Federal Court Jury Awards $250,000 in Airbag Failure Case

In November 1996, a 27-year-old motorist was involved in a single-vehicle accident when his 1996 Dodge 1500 truck left John Brewton Road, struck a fence, a utility pole, and a tree head-on. The plaintiff claimed his airbag failed to deploy during the collision, resulting in enhanced permanent and severe back and neck injuries, as well as other bodily harm, which required rehabilitation and continued medical treatment.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against DaimlerChrysler Corporation, the vehicle's manufacturer. The complaint, initially filed in Tattnall County Superior Court and later transferred to Cobb County Superior Court before being refiled in a United States District Court, alleged that the vehicle was defective and not reasonably suited for use. The plaintiff further contended that the defendant was negligent in the manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance of the automobile.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation denied liability, asserting that no act or omission on its part caused or contributed to the plaintiff's injuries. The defendant also argued that the plaintiff failed to exercise care for his own safety and that the claims should be barred by the doctrine of spoliation of evidence, as the plaintiff allegedly destroyed the vehicle before the manufacturer had an opportunity to inspect it.

On June 30, 2004, a United States District Court jury returned a verdict of $250,000 against DaimlerChrysler Corporation. The outcome indicated the jury found the defendant liable for the plaintiff's enhanced injuries. An appeal was subsequently filed in the case.