Labaton Sucharow LLP and Baron & Budd, P.C. File First Consumer Class Action Against Airbag Maker Takata Corporation


NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Labaton Sucharow LLP and Baron & Budd, P.C., along with Podhurst Orseck P.A., filed today the first nationwide consumer class action against airbag manufacturer Takata Corporation and several major vehicle manufacturers. Takata Corporation, TK Holdings, Inc., and Highland Industries, Inc. (collectively, Takata), allegedly designed, manufactured, tested, and marketed millions of potentially lethal airbags which were distributed and sold to other manufacturers. Affected vehicles include models from BMW, Honda, Ford, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota, among others.

"This airbag issue is unprecendented in terms of both severity and scope," said Roland Tellis, shareholder at Baron and Budd, P.C. "Almost eight million cars are affected and so far there are six reported deaths, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)."

Plaintiffs allege that Takata, the world's second largest producer of automotive safety devices, and the vehicle manufacturer defendants (collectively, defendants) concealed their knowledge of the nature and extent of the defects in the Takata airbags from the public, in disregard for public safety. The case seeks to address two major issues: (1) The need to protect drivers and passengers from vehicles containing these airbags; and (2) The diminution in value of vehicles containing Takata airbags.

The plaintiffs also seek expedited discovery to assess what kind of injunctive relief is necessary to prevent more injuries and fatalities. Depending on what discovery reveals, an injunction may require Takata to provide additional public disclosures about the number of affected automobiles, to initiate expanded recalls, and potentially to provide rental cars to owners until repairs or replacements are made.

"We're asking the court to determine whether the right steps were taken to protect the welfare and safety of the public," said Labaton Sucharow Chairman, Lawrence A. Sucharow. "A lot of these owners may not have the means to repair or replace these vehicles, so they're faced with a paradox—a safety device that is potentially life threatening."

About Labaton Sucharow LLP

Labaton Sucharow prosecutes precedent-setting class actions, recovering billions of dollars on behalf of defrauded consumers and investors. With nearly 60 full-time attorneys, Labaton Sucharow's litigation group is strengthened by its in-house team of investigators, financial, analysts, and forensic accountants. The Firm litigates in the areas of consumer protection, antitrust, and securities law. For more information, visit www.labaton.com.

About Baron & Budd, P.C.

The law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C., with offices in Dallas, Baton Rouge, Austin, and Los Angeles, is a nationally recognized law firm with almost four decades of experience "Protecting What's Right" for people, communities, and businesses harmed by negligence. Baron & Budd's size and resources enable the firm to take on exceptionally large and complex cases. The firm represents individuals, governmental and business entities in areas as diverse as auto defect cases, PCB contamination in schools, FLSA (overtime) violations, pharmaceutical and medical implant injuries, water contamination, GM ignition problems, California Proposition 65 violations, mortgage and credit card fraud, and asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma.



            

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