Airbag Injuries in Las Vegas, Nevada

Airbag Injuries in Las Vegas, Nevada

Airbags are designed to protect us during car accidents, but what happens when they cause more harm than good? Airbag injuries in Las Vegas can result from faulty deployment, defective parts, or even failure to deploy during a severe accident, leaving victims with painful injuries and mounting medical bills.

Imagine being involved in a car accident, only to have your airbag explode with excessive force or, worse, not deploy. This is a reality for many, particularly in cases involving defective Takata airbags, which have caused severe physical harm and even fatalities.

Beyond the pain and suffering, victims often face expensive treatments, rehabilitation costs, and time away from work, leading to financial strain.

If you’ve been injured due to a malfunctioning airbag, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas understands the impact of these incidents and is here to help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Call (702) 252-0055 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Airbag-Related Injuries in Car Accidents

Airbags are designed to save lives in car accidents but can lead to serious harm when malfunctioning. Defective airbags may deploy too forcefully, at the wrong time, or fail to deploy altogether, leaving passengers vulnerable. 

While airbags have been shown to reduce fatalities in accidents significantly—frontal airbags have decreased death rates in head-on collisions by 29% for drivers and 32% for front-seat passengers over the age of 13, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, defective airbags pose a real danger. 

When a vital safety feature becomes a source of injury, the consequences can be life-altering, leading to prolonged medical treatment and costly expenses.

Types of Airbag Injuries

Airbag malfunctions can cause many injuries, many of which can be severe and life-altering. Below are some of the most common airbag-related injuries victims may experience during a car accident.

• Facial Injuries: The force of an airbag deploying can result in facial fractures, cuts, and bruises. In some cases, the impact may cause permanent scarring or disfigurement.

• Eye Injuries: Airbags can hit the face with such intensity that they cause eye trauma, leading to temporary or permanent vision problems, including retinal detachment or blindness.

• Chest Injuries: The chest is a common point of impact, and airbags can cause broken ribs, internal organ damage, or even heart-related injuries due to sudden, forceful deployment.

• Burns: The speed of deployment and the chemicals used in airbag inflation can cause burns to the skin, particularly on the face, arms, and chest.

• Neck and Spine Injuries: The violent motion of an airbag can cause whiplash, herniated discs, or other neck and spine injuries, potentially leading to long-term pain or mobility issues.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A sudden impact from an airbag can cause a concussion or other forms of traumatic brain injury, which may lead to cognitive impairment and require ongoing medical care.

• Hearing Loss: The loud explosion when an airbag deploys can cause hearing damage or permanent hearing loss, especially in confined spaces like a car.

• Upper Body Fractures: The arms, shoulders, and collarbone are at risk for fractures due to the powerful force of an airbag hitting the upper body.

• Internal Injuries: Airbag injuries aren’t always visible. The impact can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may go unnoticed until symptoms worsen.

• Injuries to Children and Smaller Passengers: Children and smaller passengers are at a higher risk of severe injuries because the airbag may deploy at an angle or speed not suited for their body size, leading to head, neck, or chest trauma.

Causes of Airbag-Related Injuries

Airbags are essential safety features, but they can cause serious harm when they malfunction. Several factors contribute to airbag-related injuries, and understanding these causes can help victims identify potential claims.

• Failure to Deploy: When an airbag fails to deploy in a severe crash, passengers are left vulnerable to the full force of the impact. This failure can lead to more severe injuries than if the airbag had correctly functioned, potentially resulting in catastrophic harm.

• Deployment at the Wrong Time: Airbags are designed to deploy during specific conditions, but sometimes they activate when they shouldn’t, such as during minor bumps or while driving at low speeds. In these cases, the sudden deployment can cause unexpected injuries, including fractures and concussions.

• Partial Deployment: If an airbag only deploys partially, it doesn’t provide the complete protection passengers expect. This malfunction can lead to head, chest, or facial injuries as the airbag fails to cushion the crash’s impact properly.

• Overaggressive Deployment: Some airbags deploy too much force, which can cause injuries rather than prevent them. Overaggressive deployment may lead to broken bones, burns, and traumatic brain injuries, particularly in smaller passengers.

Damages Recoverable for Airbag Injuries in Las Vegas, NV

If you’ve suffered injuries due to a malfunctioning airbag in Las Vegas, you may be entitled to recover various types of compensation. These damages can help cover the physical, emotional, and financial burdens caused by the accident.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are meant to compensate for measurable financial losses. This includes medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, and ongoing treatment costs. Additionally, victims can recover lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working and compensation for future lost income due to long-term disability.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages address airbag injuries’ emotional and physical pain. These damages include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Victims may also be compensated for the injury’s impact on their relationships, including loss of companionship.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the airbag defect resulted from gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the manufacturer, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar reckless behavior in the future.

Each of these damages plays a crucial role in helping victims recover from the devastating consequences of airbag-related injuries.

Liability and Compensation in Defective Airbag Cases

Liability in defective airbag cases can be complicated, as multiple parties might be at fault. Identifying the responsible party is critical to securing compensation.

The airbag manufacturer may be liable if the defect occurred during design or production. Faulty sensors or improper installation can make them responsible for injuries.

Vehicle manufacturers or dealerships might also share liability if the issue stems from airbag integration or failure to recall a known defect.

Proving Negligence in Airbag Injury Lawsuits

To prove negligence in an airbag injury lawsuit, you must establish four elements: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages.

You must show the manufacturer had a duty to design, test, and install the airbag safely. Then, you must prove this duty was breached by faulty components or failure to issue recalls.

Next, show a direct link between the breach and your injuries, and finally, demonstrate the damages incurred, like medical bills or lost wages.

Steps to Take After an Airbag Accident

After an airbag accident, take these essential steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even minor symptoms may indicate serious injuries. Medical documentation also supports your case.
2. Preserve Evidence: Keep the vehicle and airbag intact for expert inspection.
3. Document Everything: Take photos and gather medical records, police reports, and other relevant documents.
4. Consult an Attorney: An attorney can help investigate the defect, establish liability, and pursue compensation.

Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Las Vegas Airbag Injury Lawyers

If a faulty airbag has injured you, you deserve justice and compensation.

At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, we have the experience to hold manufacturers accountable and secure the compensation you need.

Call (702) 252-0055 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.