The potential widespread impact

The United States recall is not the only problem for the auto parts manufacturing company. The seat belt product liability recall is becoming a worldwide issue quickly as more and more vehicles are being identified as having the problematic seat belts. In addition, there may also be models in production currently that will need redesign as well. The impact could be massive.

The main problem found with the seat belts is the fabric weaving in the belt design. According to the information gleaned from the study of how the belts were designed during development, the Takata Corporation actually knew that the fabric and design did not meet legal standard. The faulty design is said to have contributed to seat belts breaking when vehicles were impacted in serious accidents throwing passengers forward or ejecting them from the vehicles.

This recall is also an excellent example of how minor details in an accident can result in multiple parties being identified by experienced and diligent product liability attorneys who will not accept the concept of an unexplained accident. Accident injuries often occur as the result of a failure by automotive parts manufacturers to provide truly safe products due to a lack of proper testing or even covering up the fact that the product does not comply with established safety standards. This means that most accidents will now be evaluated by Connecticut accident injury attorneys for potential defective seat belt design and effectiveness.

Problems with the airbag led to the largest product recall in U.S. automotive history. A total of 56 million airbags are part of the recall effort of the manufacturer.

The car involved in the latest fatality involving the Takata airbag is one of seven Honda models manufactured in the early 2000s that include the defective airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that about 50% percent of the airbags will fail when deployed. When a failure happens, the airbags rupture and send shrapnel throughout the car.

The deaths involved with the airbag are not limited to Honda or the United States. Almost 30 people have died as a result of Takata airbag malfunctions worldwide. Other countries that have experienced fatalities after crashes involving the airbags include Australia and Malaysia. Two U.S. deaths involving the airbags involved Ford vehicles. Another Arizona Honda driver in a car equipped with the Takata airbag lost their life in the summer of 2018.

Honda agreed to an $85 million settlement in August 2020 in acknowledgment of the fact the company possessed knowledge of the dangers involving the defective airbags before the recall.

Takata filed bankruptcy after the U.S. government fined the company $1 billion to go along with several lawsuits filed against the auto supplier. Other suppliers have stepped forward with replacements for the defective airbags. At this time, the defective airbags are still in use by one in three of the vehicles originally equipped with them.

Companies are responsible for ensuring that the products they sell and manufacture are safe to use before the product ever reaches the hand of a consumer. Companies that fail at fulfilling this responsibility may be held liable for any injuries or hardships experienced by users of the products. Individuals who have suffered injury or loss due to a product they purchased may be able to find the relief they deserve through a consultation with an attorney.

If a customer or employee falls due to the negligence of the property owner, he or she may file a premises liability lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim. This can have drastic legal and financial consequences. Here are some ways that your business can stop slips, trips and falls from occurring.

Keep walkways clean and clear

Keeping walking surfaces free of hazards is an effective way to reduce the chances of injury. Common hazards include:

• Liquid spills
• Torn carpeting
• Boxes
• Open drawers
• Wires and cords

Be diligent in keeping areas free of spills and objects so people do not slip or trip.

Install and maintain proper lighting

Poor lighting can contribute to slips and trips. When customers and employees cannot see clearly, they are at a higher risk of sustaining an injury. Consider illuminating steps and using spotlights. Replace and repair lighting fixtures promptly.

Use signage

Sometimes, it is difficult to resolve every hazard right away. Your place of business may have freshly mopped floors, uneven ground or a sudden step. Implement clear signage or reflective tape to call attention to these areas. Increasing awareness is vital to preventing premises liability accidents.

Pay attention to stairways

It is common for people to fall on stairways. You can prevent these accidents by installing handrails, marking the bottom and top stairs with reflective tape and keeping stairwells well lit.

Use nonskid mats or rugs

Certain areas are more prone to becoming slippery, such as a bathroom, entrance or breakroom. Add nonslip mats or rugs in these areas to mitigate the risk of falls. Make sure you use nonskid pads underneath to prevent the mat from slipping out.