Airbags are critical safety devices designed to protect us in a crash. Yet when an airbag malfunctions or deploys improperly, severe injuries can result. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig understands how devastating these injuries can be. The Houston airbag injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group are here to offer experience, empathy, and a commitment to protecting your rights as an injured victim.

Below, you’ll find the essential information you need about why airbags can cause injuries, the common defects that lead to problems, the injuries they can inflict, and how the Houston airbag injury lawyers at Goldenzweig Law Group can help you pursue compensation. Every step of the way, our goal is to relieve your stress and help you move forward with the support and resources you need.

Why Choose Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig in Houston for Your Airbag Injury Case?

Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig has built a reputation for delivering personalized, compassionate counsel. He has handled numerous car accident and product liability claims, and his experience extends to complex airbag injury cases involving defective parts or improper deployments. He has been recognized by notable legal organizations, including Super Lawyers, reflecting a dedication to top-tier advocacy.

Goldenzweig proudly serves Houston from an office located at 6575 West Loop South, Suite 420, Bellaire, TX 77401. This location offers a strong local advantage: our team understands the region’s heavy traffic on roads such as I-610, I-69, and Westheimer Rd—where a four-mile stretch saw 38 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. When accidents happen in these high-risk areas, the Houston airbag injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group use knowledge of local court systems and traffic patterns to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Our approach is client-centered. We understand how overwhelming it is to suffer an unexpected airbag injury, face medical bills, and wonder how long recovery will take. While you focus on healing, we handle insurance negotiations, evidence collection, and every legal detail. We also work on a contingency fee basis—so you pay no fee unless we win. If you’re ready to explore your options, call (713) 561-5003 now for a free consultation.

How Can Airbags Cause Injuries if They’re Supposed to Save Lives?

Airbags are meant to reduce harm in a collision, yet their high-speed inflation can itself cause injury. In a fraction of a second, an inflator ignites chemicals that fill the airbag with explosive force. This rapid deployment cushions the blow—but if you’re too close to the steering wheel or if the airbag deploys incorrectly, it can cause substantial harm.

Common scenarios include broken noses, burns, or even more severe traumas. Chemical irritants from the hot gases can lead to skin burns or lung irritation. Sometimes a defect causes an airbag to deploy too forcefully, too late, or not at all. With over 66,000 crashes recorded in Houston in 2021 alone, thousands of airbags deploy on our streets every year. Unfortunately, some of them malfunction, leaving victims confused about why a device meant to protect ended up causing further harm.

How Do Airbags Work and What Are Common Airbag Failures?

Normal Deployment

Sensors detect sudden deceleration and signal the inflator to pump gas into the airbag in milliseconds. Properly functioning airbags spread out the collision force and protect occupants’ heads and torsos. Steering wheels, dashboards, and side panels often contain separate airbags, all meant to work in concert with seat belts.

Frequent Failures

When something goes wrong, any of the following can happen:

  1. Failure to Deploy: The airbag simply doesn’t inflate in a serious crash, leaving you unprotected.
  2. Late Deployment: If the airbag activates a split second too late, the occupant’s body may have already shifted position, leading to a violent impact with the bag.
  3. Accidental Deployment: An airbag might deploy with no collision or in a minor bump, startling the driver and possibly causing a wreck.
  4. Excessive Force: Sometimes the airbag inflates with far more power than intended, increasing the risk of broken bones or blunt trauma.
  5. Exploding/Shredding Airbags: The Takata recall involved inflators that could explode and scatter shrapnel. Tens of millions of vehicles were recalled, and at least 19 deaths and 400 injuries occurred in the U.S. alone—one of the largest recalls in the country’s history.

Failures often arise from design or manufacturing defects. Sensor glitches, chemical propellant problems, or incomplete recall repairs can all transform a protective device into a hazard. Even when owners receive recall notices, some never make it to a dealership for the needed replacement, leaving dangerous airbags in service.

What Injuries Can a Deploying Airbag Cause?

When an airbag deploys at high speed, occupants may suffer a range of injuries:

  • Facial & Eye Injuries: Commonly, victims experience broken noses, fractured cheekbones, corneal abrasions, or even retinal detachments.
  • Head & Brain Trauma: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are possible if the head is whipped backward or slammed into the airbag.
  • Hearing Damage: The loud blast of an inflating airbag can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.
  • Burns (Chemical or Friction): Chemicals like sodium azide, as well as the friction/heat, can cause facial or arm burns and abrasions.
  • Chest Injuries: Broken ribs, sternum fractures, or cardiac contusions can result from a forceful chest impact.
  • Internal Injuries: Blunt force can damage organs and cause internal bleeding. Many such injuries aren’t visible, so prompt medical evaluation is crucial.
  • Arm and Hand Injuries: Drivers may sustain broken wrists or fingers if their hands are on the wheel during deployment.
  • Neck and Back Problems: Whiplash, spine misalignment, or, in rare cases, fractures that lead to paralysis.
  • Fatal Injuries: In extremely severe circumstances, defective airbags can be lethal—especially if they explode and send shrapnel flying.

Because airbag injuries can be sudden and severe, victims often endure months of treatment. The Houston airbag injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group recognize the serious emotional toll as well, including anxiety about driving again.

What Types of Airbag Injury Cases Does Goldenzweig Handle?

Goldenzweig Law Group represents clients facing a wide variety of scenarios, including but not limited to:

  • Airbag Failure to Deploy: You suffered preventable head or chest trauma because the airbag never inflated in a significant crash.
  • Delayed Deployment: The airbag went off after the initial impact, striking you when your body was already in an unexpected position.
  • Unnecessary/Accidental Deployment: A faulty sensor or electrical glitch caused the airbag to explode during a minor bump or no collision at all.
  • Exploding or Defective Inflators: Cases involving Takata or other defective inflators that rupture violently and release dangerous shrapnel.
  • Child or Petite Adult Injuries: Smaller individuals or children often suffer more serious harm from airbag blasts.
  • Multiple-Impact Crashes: The airbag deploys on the first impact and is unavailable or harmful during subsequent collisions in the same accident.
  • Seat Belt Defense Issues: Even if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, or if you used the device improperly, we can still investigate a product defect claim. We’ll work to counter any argument that you were solely responsible for your injuries.

Whether you’ve experienced one of these more typical situations or a less common airbag issue, attorney Stephen Goldenzweig and his dedicated team are ready to review the details and fight for your rights.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer for an Airbag Injury Case?

Proving Fault Is Complex

Airbag defect claims often require technical evidence. An attorney helps preserve the vehicle and the airbag itself for expert analysis, gathers black box data, and reviews engineering documentation to pinpoint what went wrong. Without legal assistance, it can be nearly impossible to access and interpret this crucial evidence.

Multiple Parties May Be Involved

Airbag manufacturers, automakers, dealerships, and possibly other drivers might all share liability. Large corporations typically have strong legal defense strategies. The Bellaire-based airbag injury attorneys at Goldenzweig know how to identify responsible parties and hold them accountable.

Maximizing Compensation

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially when complex product liability issues are at stake. Experienced legal counsel ensures you seek all possible damages, from immediate medical bills to long-term pain and suffering.

Contingency Fee—No Upfront Costs

Hiring the Goldenzweig Law Group is risk-free because we only receive payment if we recover compensation for you. That means anyone, no matter their financial situation, can secure top-tier legal help. Our priority is to reduce your stress and let you focus on recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Airbag Injury in Texas?

Manufacturer (Strict Liability)

Texas product liability law imposes strict liability on manufacturers and automakers when a defective product causes injury. You don’t have to prove negligence—only that the airbag was unreasonably dangerous and directly led to your injuries. If a part was known to be faulty, the company could be on the hook for significant damages.

Automaker or Dealership

Car manufacturers may share responsibility if they used defective airbags or failed to issue a timely recall. Likewise, if a dealership neglected to replace a recalled inflator, it can be held liable. These are challenging cases because manufacturers typically argue the accident itself caused your harm, not the malfunctioning airbag.

Other Driver

If the crash was triggered by another driver’s careless or reckless conduct, that individual is still liable for causing the collision. Even if the airbag defect worsened your injuries, you have the right to bring a claim against the at-fault driver for the underlying accident. Sometimes, victims pursue both a product liability lawsuit and a negligence claim concurrently.

Your Own Actions?

In Texas, a victim generally can still recover as long as they are not more than 50% at fault. Some defenses may involve seatbelt misuse or altering the airbag system, but each scenario is unique. The Houston airbag injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group will counter these arguments to protect your right to fair compensation.

What Compensation Can I Recover for an Airbag Injury?

Successful claims often include both economic and non-economic damages:

  1. Medical Bills (Past and Future): Hospital visits, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatment.
  2. Lost Wages & Earning Capacity: If your injuries force you to miss work, or if you can no longer perform your job at the same level, you deserve compensation for that loss.
  3. Pain and Suffering: Covers physical agony and the emotional toll of your ordeal.
  4. Emotional Distress or Mental Anguish: If the trauma is severe and long-lasting, additional damages may be sought.
  5. Scarring & Disfigurement: Airbags commonly cause burns, lacerations, or other permanent marks.
  6. Loss of Enjoyment of Life: An injury can prevent you from activities you once loved, such as sports or travel.
  7. Loss of Consortium: Spouses sometimes have separate claims if their marital relationship has been significantly harmed by the injury.
  8. Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or personal belongings destroyed in the incident.
  9. Punitive Damages: In rare cases, if a manufacturer knew about a grave defect and concealed it, courts may impose additional damages to punish that conduct.

At Goldenzweig, our Houston airbag injury attorneys carefully calculate your total losses, including future medical needs and intangible hardships. Insurance companies may try to downplay these damages. We fight to ensure you receive the full and fair amount you deserve.

What Should I Do After an Airbag Injury Accident?

Taking quick, informed action can profoundly affect the outcome of your claim. Here are five key steps:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Some airbag injuries aren’t obvious at first, such as internal bleeding or mild concussions. A thorough exam documents your injuries and sets the foundation for your claim.
  2. Document Everything. Photograph the scene, your injuries, and the deployed airbag. Gather witness details. Notes or voice memos about how you’re feeling can also be valuable.
  3. Preserve the Vehicle and Airbag. Don’t allow repairs or salvaging before an expert inspects the airbag system. That physical evidence can be pivotal in showing the defect.
  4. Keep All Records. Save medical bills, pay stubs, and any communications about recall notices. These documents prove the scope of your losses.
  5. Contact an Attorney Promptly. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig can guide you from the outset, ensuring insurance adjusters don’t twist your words and that evidence is gathered correctly. The sooner you have legal representation, the stronger your case can be.

How Do I File an Airbag Injury Lawsuit in Houston, and How Long Do I Have?

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

Under Texas law, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this window often means losing your right to compensation. If the injury was discovered later, there may be limited exceptions, but acting promptly is still vital.

Investigation & Claim Building

The Houston airbag injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group begin by investigating the specifics of your vehicle, the crash, and the suspected defect. We might research recall history, consult engineers, or examine black box data to prove the airbag malfunction.

Filing Insurance Claims & Lawsuits

Often, we start by making a formal demand to the at-fault parties’ insurers. If negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement, we proceed with filing a lawsuit. Detailed complaints spell out how the defective airbag (and possibly other negligence) caused your damages.

Discovery & Negotiations

Both sides exchange evidence and depose witnesses. Airbag manufacturers frequently bring in their own experts, which can prolong the process. Nevertheless, many cases settle before trial. Our firm will keep you informed and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

Trial, If Necessary

If no just settlement is offered, attorney Stephen Goldenzweig will take your case to court. Presenting evidence—from engineering analyses to medical testimony—can be powerful in front of a jury. Our team is fully prepared to argue for maximum compensation.

Some complex cases may join multi-district litigation if numerous plaintiffs allege the same defect. If that applies, we’ll advise whether joining a broader action or filing individually makes sense for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I sue if my airbag didn’t deploy in a crash?

Yes. If the airbag should have deployed in a moderate-to-severe impact but failed, that likely indicates a defect. You can bring a product liability claim against the airbag manufacturer or automaker. Even if you were partially at fault for the crash itself, a defective product claim focuses on the malfunction.

Is it expensive to hire a Houston airbag injury lawyer?

No. Goldenzweig Law Group handles these cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no fee unless we win. There are no upfront retainers or hourly charges, and we offer a free initial consultation. Our team advances all litigation costs, so pursuing justice is accessible to anyone who needs it.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Any percentage of fault attributed to you will reduce your award accordingly. However, if there is a separate defect claim against the manufacturer, that part of your case isn’t necessarily diminished by your driving. We’ll evaluate all angles to maximize your compensation.

Contact Goldenzweig Law Group Today for Help With Your Airbag Injury

You do not have to handle the aftermath of an airbag injury on your own. The Houston airbag injury attorneys at Goldenzweig are ready to stand by your side and help you rebuild your life. With experience, compassion, and a track record of favorable results—including notable car accident settlements—we strive to make the legal process less daunting.

Call us at (713) 561-5003 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 6575 West Loop South, Suite 420, Bellaire, TX 77401, and we serve clients across the greater Houston area. If you can’t travel, we’re happy to meet by phone or video conference. Time is limited to file an airbag injury claim in Texas—don’t wait to find out how much your case could be worth. Let Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig and his team fight for your medical recovery, financial stability, and peace of mind.