Oregon Consumers Force Nissan Recall
WHAT: Oregon consumers force Nissan to recall defective airbags as federal report discredits company's effort to impugn victims' attorney. WHO: A statement from Norma Brainerd of Portland, who was blinded in both eyes, was among nearly 40 people suffering moderate to severe eye injury from the deployment of the airbags in 249,000 Nissan 1994-1995 Altimas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report noted that eye injuries from air bag deployment are usually minor in nature. WHEN: Thursday, April 24 Available from 2:30-3:30 PM WHERE: Law Office of Larry Baron 1515 SW 5th Avenue - Sixth floor Conference room Portland, Oregon WHY: NHTSA opened its investigation into Altima airbags in March 2001, in response to consumer complaints of eye and facial injuries suffered by occupants involved in crashes. Despite Nissan's assertion in a press release today, that "accident data shows ... [the 1994-1995 Altima airbag] does a better job at protecting its occupants from fatal injuries than competitive vehicles," the NHTSA report concluded that the number of moderate to serious eye injuries compared to peer vehicles was "undisputed." Nissan also complained that the company was the victim of an aggressive plaintiff's lawyer, a claim NHTSA also rejected. NHTSA concluded that their "closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that no safety defect exists," and pledged to "take further action is warranted by the circumstances." CONTACT: Bob Lawrence: 503-892-2320 or Art Sasse: 503-819-2486
PRNewswire -- April 24