Client was driving on highway 26 in Gresham when a car attempted to cross in front of her causing a T-bone collision. Client suffered minor neck and back injuries, as well as tinnitus and hearing loss in one ear due to the deployment of her car’s airbag. Studies have shown that an airbag can generate a sound pressure of 178 decibels, which is over 20% higher than the level that can cause permanent hearing loss. Unfortunately, this was true for John’s client as she suffered a loss of hearing in one ear in some pitch ranges. Initially the insurance company defending the case offered $15,000 to settle. John filed the case in court, and it eventually settled for over $200,000.
