Susan Brooke Bagwell has filed a lawsuit against several major automotive companies, alleging severe injuries due to a defective airbag. The complaint was filed on January 8, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, naming Takata Corporation, TK Holdings Inc., BMW of North America, LLC, and Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW AG) as defendants.
The case stems from an incident on January 8, 2024, when Bagwell was driving a 2019 BMW 4-Series in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. During a crash that day, the vehicle's Takata airbag allegedly exploded with excessive force, sending metal shrapnel into Bagwell's body. The complaint describes her injuries as serious and permanent, including cuts and lacerations across her body and face. According to the filing, these injuries were exacerbated by what is claimed to be a defective design of the airbag system installed in her vehicle.
Bagwell's lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence and breach of warranty. She claims that both Takata and BMW failed to ensure their products were safe for consumers despite being aware of potential defects. The lawsuit highlights that Takata airbags have been involved in numerous recalls due to similar issues worldwide. Bagwell asserts that alternative safer designs existed but were not implemented by the manufacturers.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and lost wages. Additionally, she requests interest on any awarded amounts and coverage for legal costs associated with the suit.
Representing Susan Brooke Bagwell is Joseph B. Stamey from Stamey Law Firm L.L.C., based in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The case has been assigned Case ID: 3:25-cv-00025.