Walmart Ozark Trail Water Bottle Explosion Injury & Blindness Lawsuit Lawyers

Understanding Product Liability and Injury Claims After Permanent Vision Loss and Facial Injuries

Most consumers do not expect a simple water bottle to pose a serious safety threat. Yet, nearly 850,000 Ozark Trail water bottles sold exclusively at Walmart stores across the United States are now being recalled after several reports of violent injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least three individuals were struck in the face by forcefully ejected screwcap lids, and two people have permanently lost their vision. These injuries weren’t caused by misuse or negligence — they occurred during ordinary use of a product intended to promote hydration and wellness.

The recalled item is a 64-ounce stainless steel water bottle marked with model number 83-662. It features a silver body, black lid, and Ozark Trail branding. It was available in Walmart stores and online from 2017 until mid-2025. As a New York personal injury law firm, we are committed to holding manufacturers and retailers accountable for dangerous products that harm unsuspecting consumers. This incident is a reminder of the catastrophic consequences defective products can cause, especially when the injuries involve permanent disability such as blindness.

What Caused the Walmart Water Bottle Recall?

The root of the recall lies in a serious design flaw in the screwcap lid of the affected Ozark Trail water bottles. According to the CPSC, when food or beverages are left inside the bottle for a period of time, pressure can build up internally. Upon opening the bottle, the pressurized contents can cause the lid to eject with significant force — enough to strike a user in the face, leading to eye trauma, fractures, or even brain injury in extreme cases.

The CPSC issued an urgent warning and instructed consumers to immediately stop using the product. Walmart has agreed to accept returns and issue full refunds. However, refunds do not cover the devastating medical consequences, permanent disability, lost income, or emotional trauma suffered by victims and their families. Those impacted by this recall may have the right to pursue a legal claim to recover compensation for these and other damages.

Injuries Reported: Permanent Blindness and Facial Trauma

Three individuals have already reported being struck in the face by the defective water bottle lids. Tragically, two of these victims suffered permanent vision loss after being hit in the eye. The third person experienced blunt force trauma to the face.

Eye injuries caused by high-velocity projectiles are among the most severe. Victims of trauma-induced blindness often face a lifetime of disability, loss of independence, and inability to work in many professions. In some cases, traumatic injury to the eye can also lead to damage in surrounding areas, including the optic nerve, sinuses, or brain.

Victims have the right to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Emotional distress

If you or a loved one has been injured while using one of the recalled water bottles, it is critical to preserve the product, seek immediate medical care, and consult with an attorney familiar with product liability law.

Understanding Product Liability Laws and Legal Rights in New York

Under New York law, manufacturers, designers, and retailers can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by defective products. Product liability claims generally fall under three categories:

1. Design Defect: The product is inherently dangerous due to a flawed design.
2. Manufacturing Defect: A mistake in the production process rendered the item unsafe.
3. Failure to Warn: The company failed to include adequate warnings or instructions to prevent injury.

The Ozark Trail water bottle recall raises serious questions about both design defects and lack of adequate consumer warnings. The pressure buildup that led to lid ejection should have been anticipated and prevented during product testing. Moreover, the absence of prominent warnings on the packaging or the bottle itself could mean that consumers were unaware of the hazard until it was too late.

In a personal injury case involving a defective product, it is not necessary for the injured party to prove negligence. New York follows a strict liability standard, meaning the manufacturer can be held accountable simply because the product was defective and caused harm during normal use.

Why Victims Should Consider Legal Action

Accepting a refund from Walmart may seem like a simple solution, but it does not come close to covering the medical bills, permanent damage, or emotional pain caused by an unexpected injury. Legal action allows victims to pursue full compensation and also puts pressure on companies to ensure the safety of their products before they reach store shelves.

In cases of permanent vision loss, the financial impact can be staggering. Treatment may require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive technology, and modifications to the home. Victims may also need to change careers or may be unable to work at all.

Filing a legal claim can help recover damages such as:

• Future medical care and prosthetics
• Home modifications or assistive services
• Loss of quality of life
• Long-term therapy or counseling

Our firm is committed to advocating for those harmed by unsafe products, no matter where the manufacturer is located or how large the retailer may be.

Steps to Take If You Were Injured by the Recalled Water Bottle

If you or someone in your family suffered an injury caused by the Ozark Trail water bottle, consider the following steps:

1. Do Not Discard the Bottle: Preserve the product, packaging, and receipt if available.
2. Document the Injury: Take photos of the injury, medical treatment, and the bottle itself.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if the injury seems minor, underlying trauma can be serious.
4. Contact an Attorney: Speak with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with defective product claims.
5. Avoid Dealing Directly with Walmart or the Manufacturer Without Counsel: You may be pressured into accepting a refund or settlement that limits your legal options.

Time is critical. Evidence must be preserved, and there are strict deadlines for filing a claim in New York and other states.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury from a defective Ozark Trail water bottle, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Permanent vision loss, facial trauma, and other serious injuries deserve justice. Don’t settle for a refund when your life has been permanently changed. Parker Waichman LLP is investigating claims nationwide and offers free consultations. Our experienced product injury lawyers will guide you through every step of the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for your FREE consultation with Parker Waichman LLP.