How do I know if my airbag injury was caused by a defect?

Airbags are supposed to deploy in specific conditions and in a controlled manner. If an airbag deploys too early, too late, with excessive force, or fails to deploy at all, it may indicate a defect. Other signs include unusual odors or smoke, unexpected burns, hearing damage, or severe impact injuries inconsistent with the crash. An experienced airbag injury attorney can examine vehicle data, manufacturer information, recall history, and crash evidence to determine whether a defect caused your injury.

Who can be held liable for an injury caused by a malfunctioning airbag?

Several parties may be responsible depending on the cause of the defect. The airbag manufacturer may be liable for design or manufacturing defects. The vehicle manufacturer may be responsible if the airbag system was improperly installed or integrated into the vehicle. Auto shops, dealers, or mechanics may be liable if negligent repairs contributed to the malfunction. In some cases, another driver may still share fault for causing the crash itself. Your attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your compensation.

What types of injuries commonly result from defective or improperly deploying airbags?

Airbag related injuries can be severe and include burns, eye injuries, facial abrasions, bruising, hearing loss, internal organ damage, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries. The force of deployment can also cause neck and chest injuries. In extreme cases, internal bleeding or cardiac trauma can occur. Even minor looking injuries should be taken seriously because complications can develop quickly. Immediate medical evaluation is crucial both for your health and for documenting your legal claim.

What compensation can I recover in an airbag injury claim in Philadelphia?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. If the defect caused catastrophic injury or death, additional damages may be available for long term care or wrongful death. Because defective airbag cases often involve large manufacturers and complex evidence, working with an experienced product liability attorney greatly improves your chances of recovering full compensation.

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Airbag Injury Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Addressing Malfunctioning Safety Devices Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Airbags are quite effective. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, using an airbag, along with a shoulder belt, reduces the risk of death by 61 percent in frontal collisions. Using a seatbelt alone reduces the risk of death by 50 percent, while only using an airbag reduces the risk of fatality by 34 percent.

Unfortunately, airbags also come with their fair share of risk. They can cause a number of injuries, particularly if the product was defective. If you have suffered from any of the injuries below and believe they were due to a faulty airbag, call a product liability lawyer that can help you seek compensation to help with your recovery.

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We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 486-0123 or contact us online to learn more.

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Different Types of Injuries Caused By Airbags

Our airbag injury lawyers in Philadelphia can help you seek compensation if you have suffered from the following injuries:

Burns

One of the most common types of injuries sustained by airbags is burns. Airbags cause burns in one of two ways. When they deploy, it happens very quickly and causes a lot of friction between the cushion and the skin, resulting in a burn. Airbags are also filled with chemicals that allow them to eject as quickly as they do. These chemicals can also irritate the skin and cause a burn.

Eye Injuries

Airbags are deployed with great force, which can hit the occupant of the car in the face, including the eyes. The most common eye injuries associated with airbags include abrasions, vitreous hemorrhages, hyphema, and detachment of the retina.

Abrasions and Bruises

Also, due to the amount of force at which airbags deploy, the skin can easily become injured. As the airbag ejects, it hits the skin and can result in bruises, scrapes, abrasions, and irritation, particularly to the neck, face, and arms.

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Hearing Loss

Most people think the force of airbags is the main cause of injuries. However, airbags are also very loud and can reach a sound level of 178 decibels. That amount of pressure is enough to result in permanent hearing loss for any occupant inside the vehicle.

Internal Injuries

The impact of the airbag against the body is so forceful that it can easily lead to internal damage. The most vulnerable organs to airbag deployment are the lungs, spleen, and heart. If immediate medical attention is not sought, these injuries can be fatal. Internal bleeding is also a risk when airbags deploy.

Head Injuries

Although airbags are supposed to prevent certain injuries, such as head injuries, they can actually cause them. Again due to the sudden impact, when an airbag strikes the head, it can result in catastrophic injuries.

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Contact Our Airbag Injury Lawyers Today

If you have been injured by an airbag and you believe it was because the airbag was faulty, contact our Philadelphia product liability lawyers are here to help. At van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin, we know how to determine who was liable for your injuries, whether it was another driver or a faulty airbag, and hold them accountable.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Airbag Injury and Defective Airbag Claims in Philadelphia, PA

Airbags are supposed to deploy in specific conditions and in a controlled manner. If an airbag deploys too early, too late, with excessive force, or fails to deploy at all, it may indicate a defect. Other signs include unusual odors or smoke, unexpected burns, hearing damage, or severe impact injuries inconsistent with the crash. An experienced airbag injury attorney can examine vehicle data, manufacturer information, recall history, and crash evidence to determine whether a defect caused your injury.
Several parties may be responsible depending on the cause of the defect. The airbag manufacturer may be liable for design or manufacturing defects. The vehicle manufacturer may be responsible if the airbag system was improperly installed or integrated into the vehicle. Auto shops, dealers, or mechanics may be liable if negligent repairs contributed to the malfunction. In some cases, another driver may still share fault for causing the crash itself. Your attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your compensation.
Airbag related injuries can be severe and include burns, eye injuries, facial abrasions, bruising, hearing loss, internal organ damage, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries. The force of deployment can also cause neck and chest injuries. In extreme cases, internal bleeding or cardiac trauma can occur. Even minor looking injuries should be taken seriously because complications can develop quickly. Immediate medical evaluation is crucial both for your health and for documenting your legal claim.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. If the defect caused catastrophic injury or death, additional damages may be available for long term care or wrongful death. Because defective airbag cases often involve large manufacturers and complex evidence, working with an experienced product liability attorney greatly improves your chances of recovering full compensation.

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