Airbags are designed to reduce the force your body experiences during a collision. When an airbag is defective, however, it may deploy unexpectedly, activate with excessive force or fail to deploy when protection is needed.
Malfunctioning airbag injuries can range from burns and fractures to traumatic brain injuries and internal organ damage. When an airbag defect causes or worsens an injury, its manufacturer may potentially face responsibility under product liability principles.
Facial and eye injuries
Your face may be directly in the path of a deploying driver or passenger airbag. A malfunction can cause facial bruising, cuts, abrasions or fractures when the airbag strikes with substantial force. Your eyes are also vulnerable. Direct impact or material released during deployment may cause eye injuries that affect vision and require medical treatment.
Head and brain injuries
An improperly functioning airbag may contribute to concussions or traumatic brain injuries. This can occur when an airbag deploys incorrectly and strikes your head or when it fails to deploy and your head hits the steering wheel, dashboard or another surface. Symptoms such as confusion, headaches, memory problems or loss of consciousness can indicate a significant head injury following a collision.
Burns and skin injuries
Airbag deployment can expose your face and upper body to considerable force. When something goes wrong with the system, you may experience burns, abrasions, bruising or skin irritation. These injuries can affect your face, chest, arms and hands depending on your position when the airbag activates.
Broken bones and internal injuries
A malfunctioning airbag can also cause fractures, particularly when it strikes your upper body unexpectedly. More severe incidents may involve internal bleeding or damage to internal organs. Failure to deploy presents another danger. Without the intended cushioning, your body may experience greater impact against the vehicle interior, potentially increasing the severity of your injuries.
Airbag injuries may have been caused by a defective product
Defective products in Texas may create grounds for a claim when an unsafe product causes or contributes to an injury. Evidence showing how an airbag deployed, vehicle data, accident records and the condition of the airbag system may help establish what happened.
If you believe that a defective airbag caused or worsened serious injuries, you have a right to preserve relevant evidence and seek legal guidance about your rights and possible options for compensation.