A motion is now pending before the Judicial Panel on Multi-district Litigation (JPML) seeking the consolidation of the Takata litigation before a single federal judge. Pope McGlamry has a proven track record litigating mass tort cases and is currently at the forefront of efforts for consolidation of these cases before the Honorable Chief Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta. Consolidation, used effectively in other mass tort proceedings, would prevent duplicate discovery and would facilitate the efficient resolution of common claims brought in different courts against Takata.
Takata Exploding Airbags
Defective Takata airbags, rather than protecting vehicle occupants during automobile accidents, can over-inflate and explode shooting deadly pellets and casings at the occupants they are supposed to protect. To date, these exploding airbags have killed at least four people and have injured many others. They were used in the manufacture of different vehicle models by several major automobile manufacturers, including:
- Ford
- Nissan
- BMW
- Subaru
- Mazda
- Toyota
- General Motors
- Honda
- Chrysler
The JPML will hear oral arguments this coming January and will decide on consolidation following that hearing.
Over 16 Million Vehicles Recalled
To date, over 16 million vehicles worldwide and over 11 million vehicles in the United States have been recalled for the replacement of these dangerously defective airbags. Many affected vehicles, even after the replacement of these airbags, depreciated sharply in value causing their owners to suffer significant economic loss. Consolidation of these cases before Chief Judge Thrash will allow for the efficient production of documents and other discovery and will effectively expedite the compensation process for affected vehicle owners.
Proceeding parallel to this litigation have been efforts by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to expand the Takata recall nationally. To date, Takata has only recalled passenger-side airbags in vehicles operating in warmer states; however, the recent explosion of a Takata airbag in North Carolina, north of the recalled area, has further demonstrated the national nature of the problem. A nationwide recall would greatly expand the number of vehicles affected and could further include driver’s-side airbags.
Contact a Takata Airbag Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured by a malfunctioning airbag, please contact Pope McGlamry or submit a case evaluation online to schedule a complimentary legal consultation.
