Screening Defective Airbag Cases

Takata and Beyond…

Overview

• The defect• Takata recall case criteria• “Bycatch” ‐‐ other types of airbag cases• Status of the MDL

Airbags 101

• Sensors• Computer• Electric Pulse• Steel Inflator• Gas• Airbag

The Takata Defect

Takata Recall Case Criteria

• Airbag deployed• Lacerations to head, neck or chest

Potential Problems

• No vehicle?• Statute of Limitations?• Statute of Repose?

Cont., see, NewsomeLaw.com/complaint‐timeline

Causes of Action

• Strict Liability:– Manufacturing defects– Design defects– Warning/Informational defects

• Negligence:– Pre‐sale negligence– Post sale duty to warn– Negligent recall

Download: NewsomeLaw.com/DefectiveAirbags

Takata Defendants

• TK Holdings, Inc.• Takata Corporation• Takata, Inc.• Takata Restraint Systems, Inc.• Takata Americas• Takata North America, Inc.• Takata U.S.A. Corporation

Other Defendants

• Manufacturer Defendants• Example:

– American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

– Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc.

– Honda Motor Company, Ltd.– Honda R&D Co.

• State Court Defendant– Dealership?– Other tortfeasor?

Recalled Cars?

Airbag Defects:The Rest of the Story

• “BEV” – Barrier Equivalent Velocity• 20 to 50• Frontal Crash• Side Crash• Catastrophic Injuries

Airbag Defect Criteria

• Bags that SHOULD fire but don’t• Bags that SHOULD NOT fire but do• Cars that should have bags but do NOT

• …. and anything else that doesn’t pass the smell test.

But…

• Usually need catastrophic injuries• Need the vehicle• SOL and SOR

Multi District Litigation

• Class Actions for Economic Damages• Southern District of Florida• Motion for MDL Hearing• Class Action Firms Lining Up• Danger: Impede State Court Cases• Danger: Common Fund

Links

• Copy of Burdick v. Takata, et al. Complaint• Comprehensive Timeline

• NewsomeLaw.com/DefectiveAirbags

Questions?

Rich NewsomeNewsome Melton407.648.5977www.NewsomeLaw.com

Brian BarrLevin Papantonio850.435.7056www.LevinLaw.com