An airbag deploys in less than a second with tremendous force to protect you from serious head injuries in a crash. While airbags can save lives, they can also cause serious or even fatal injuries, especially when they are defective.
If you have suffered airbag injuries in Chicago, Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation. The negligent driver who caused your car crash, or the manufacturer of a defective airbag may be responsible for the harm you have suffered.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating an airbag-related injury can be. Schedule a free case evaluation with a Chicago airbag injury lawyer at (312) 635-5400 to discuss your case and how we can help.
How Powell And Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Airbag Injury in Chicago, IL
If you were hurt by airbag deployment, you deserve a legal team that knows how to fight for justice. At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we have been advocating for accident victims in Chicago, IL, for decades.
With more than 35 years of combined experience, we have recovered over $250 million, including 75 verdicts and settlements worth at least $1 million. We have the experience and resources to take on complex cases involving airbag defects.
We’ll work tirelessly to hold the manufacturer or other liable parties accountable.
When you hire our law firm, you can count on us to:
- Investigate how your airbag injury happened and gather evidence proving causation
- Identify all parties who may be liable
- Work closely with experts in many fields to build the strongest case possible
- Calculate the full value of the damages you have suffered
- Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf
- File a lawsuit and proceed to court when necessary
- Provide personalized legal advice and support throughout your case
With our law firm on your side, you’ll have a dedicated team advocating for your recovery every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation with a Chicago personal injury attorney to begin exploring your legal options.
What Are Types of Injuries Caused By Airbags?
Airbags can save lives, but they can also cause injury.
The significant force of impact, along with chemicals released during the deployment, can result in many types of injuries, such as:
- Facial injuries, including bruises and lacerations
- Fractures, especially to the face
- Eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions or even chemical burns from gases
- Brain injuries
- Respiratory issues
Even when airbags work properly, they can still cause harm. But when they’re defective or deploy unnecessarily, the injuries can be much worse.
What Causes Airbag Injuries in Chicago, Illinois?
When the airbag works as intended, injuries are usually mild to moderate, but some people experience serious injuries.
Factors that increase the risk of airbag injuries in a crash include:
- Failing to wear a seatbelt: This increases the force of impact and risk of serious injury.
- Installing aftermarket steering wheel covers or decals: These products can become projectiles or affect how the airbag deploys.
- Improper seating position: One example of this is resting your legs on the dashboard
It’s important to do everything you can to minimize the risk of an airbag injury, but unfortunately, they cannot always be avoided.
Injuries Caused by Defective Air Bags
Sadly, many serious airbag injuries are caused by defective airbags.
These defects can result in:
- Inadvertent deployment: This means the airbag deploys suddenly and unexpectedly without an accident.
- Delayed deployment in a crash: This reduces the effectiveness of the airbag to prevent injury.
- Failure to deploy: The airbag is designed to deploy when there is a frontal collision of 20-25 mph. Sometimes, defective airbags simply fail to deploy and leave occupants unprotected.
- Excessive force during deployment: This can cause serious injuries to the face and neck.
- Inflator explosion during deployment: The largest airbag recalls have involved defective inflators, which can rupture during deployment with excessive force. This may send metal shrapnel into the cabin.
Understanding what caused your injury is key to determining who is responsible. A knowledgeable Chicago car accident lawyer can make this determination and help you pursue compensation.
What Damages Can Airbag Injury Victims Recover in Illinois?
Illinois law gives injury victims the right to seek compensation for what they’ve lost and for what lies ahead.
Compensation falls into two main categories:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover direct financial losses such as:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
It’s important to account for all your economic damages to ensure you are compensated fairly.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the emotional and personal toll of the injury.
Also known as pain and suffering, these damages include:
- Physical pain
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Reduced enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish a manufacturer or driver for egregious behavior. These damages require proving the behavior was fraudulent, intentional, or willful and wanton.
Contact Our Chicago Airbag Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Have you suffered airbag deployment injuries in Chicago? You may be entitled to compensation, and a Chicago airbag injury attorney at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers is ready to help.
With decades of combined experience and over $250 million recovered, our team knows what it takes to stand up to manufacturers and insurers. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can fight for the justice you deserve.