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
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