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Shoulder Belt Failure Attorney


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Car crashes happen quite frequently in major cities like Los Angeles, and many incidents cause serious, long-term injuries and death. However, the rate of disability and death would be much higher were it not for safety features like seat belts. Specifically, the shoulder belt is critical to minimizing injuries in car crashes, whether you are the driver or passenger. A seat belt shoulder strap goes across your upper body to keep you restrained in the event of an accident. There is also a strap that goes over your lap, which works in conjunction with the shoulder belt to reduce the impact of a crash or other incidents involving a motor vehicle.

Unfortunately, there are instances where the shoulder belt can fail because of one or more defects. If you were harmed because a shoulder belt failed to provide you with the right level of protection, contact the offices of DTLA Law Group. Our team of shoulder belt failure attorneys will ensure that you understand your rights and help you obtain compensation for the harm you suffered. We also have a dedicated team of wrongful death lawyers, who can talk to you about suing the manufacturer if your loved one died because of a defective seatbelt.

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Common Shoulder Belt Defects

A shoulder belt is quite basic in its design, but it can still have a number of serious defects. Possible issues with a shoulder belt that make them unsafe include:

  • Failing to latch securely: if there is a problem with the latch mechanism, it can cause the belt to come loose during impact.
  • False latching: this happens when the belt is pushed into the buckle and makes a clicking sound, even though it has failed to fully latch. The person may be safe for a while, but the belt it likely to release when there is an impact to the vehicle.
  • Belt webbing defects: The material or webbing of the belt should be durable enough to withstand a certain amount of impact that is commonly associated with car accidents. Defects in the webbing can result in the belt ripping and failing to restrain the user.
  • Failure to retract: if a seat belt retractor does not lock properly in place, too much of the belt is released when the person is propelled forward. This can lead to serious injuries, even if the accident is relatively minor.
  • Excess slack / spooling: shoulder belts must have the right balance of slack and tension to minimize injuries to the rider. Shoulder belts with excess spooling or slack are a major safety hazard, as it will not provide the proper level of protection.

There is no denying that any mechanical or design failure with a shoulder belt can lead to catastrophic injuries. Negligence by the manufacturer of seat belts and other car safety features is unacceptable, and we are committed to bringing justice to you and other injury victims.

Injuries Caused by a Seat Belt Not Working Properly

You are extremely vulnerable to an injury when you are involved in a car accident. If your seatbelt is defective and does not protect you as intended, this will increase your chance for a serious injury with permanent complications. Possible injuries you can sustain in a car accident include, but are not limited to:

  • Concussion and other kinds of traumatic brain injury
  • Neck and spine injury (whiplash, for example)
  • Herniated disc
  • First to third degree burns
  • Damage to the internal organs
  • Eye injuries, such as retinal detachment
  • Dislocation in the shoulder
  • Hearing loss from a ruptured ear drum or brain damage
  • Sprain or fracture in the ankles and wrists
  • Deep cuts that cause infections and scarring
  • Paralysis caused by permanent nerve damage
  • Torn ACL or MCL in the knees
  • Dental damage (missing teeth, broken jaw, etc.)

No matter what type of injury you have, immediate medical care is crucial to protecting your health and generating medical records to show how the accident has harmed you. Along with evidence, you need someone on your side who can help you navigate the legal system and negotiate a fair amount of compensation with the manufacturer. With that in mind, give us a call to discuss your case with a defective shoulder belt attorney.

Compensation for Accident Victims

Those who are interested in suing a seat belt manufacturer for defects with a shoulder belt can seek monetary damages for the physical suffering and financial losses that resulted from an accident. It’s essential that you learn about the damages you can ask for, and the amounts you can potentially recover in each category. By working with a lawyer specializing in defective seat belt lawsuits, you may be eligible to receive:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property loss or damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages
  • Attorney’s fees

A lawsuit isn’t just filed by people who were injured because of safety issues with a product. With defective seat belts, there is a good change of the rider ending up with injuries that are serious enough to cause death. A death comes with considerable expenses and financial hardship for the remaining spouse and family members. These individuals may choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek payment for medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and other types of compensation.

Whether you are filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit for negligent death, make sure to seek legal advice from a Los Angeles seat belt defect attorney.

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Statute of Limitations to File a Defective Shoulder Belt Lawsuit

If you are interested in filing a defective seat belt injury claim, you must take action within 2 years of the accident date. If you do not file a lawsuit within this timeframe, the courts will take away your right to sue the manufacturer. Thus, you should initiate a claim for a defective seat belt as soon as possible.

Exceptions can be made for cases where the injury victim is a minor. The parent of the child can file a product liability lawsuit by the statutory deadline of 2 years, or the victim can take action on their own no later than 2 years from their 18th birthday. This is one of several instances where you can apply for additional time to pursue a lawsuit, but please keep in mind that most accident victims will not qualify for an extension.

A lawsuit for death caused by negligence has a different deadline compared to a personal injury lawsuit. Instead of a 2-year statute of limitations from the accident date, surviving family members have 2 years from the victim’s date of death to sue the party at fault.

Due to the variations in how long you may have for a defective shoulder belt lawsuit, we recommend that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact DTLA Law Group

The personal injury lawyers of DTLA are ready to provide you with skilled and aggressive representation against a negligent manufacturer. Product liability claims can be extremely challenging, so it’s important to work with a lawyer that’s experienced in proving that a manufactured failed in their duty to provide a reasonably safe item. With a proven track record of recovery on behalf of our clients, you can count on us to bring about a successful resolution to your case.

Part of our commitment to you includes the Zero Fee Guarantee. This is a policy that allows you to hire a shoulder belt defect lawsuit attorney without paying a retainer. Once your settlement is paid by the other party, we receive the portion of money that is meant for legal fees. If we fail to secure your settlement, you do not pay a single penny out of pocket.

At the end of the day, there is no risk in taking some time to speak with us during a free case review. Contact DTLA Law Group today and learn about the legal options that available to you.


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YOU Deserve the Best
Free Case Review 24/7
Call 855.339.8879

By submitting this form, you agree to receive telephone calls and text messages at anytime, which include hours outside of business hours (8:00 am PST – 9:00 pm PST). This is so that we may reach you as soon as possible in order to consult on your potential case.

Free Case Review 24/7
You Don’t Pay Unless You Win
Call 855.385.2529


By submitting this form, you agree to receive telephone calls and text messages at anytime, which include hours outside of business hours (8:00 am PST – 9:00 pm PST). This is so that we may reach you as soon as possible in order to consult on your potential case.