Defective seatbelts can cause serious injuries. Seat belts were the first safety feature installed in cars, and their effectiveness has increased over the years. In 2003, it is estimated that 15,000 lives were saved because of seat belts. Unfortunately, however, an additional 6,000 lives could have been saved had their seat belts performed properly.
Faulty seat belts are a common cause of injury in automobile accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured due to a defective seat belt, contact an Oklahoma personal injury lawyer at the Abel Law Firm. Our team of professionals will help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (405) 239-7046 today to schedule your free consultation.
Types of Injuries that can be caused by defective seat belts
Injuries commonly associated with defective seat belts include:
- Head and brain injury/trauma
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Cracked sternum
- Damage to internal organs
- Death
Causes for Injury
Older cars that only have lap belts pose a greater risk of injury. Because lap-only belts do not secure the torso, serious spinal trauma can occur in the event of an accident. While the automotive manufacturers stopped making cars with lap belts in the 1980s, there are still a significant number of cars on the road with lap belts only.
Additionally, seat belts with excessive slack can also cause serious injury to passengers in the event of an automobile accident. Slack prevents the seat belt from securing passengers to their seats, creating the potential for chest, head, and back injuries.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been injured because of a defective seat belt, the manufacturer may be liable for your losses. Contact an Oklahoma product liability attorney at the Abel Law Firm by calling 1-800-739-ABEL today to discuss your legal options.
