Lap-belt Only Seatbelt Lawyers of Minnesota

Lap belt only. As the name suggests, lap belt only systems do not have a shoulder belt and thus rely on the lap belt to restrain the occupant. These systems have typically been used in rear seats – especially in the center rear position.

In frontal collisions, rather than spreading the load across an occupant’s bony shoulder and rib-cage, a lap belt transfers all of the energy to an occupant’s abdomen. This phenomenon is even more dangerous when the belt and seat configuration allows the occupant to slide – or “submarine” – under the belt. When an occupant submarines under a lap belt, the belt loads into the abdominal organs rather than the bony pelvis. This loading can cause internal organ damage that is often fatal. Further, the lap belt across the abdomen acts as a fulcrum about which the body hinges. This unnatural movement often leads to spinal cord injury and paralysis.

There are some opinions holding “lap-belt only” claims are preempted. Despite the preemption issue, there are still viable claims that the submarine phenomenon is exacerbated by improperly designed seats that do not have enough structure to hold an occupant against the seat back during a crash.

Contact the lap-belt only attorneys at Champion Law for a free consultation.

*Nate Bjerke is the Chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Product Liability Committee

Return to other Seatbelt Defects