How Airbag Deployment Leads to Eye Injury
Airbags have saved many lives since their inception, however, airbag deployment can cause significant injury. Defects, most notably seen with Takata airbags where high heat and humidity caused the bags to explode, can cause injury to many different body parts. Let’s take a look at what can happen when an airbag deploys, how defective airbags cause injuries and what recourse you have to collect damages.
A Firm That Cares - Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers
When clients are injured due to airbag deployment that is caused by a manufacturer’s defect, the legal and investigative teams at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers spring into action. Our investigators examine the airbag looking for a defect. That is why it is essential that we are involved as soon as possible after your accident occurred. As the vehicle is towed from the site, many details about the accident are lost.
We protect our client’s rights and work hard to obtain the damages they deserve when they are injured due to manufacturer defects or problems with the deployment of an airbag. Call us at (843) 232-0944 to schedule a free case evaluation. No detail is too small when we are examining why your accident occurred. You can also contact us online if it is more convenient for you.
Airbag Deployment and Eye Injury
One major type of injury due to airbag deployment involves the eyes. In one study published in the Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, scientists reported that blunt force trauma is the leading cause of eye injury due to airbag deployment. The intensity of the eye damage varies and can be described as mild to major. Blunt trauma can lead to the rupture of certain structures in the eye (Choroidal rupture) and cause hemorrhage. Other injuries, some of which may result in permanent vision loss, include:
- Abrasion of the cornea, depending on the severity can heal within 48 to 72 hours.
- The collection of blood in the area at the front of the eye usually abates over time.
- A tear in the iris may require intraocular repair.
- Eyelid laceration is a cut in the eyelid that may require surgical repair.
- A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s clear lens resulting in cloudy vision.
- Chemical keratitis or chemical irritation of the cornea occurs in some airbag deployment incidents.
- A tear in the cornea, which is the clear front area of the eye, can be caused by a sharp object or impact to the eye and usually heals within two or three days.
- Lens dislocation by trauma causes blurry vision and must be replaced.
- Palsy of the facial nerve, causing the face to be distorted, can occur in some airbag deployment accidents.
- Retinal detachment, which can result in blindness if not treated promptly, also occurs.
- A hole in the macula, which often requires surgical repair, can occur.
- Neuropathy of the optic nerve, which is located in the rear of the eyeball and tells your brain what you are looking at is possible when airbag injuries affect the eye.
Chemical Burns in Airbag Deployment
Chemicals are used to speed up airbag deployment. This is necessary since airbags need to deploy quickly to prevent the passenger from traumatic injury. However, the chemicals are not confined to the airbag and might be released into the air. When this happens, chemical burns can result. Since the eyes are most susceptible to chemical burns, the chemicals can injure the eyes, sometimes badly. The chemicals can also cause respiratory damage as they are inhaled.
Compensation in Airbag Inflicted Injury in Myrtle Beach
Eye injuries can be costly to treat and frequently lead to lost wages. Our law firm works hard to obtain the compensation you deserve when negligence is involved. Since faulty manufacturing is the reason for these injuries, it is necessary to file a product liability lawsuit. The product liability lawsuit covers all medical expenses, lost wages and the pain and suffering the manufacturer’s negligence caused.
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers in South Carolina
Call the Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyers at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers area if you or a family member was injured in an airbag deployment accident. We can be reached at (843) 232-0944 or online. We use our experience to protect our client’s rights and keep negligent manufacturers from hurting them financially as well as physically.
