Defective Product Injury Attorney Oklahoma City — When the Product Itself Is to Blame
When a product you used as intended causes injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable under Oklahoma product liability law. Warhawk Legal’s Joe Carson handles defective product claims throughout the Oklahoma City metro area.
What Is Products Liability in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma follows strict liability principles in product liability cases. Under strict liability, an injured person does not need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent — only that the product was defective, that the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control, and that the defect caused the injury. This is a significant advantage for injured consumers compared to standard negligence claims.
What Types of Product Defects Lead to Liability?
A manufacturing defect occurs when an individual product deviates from its intended design due to a flaw in production — a specific batch of medication contaminated during manufacturing, for example. A design defect occurs when the product’s intended design is itself unreasonably dangerous — even if every unit is made exactly as designed, the design makes every product dangerous. A failure to warn occurs when the product lacks adequate instructions or warnings about known dangers and appropriate use.
What Products Are Commonly Involved in Oklahoma Product Liability Cases?
Motor vehicles and automotive components — including tires, airbags, and braking systems. Power tools and industrial equipment. Medical devices and pharmaceutical products. Children’s products and toys. Household appliances. Construction materials. Chemical and pesticide products.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Product?
Anyone in the chain of distribution can be held responsible — the original manufacturer, component part manufacturers, the distributor or wholesaler, and the retailer who sold the product to you. In practice, product liability claims often target multiple parties in the distribution chain simultaneously.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Claims in Oklahoma?
Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 12, Section 95, the general statute of limitations for product liability claims is two years from the date of injury. The discovery rule may apply when an injury is latent — for example, in cases involving long-term exposure to toxic chemicals. Warhawk Legal evaluates the specific deadline in each client’s case during the initial consultation.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured by a Defective Product?
Preserve the product and all packaging, labels, and instructions — do not return it to the store or throw it away. Seek medical attention and document all injuries and treatment. Photograph the product and your injuries. Note the product’s model number, serial number, and purchase information. Save all receipts and any written communications with the manufacturer or retailer. Do not provide a statement to the manufacturer’s insurer before speaking with an attorney.
Warhawk Legal represents injury victims throughout Oklahoma City, Yukon, Mustang, Edmond, Norman, and the surrounding communities.
Contact Warhawk Legal: warhawklegal.com
Call (405) 703-4933. Free consultation.