Airbags are an essential component of vehicle safety in the event of an accident. When they fail to work properly, they can cause serious harm to vehicle occupants. When you have suffered injuries because of a defective airbag, you should contact an airbag malfunction injury lawyer in Chicago to navigate the claim process and hold the right party liable for your injuries.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. has helped clients following car accidents for more than 20 years. We know there are many challenges in a case, especially with nuanced issues such as defective airbags, and we are prepared to help you secure a favorable outcome. A Chicago car accident lawyer will provide clarity and counsel that you can trust throughout your case.
Why Choose a Chicago Airbag Malfunction Injury Attorney to Handle Your Case
When you’ve sustained injuries because of a malfunctioning airbag, knowing what to do next may bring more questions than answers. Dealing with injuries, trying to figure out who is liable, and how to file a claim can be overwhelming if you try to do it on your own. However, with a lawyer, you can be sure that every requirement is fulfilled, accurately documented, and that you can receive a better outcome.
The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. are committed to helping you navigate the process so you have the clarity you need to move forward. We provide tips for filing a personal injury case and handle all the logistics associated with your claim. As we work diligently to build your case, we never stop advocating or negotiating for you so you can get the most favorable options without jeopardizing your case.
Throughout your case, our team will gather evidence demonstrating the airbag defects and the injuries you sustained as a result. We will tailor our arguments to the specifics of your case to optimize it and help it be resolved faster.
Types of Defects Commonly Found in Airbags
Airbags are designed to cushion the impact of another vehicle during an accident and mitigate additional injuries by helping you avoid hitting the hard surfaces of the vehicle’s interior. Vehicle sensors and inflators work together to react immediately during an accident. Airbag placement can vary slightly by make and model, but all are designed to minimize harm when deployed correctly.
Airbags may have issues with deployment or timing. Some may inflate but not fill to the correct capacity. With multiple sensors and mechanical components controlling airbags, issues can impair their proper operation. Some airbags may disperse sharp fragments or explode, as in the Takata airbag recall.
These issues put drivers at serious risk of injury, which may include face, neck, chest, spine, head, and internal injuries, as well as burn injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue damage. Affected individuals may sustain short-term injuries that they can recover from in a matter of weeks or months, while other injuries may cause permanent conditions or challenges. A claim can help you pursue justice for yourself.
Defective Airbags are Subject to Strict Product Liability Laws in Illinois
While another driver may be liable if they cause an accident that causes your airbag to deploy and cause injury, airbag malfunctions are generally the result of manufacturing flaws. These defects may arise from airbag manufacturers or vehicle manufacturers, who may be liable for injuries. As such, these cases are generally classified as product liability claims.
Product liability claims originate when there is a flaw in the design or production of the airbag. Failing to provide the appropriate warnings and safety information is also included. According to product liability laws (735 ILCS 5/13-213) in Illinois, these cases are subject to strict liability. This means that victims only need to show the airbag’s defect and resulting injuries without having to show negligence.
To successfully build an effective claim, it’s important to hire a Chicago airbag malfunction injury lawyer. They can help you gather the evidence you need for your case and file your claim against the correct at-fault party. They will also help ensure your claim falls within the two-year statute of limitations for defective products and will work diligently to resolve it before it expires.
Offset Your Losses By Filing a Claim and Recovering Compensation
An airbag settlement can cover your economic (monetary) and non-economic (suffering) damages, so the full range of your losses may be covered. While your financial expenses will make up the majority of your settlement, lawyers know that it also takes time and resources to recover from the trauma you suffered. Below is a closer look at what you may be able to recover as part of your settlement:
- Cost of your emergency care, ongoing treatments, and rehabilitation
- Temporary or permanent loss of income if you can’t work due to injury
- Vehicle and/or personal belonging repair or replacement costs
- Funeral and burial expenses if the accident results in a fatality
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident, injuries, and other losses
- Mental and emotional anguish, such as PTSD
- Diminished quality of life because of your injuries
- Disfigurement caused by defective airbags
Your lawyer will go through all of your losses with you to determine which ones you may be able to pursue as part of your claim. They will determine the value of your losses, including the value of your ongoing medical care. Your lawyer uses their finely-tuned skills to handle settlement negotiations in car accident cases to help you secure a settlement that covers 100% of your losses.
Contact a Chicago Airbag Malfunction Injury Lawyer Today
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. advocates for you when you’ve been injured by a defective airbag. We walk you through what you need to know and what you need to do to file and resolve your claim.
An airbag malfunction injury attorney in Chicago will negotiate on your behalf and secure maximum compensation. Schedule a free consultation today to get started.
