An airbag defect that might result in passenger injuries or deaths is the impetus behind a voluntary recall from auto manufacturer Volvo. The company announced the recall on October 5, citing concerns with the airbags on older Volvo sedans including Volvo S60s from model years 2001 through 2009 and Volvo S80s from model years 2001 through 2006.
Documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, indicate that the driver’s side airbag inflator “may explode during deployment” and this can result in metal fragments striking occupants of the cabin. At least one person has died as a result of this airbag issue, notes the NHTSA.
Investigations revealed an issue with the driver-side airbag inflator, according to Volvo. Under certain circumstances, the airbag inflators may be “subjected to excessive pressures during deployment, potentially resulting in an inflator rupture,” according to the automaker, who says this excess pressure can occur if the inflator is subjected to excessive levels of moisture or temperatures during its lifespan. Volvo will reach out to vehicle owners who are affected by the recall, and the drivers-side airbag will be replaced at dealerships at no charge.
Dangerous Products
This latest recall by an auto manufacturer underscores the fact that consumers are sold dangerous products all the time. Just this week, for example, Hobby Lobby recalled 14,000 wooden stools due to fall and injury hazards, 26,150 glass cruets by Martha Stewart were recalled by Macy’s due to a laceration concern, and Kohl’s recalled 31,000 anti-gravity chairs due to hazards in use.
When manufacturers and others bring products to market and those products cause harm to the end consumer, the injured party has a right to bring a claim against individuals and entities responsible. Sometimes the defendant in this type of case is a manufacturer, but it might also be a wholesaler or distributor, or even all three.
Sometimes the fault in the product is caused due to assembly errors, such as when a faulty part is inserted into an automobile. Other times, a defect in the design of the product leads to the creation of a product that is unreasonably unsafe or that poses a risk for those who use it. In other cases, products cause harm due to a manufacturer’s failure to warn consumers of potential risks that might occur when using the product. Products missing warning labels that are clearly warranted also sometimes end up becoming dangerous for consumer use.
Were You Injured By A Faulty Or Dangerous Product?
Consumers who are injured by a product they purchased, a piece of faulty medical equipment, or a dangerous, recalled vehicle have a right to seek compensation for their injuries and other damages. A number of parties may be held accountable for releasing a product that they knew would harm consumers or should have known would cause harm, including injuries and deaths. Reach out to Russell & Hill, PLLC, and its team of product liability attorneys for help with your claim. Give us a call at 800-529-0842 to schedule a consultation and case review.