’s impact.
  • Chest injuries: Broken ribs or internal injuries from the pressure of the airbag against the chest.
  • Neck injuries: Whiplash or strained muscles due to sudden movement during airbag deployment.
  • Eye injuries: Scratches or burns from the airbag material or chemicals.
  • Traumatic brain injury: Happens when the head strikes the steering wheel or dashboard, even with an airbag.
  • Broken bones: Fractures to the arms, hands, or face caused by the airbag’s rapid inflation.

Each of these injuries can have long-term consequences. Seeking legal help is critical for car accident victims dealing with airbag deployment injuries.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer for a FREE Consultation

 Get Your Case Started Today

Causes of Airbag-Related Injuries

Causes of airbag-related injuries

Airbag injuries often occur due to defects or improper deployment. These issues can cause serious airbag-related injuries to drivers and passengers. Some of the most common causes are:

Defective Airbag Systems

Faulty airbags are a leading cause of airbag injuries. Defects can include malfunctioning sensors, damaged inflators, or poor design. For example, some airbags fail to deploy during a crash, leaving drivers and passengers unprotected. Others deploy without warning, leading to devastating injuries.

Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring airbags meet safety standards, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration oversees. When manufacturers cut corners, car accident victims may suffer life-changing injuries. Legal action can hold them accountable and help victims recover damages.

Improper Deployment Due to Sensor Issues

Airbags rely on sensors to deploy at the right time. Faulty sensors can cause airbags to deploy too late, too early, or not at all. When an airbag deploys improperly, it puts drivers and passengers at risk of serious injuries.

For example, the airbag could deploy unnecessarily if a sensor misreads a minor bump as a major collision. This might lead to facial, chest, or neck injuries. Similarly, delayed deployment in a crash can lead to very serious injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI) or broken bones.

Sensor-related issues often stem from manufacturing defects or poor vehicle maintenance. These problems highlight the importance of addressing airbag-related injuries promptly and seeking compensation when negligence is involved.

Injuries From Exploding Airbags in Recalls

Numerous recalls have been issued in recent years regarding exploding airbags. These faulty airbags deploy with excessive force, sometimes sending sharp fragments flying. Drivers and passengers can suffer internal injuries, scarring, and even life-threatening wounds.

The Takata airbag recall is one of the largest in history. It revealed how defective airbags could cause devastating injuries. Many car accident victims reported eye injuries, internal bleeding, and severe facial injuries due to these explosions.

If a recalled airbag injured you, you might be entitled to compensation. Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers can help determine if a defective airbag caused your injuries. Taking legal action can ensure accountability and support your recovery.

Long-Term Consequences of Airbag Injuries

Airbag injuries can leave lasting physical and emotional effects. These long-term consequences often require extensive medical care and can disrupt daily life.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Airbag injuries often lead to scarring or permanent disfigurement. Facial injuries caused by the airbag’s force or chemical burns from deployment can leave lasting marks. Deep cuts or broken bones may require surgeries, leading to visible scars. These injuries can impact a victim’s self-confidence and quality of life.

Scarring is not just physical; it can also carry emotional weight, especially for car accident victims who experience ongoing trauma. Compensation for scarring and disfigurement can help cover medical expenses, reconstructive surgeries, and emotional therapy.

Psychological Trauma From Car Accidents

The emotional toll of airbag-related injuries is significant. Many car accident victims develop psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The sudden deployment of an airbag, combined with the accident itself, can trigger lasting mental health challenges.

Victims may experience flashbacks, difficulty driving, or fear of future accidents. Emotional recovery often requires therapy and time, adding to the financial strain of medical costs.

Chronic Pain or Impaired Vision

Chronic pain is a common long-term consequence of airbag injuries. Neck injuries, chest injuries, or head trauma can result in lingering discomfort that interferes with daily activities. In some cases, airbag deployment causes eye injuries, leading to impaired vision.

Victims may need ongoing treatments, including pain management or vision correction surgeries. These complications can reduce work productivity and overall quality of life. Compensation can help ease the financial burden of continuous medical care.

Determining Liability in Airbag Injury Cases

Determining liability in airbag injury cases

Establishing liability is key to seeking justice for airbag-related injuries. Identifying the responsible party often depends on the specific cause of the injury. Liability can lie with manufacturers, mechanics, or even the driver. Some of the most common scenarios that determine fault are:

Manufacturer Liability for Defective Airbags

Car makers are responsible for making safe airbags. When faulty airbags are installed, they can cause serious injuries. For example, defective airbags may not deploy in a crash, or they may explode, harming drivers and passengers.

These problems are often due to bad designs or mistakes in production. If a manufacturer’s error caused your injuries, they might be held accountable.

Role of Vehicle Maintenance and Faulty Repairs

Regular maintenance is important to keep airbags working right. If repairs are done poorly, it can cause airbag problems. For example, a mechanic might install the wrong part, leading to improper airbag deployment.

In these cases, the repair shop or mechanic could be at fault. It is their job to fix cars safely. When they fail, drivers and passengers can suffer injuries.

Driver Liability for Improper Usage of Safety Features

Drivers also play a role in airbag safety. If a driver doesn’t wear a seat belt or places a child in the front seat, it can make airbag injuries worse. Airbags are designed to work with other safety features, like seat belts. Misusing these features can lead to injuries during a crash. In some cases, drivers may share fault for their injuries. Even so, victims still have legal options.

Compensation for Airbag Injury Victims

Victims of airbag injuries can seek compensation for their losses. This includes covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain from the injuries. If the injuries caused permanent damage, victims might also receive compensation for ongoing care or reduced quality of life. The amount depends on the severity of the injuries and who is at fault.

Speak With Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer.

call (312) 726 9000

How We Maximize the Value of Your Case

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers use a detailed approach to get you the best outcome. We investigate every detail of your airbag injury, including the cause, the severity of the injuries, and the financial impact. We gather strong evidence and consult experts to strengthen your case.

Our team also negotiates aggressively with insurance companies to ensure fair payouts. If needed, we are ready to take your case to court. By understanding your needs and building a strong case, we help maximize your compensation.

Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

Contact our Chicago personal injury lawyer for a free case consultation

If you or a loved one suffered airbag-related injuries, Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers are here to help. Our experienced team understands the challenges car accident victims face. We will guide you through the legal process and fight to get the compensation you deserve.

Don’t face this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and take the first steps toward justice. Let us help you secure the support you need to move forward by holding the responsible parties accountable.

Thanks to this amazing law firm, I was able to successfully bring justice and get the help I needed. They really care a lot about their clients, they’re 100 percent fully involved in your case and will do the most to make sure you get the help you need. Thanks for everything!
Tiffany H.
I can't say enough about Joseph Conboy. He was a true asset during our personal injury claim and had such an amazing legal approach, which made me feel like his top priority from day one! I'm so grateful we were able to work together for this win/win outcome.
Jackson K.
Our Location
Available to take your call 24/7
Request a FREE Consultation

Name(Required)
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
It's not just a case,
it's your life.
Request your free consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to contact our injury attorneys today!

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.