What Legal Options Do You Have If Injured by a Defective Product?
Every day, we trust that the products we use—whether it’s a car, a kitchen appliance, or a medication—are safe. That trust isn’t unfounded; manufacturers are expected to design, build, and sell items that won't cause harm.
But when a defective product causes injury, it can throw your life into disarray. If you're in this situation, it’s essential to know your legal rights and what steps you can take to hold the right parties accountable.
If you’re looking for guidance tailored to your experience and Oklahoma law, working with a product liability attorney in Canadian County, Oklahoma, can help you make informed choices about how to proceed.
These professionals assist with evaluating your claim, gathering evidence, and pursuing compensation—so you can focus on healing. Read on or reach out to learn more from The Handley Law Center.
Types of Defective Product Claims
Oklahoma law generally categorizes product defects into three main types. Each one creates different legal challenges and may involve different responsible parties.
Design Defects
A design defect refers to a flaw in the product’s blueprint. Even if the manufacturing process goes exactly as planned, the item itself is still unsafe due to its original design. For example, a piece of furniture that tips easily, causing injury to children, may have a defective design. These cases often affect entire product lines.
Manufacturing Defects
This type of defect happens during the production process. Unlike design issues, manufacturing defects aren’t typically present in every unit. A single batch or even just one item might be dangerous. Common examples include contaminated food items or faulty wiring in an electronic device.
Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn)
Products that carry certain risks must include clear warnings and instructions. If a company fails to inform users about how to use the item safely or about known risks, that may lead to a valid claim. This often applies to medications, cleaning products, and power tools.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Oklahoma’s product liability laws allow injured parties to hold several different entities accountable, depending on the case’s details. Potential defendants include:
Manufacturers – the entity that made the product, either in part or in whole
Distributors – businesses that moved the product through the supply chain
Retailers – the store or seller where the product was purchased
Designers or Engineers – in cases involving inherently flawed designs
Each of these parties has a role in getting a product to market. If one fails to uphold its responsibility, it may be legally liable for resulting injuries.
Proving Liability Under Oklahoma Law
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative fault rule and recognizes strict liability in many product-related injury cases. This means you don’t always need to prove that the manufacturer acted negligently—you only need to show that the product was defective and caused your injury.
Key Elements to Establish
To build a successful claim, you'll need to demonstrate the following:
The product was defective.
You were using it as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way.
The defect directly caused your injury.
You suffered actual harm—medical bills, lost wages, pain, or other damages.
This is where a product liability attorney can help. From preserving the product as evidence to bringing in expert witnesses, they know how to build a strong case.
Common Products That Lead to Injury
Defective product cases can involve a wide range of everyday items. Some of the most frequent sources of claims include:
Automobiles and car parts – brakes, airbags, or ignition systems
Prescription drugs and medical devices – implants, pacemakers, or over-the-counter meds
Household appliances – space heaters, stoves, and refrigerators
Children’s toys – choking hazards or toxic materials
Power tools and machinery – lack of guards or defective switches
When these products malfunction, they can cause life-altering injuries—sometimes even death.
What to Do After Being Injured by a Defective Product
Taking the right steps after an injury can protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should be your top priority. Get checked out as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Medical records also serve as key evidence in your case.
Preserve the Product and Packaging
Don’t throw the item away. Keep the product, original packaging, receipts, and manuals. These may be critical pieces of evidence in a legal claim.
Document Everything
Take photos of your injuries and the defective product. Write down your account of what happened while it’s still fresh. Save records of any communication with the manufacturer or retailer.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice
Insurance representatives may contact you quickly, asking for statements or offering settlements. It’s often best not to respond until you’ve spoken with a product liability attorney who can represent your best interests.
Types of Compensation Available
A successful claim can lead to several kinds of compensation, depending on the injuries and losses involved.
Medical Expenses
This can include ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care.
Lost Wages
If your injury kept you from working, you may be able to recover lost income and future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Oklahoma courts recognize that physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all valid reasons for compensation.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the company’s conduct was especially reckless, additional damages may be awarded to punish wrongdoing and prevent future harm.
Defenses You May Encounter
Not all product liability cases are straightforward. The defense may try to reduce their responsibility or avoid paying altogether. Common strategies include:
Claiming you misused the product – If they argue your actions weren’t foreseeable, they may deny liability.
Saying you altered the product – Any modification after purchase may become a point of dispute.
Citing the statute of limitations – If too much time has passed, the court may dismiss the case.
Blaming another party – The defense might claim another company or contractor is actually at fault.
A product liability attorney can counter these arguments by presenting a thorough timeline, maintaining the product as evidence, and leveraging expert testimony.
How Product Liability Differs From Other Injury Claims
While product liability is a form of personal injury law, it stands apart due to the role of strict liability. In car accidents, for instance, the injured party usually must show that another driver acted carelessly. In defective product claims, the focus shifts to the product itself.
Because manufacturers are held to a standard of creating safe products, even a lack of negligence may not absolve them if their product caused harm. This unique legal principle creates an opportunity for consumers to recover damages even without proving traditional fault.
Trends in Product Safety Litigation
In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in litigation involving medical devices, automotive recalls, and digital products like e-cigarettes and smart appliances. As products become more technologically advanced, so do the potential risks.
Oklahoma courts continue to examine these cases closely, balancing consumer safety with manufacturers’ defenses. As this area of law evolves, working with a product liability attorney who stays up to date on legal developments can benefit your case.
When to Speak to a Product Liability Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury and suspect a defective product is to blame, it's best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Even if you're unsure whether the product qualifies as defective, a consultation can offer much-needed clarity.
Whether your case involves a defective part, a harmful medication, or a mislabeled tool, a skilled product liability attorney can help you evaluate your claim and take action before deadlines pass.
Injuries from defective products can disrupt lives in an instant. Medical care, lost income, and physical pain all add up fast—and without legal guidance, you may be left covering the cost of someone else's mistake.
Protect Your Rights After a Defective Product Injury
We’ve worked with clients across Oklahoma to pursue compensation and hold manufacturers accountable for their dangerous products. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait. Speak with a qualified product liability attorney today and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.
Serving clients in Canadian County, Oklahoma, and throughout Custer County, Blaine County, Kingfisher County, and Caddo County, The Handley Law Center is here to help. Contact their legal team today.