Takata Airbag and General Motors Ignition Switch Injury and Death Claims

There has been a recall of defective airbags made by Takata, a Japanese supplier.

The airbags may deploy explosively, injuring or killing car occupants. The deployment can make the airbag self-destruct and shoot shrapnel in the passenger compartment in an impact.

Honda announced a recall of 4.5 million vehicles, including Fit compacts and CR-V crossovers, in Japan and other markets outside North America. In the United States there are about 32 million cars made by 11 automakers that contain the defective airbags.

Another model that was recently recalled includes the 2008-2010 Challenger, to fix the driver’s airbag.

Takata has settled some personal injury claims. There are litigation claims pending against Takata, some are in Florida.

Presently, Takata has resisted setting up a separate compensation fund for victims, similar to what was established by General Motors, after its ignition switch recall.

The number of deaths related to the faulty GM switch has risen to 121, dozens more were injured. If there is fund compensation to a victim, then the company cannot be sued.

Sources:

The New York Times, “Takata Says No to Fund For Victims,” Danielle Ivory and Hiroko Tabuchi, July 10, 2015.