While airbags are designed to cushion and protect, they can also cause injuries – one of the most common being airbag burns. If you’ve experienced airbag burns, you should know you have options for seeking compensation.
Keep reading to learn more about airbag burns, then call our skilled West Palm Beach product liability lawyers at (561) 655-1990.
What are airbag burns?
Airbag burns occur when the airbag deploys in a crash. These burns can be caused by friction as the airbag inflates at extremely high speeds (up to 200 miles per hour) or by the chemicals released during deployment. The materials used in the airbag’s fabric and the heat generated during rapid inflation often cause these burns.
Common types of airbag burns include:
- Friction burns: These result from the high-speed deployment of the airbag, causing the skin to scrape against the rough surface of the fabric.
- Chemical burns: These occur when the chemicals used to deploy the airbag, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium nitrate, come into contact with your skin.
Chemical burns from airbags: How do they happen?
Chemical burns from airbags are less common but can be quite severe. When airbags deploy, they rely on a rapid chemical reaction to inflate within milliseconds. The heat and byproducts of these reactions, like sodium hydroxide, can cause chemical burns. These burns may not appear immediately but can develop shortly after the crash as the chemicals react with moisture on the skin.
Victims of chemical burns often experience redness, blistering, swelling, and pain. The burns can lead to long-term skin damage, scarring, or infection in severe cases. Understanding the source of these burns is essential for determining liability, especially when seeking compensation.
Seeking compensation for airbag burns
In Florida, if you suffer airbag burns or other injuries due to a car accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. Compensation may include:
- Medical bills: Any costs related to treating burn injuries, such as hospital visits, prescriptions, surgeries, and follow-up care.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional and physical distress caused by the accident and subsequent injuries.
- Lost wages: If you’re unable to work due to the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to recover lost income.
- Disability or disfigurement: If the airbag burns result in permanent scarring or other long-term impacts, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
It’s important to note that under Florida law, personal injury claims, including those resulting from airbag burns, follow the state’s comparative negligence statute (Florida Statutes § 768.81).
This law allows you to recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, any compensation awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Holding manufacturers accountable
In some cases, the airbag manufacturer may be liable for your injuries if a defect in the design or manufacturing process caused your burns. Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath have extensive experience handling product liability cases, including defective airbags. Suppose it’s determined that the airbag malfunctioned or was defectively designed. In that case, you may have grounds for a product liability claim, which could significantly increase your chances of compensation for your injuries.
How Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help
Airbag burn cases can be complicated, especially when they involve chemical burns or defective airbags. Working with experienced personal injury attorneys is crucial to navigating these legal challenges effectively. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we:
- Conduct thorough investigations: We review accident reports, medical records, and any history of airbag defects to build a solid case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies may try to reduce your claim, but we ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- Provide expert legal advice: We guide you through every step of the legal process, helping you understand your rights and legal options.
Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Take action now with us by your side
Airbag burns can affect your health and well-being, whether caused by friction or chemicals. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and suffered from airbag burns, don’t wait to take legal action. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the accident date, but gathering evidence and building a case early is crucial to your success.
Contact our team today for more information about filing a claim or to schedule a free consultation with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. We are here to help you through every step of the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
