July 17th, 2025 (Chicago, IL) – Walmart has recalled approximately 850,000 Ozark Trail stainless steel water bottles due to a dangerous lid defect that may cause serious injuries, including permanent vision loss. The faulty lids can forcibly eject when consumers attempt to open the bottles after carbonated beverages, food, or certain perishable liquids are stored inside them. This can lead to serious impact or laceration injuries.
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To date, at least three people have been injured, including two individuals who permanently lost vision after being struck in the eye by an ejecting lid.
If you or your child suffered an injury while using a recalled bottle, you may have the right to file a product liability claim and recover compensation.
At Ankin Law, our Chicago product liability lawyers are currently investigating claims involving these defective water bottles. Call (312) 600-0000 today for a free consultation.
Quick Facts: Ozark Trail Water Bottle Recall
- Recalled Units: Approximately 850,000
- Model: 64 oz stainless steel insulated water bottles with a black screw-top lid
- Sold At: Walmart stores and walmart.com since 2017
- Retail Price: About $15
- Hazard: Pressure buildup can cause the lid to shoot off, resulting in blunt-force or eye injuries
- Reported Injuries: 3 confirmed; 2 with permanent vision loss
- Legal Deadline (Illinois): 2 years from date of injury
What Water Bottles Are Affected By the Recall?
The water bottles affected by the recall are Ozark Trail brand stainless steel 64 oz insulated water bottles, according to the CPSC. The affected water bottles are silver with a black one piece screwcap lid. There is an Ozark Trail logo embedded on the side of the bottle. Model number 83-662 appears on the packaging.
The recalled water bottles were sold exclusively at Walmart through their website and retail stores nationwide since 2017 for around $15 a bottle. The bottles measure 4.41 x 4.41 x 11.5 inches.
Why Are The Bottles Dangerous?
The danger lies in pressure buildup inside the bottle, especially when it contains perishable liquids or carbonated drinks. When the cap is opened, the lid can launch like a projectile. Consumers are at risk of serious injury, including broken noses, chipped or broken teeth, bruises, and in some cases, permanent vision loss. Consumers may also suffer from lacerations from the ejecting lids as well.
What Should Consumers Do With the Recalled Water Bottles?
If you own one of these bottles, stop using it immediately and return it to Walmart for a refund. Do not continue using it, even if you haven’t had issues. Future injuries could occur unexpectedly.
If you or your child suffered injuries after using one of these bottles, make sure to see a doctor, even if you don’t think the injury is serious at first. Take photos of your injuries, the water bottle, and the area where the accident happened. Also, be sure to save the water bottle and lid; don’t throw them away.
Who Can File a Product Liability Claim?
Under Illinois law, any person injured by a defective product can file a product liability lawsuit. This includes:
- Adults injured while using the water bottle
- Parents or guardians of injured minors
- Individuals who were not the buyer but were still hurt by the product
If your child was the one injured, you can file a claim on their behalf. Children cannot file claims on their own, but their legal guardians may pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In Illinois, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a product liability claim. Certain circumstances may arise that affect the time limit for filing, however. It is important to speak with a product liability attorney right away to better understand how the statute of limitations affects your case.
Compensation Available in a Product Liability Claim
Compensation available in a product liability claim may include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. These means you can recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some more severe cases, permanent disability or disfigurement. Though rare, you may also be awarded punitive damages in your claim. They are generally only awarded when the liable party’s actions are found to be particularly egregious.
How Can a Product Liability Lawyer Help Me?
To protect your rights and ensure you get full and fair compensation for your losses, you need the help of a skilled product liability attorney. If you were injured by a defective or poorly designed product, you may be entitled to significant compensation, but manufacturers don’t usually pay without a fight. Your attorney will be able to:
- Help you organize and gather evidence to prove the product defect
- Negotiate with the company’s insurance company on your behalf
- Help you determine who to hold liable
- Designate a reasonable settlement offer based on your losses
- Represent you in court, should your case go to trial
If you or a loved one were injured by a defective Ozark Trail water bottle, don’t wait. Call Ankin Law in Chicago at 312-600-0000. The sooner you act, the stronger your case may be.
