Understanding Your Rights After a Recalled Walmart Camping Stove Causes Burns or Fire Injuries

If you were burned when an Ozark Trail Tabletop 1-Burner Butane Stove suddenly caught fire, erupted in a fireball, or exploded, you’re not alone—and you may have legal rights. A major recall announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that thousands of these popular camping stoves may be dangerously defective due to a misaligned sealing gasket that can allow butane gas to leak.

Butane is extremely flammable. Even a small leak can ignite instantly, and victims often don’t realize gas is escaping until it’s too late. Many people use these stoves during camping trips, tailgates, boating outings, and hurricane power outages. That’s why so many consumers were shocked to learn the stove they relied on could be defective.

If you suffered burns or injuries because your Ozark Trail stove malfunctioned, you may be able to file a claim to recover compensation. Here’s what you should know.

What Is Wrong With the Ozark Trail Tabletop Stove?

The recall focuses on a serious issue: The stoves can explode or catch fire, posing a burn and fire hazard to consumers.

Why Gas Leaks Are So Dangerous

A gas leak may cause:

• Flames to shoot outward
• A sudden flare-up
• A fireball at ignition
• An explosion in extreme cases
• Flames spreading to nearby objects

Because butane gas is odorless and invisible, many users never detect the leak until the stove ignites unexpectedly.

Who Is Affected by the Recall?

The recalled stoves were:

• Sold by Walmart
• Manufactured by China Window Industry Co.
• Priced between $20–$30
• Sold from 2022 through 2025

They were available both in Walmart stores and on Walmart.com.

If you own an Ozark Trail tabletop stove, it’s important to check whether your model is included in the recall. Even if it isn’t, you may still have a claim if it malfunctioned.

Can You File a Claim If You Were Burned?

Yes. In many cases, victims burned by a defective stove can pursue a product liability claim. You may be able to seek compensation if:

• The stove caught fire unexpectedly
• It erupted into a fireball
• It exploded
• It leaked gas
• It caused injuries to you or others
• It created fire damage to nearby property

These types of claims fall under product liability law, which holds manufacturers and sellers responsible when unsafe products cause harm.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Several parties may share legal responsibility for your injuries:

1. The Manufacturer – China Window Industry Co.

If the stove was poorly assembled or manufactured with faulty materials.

2. Walmart (Retailer & Importer)

Walmart can also be liable for selling a defective product, especially when it is the exclusive retailer.

3. Component Suppliers

If the sealing gasket or gas interface system was defective.

4. Distributors or Third-Party Sellers

Even online sellers may bear responsibility for defective goods.

A thorough investigation helps identify all liable parties.

What If Walmart Is Offering a Refund or Replacement?

The recall remedy from Walmart typically includes:

• A refund, or
• Replacement product

But refunds do not cover:

• Medical bills
• Ongoing treatment
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term scarring or disability
• Psychological distress

If you were burned, you likely need far more compensation than a simple refund can offer.

What Types of Injuries May Qualify for a Claim?

Burn injuries are often extremely painful and may require extensive treatment. Victims of Ozark Trail stove malfunctions have reported:

• First-, second-, or third-degree burns
• Facial burns
• Arm or hand burns
• Burns requiring skin grafts
• Permanent scarring
• Inhalation of smoke or fumes
• Eye injuries
• Cuts from exploding metal or flying debris

Some victims may also experience PTSD, anxiety around fire or cooking, or long-term emotional distress.

Do You Need the Product to File a Claim?

It is often helpful to keep the stove. The product is vital evidence, especially when analyzing what caused the malfunction. However, even if you no longer have the stove, you may still be able to bring a claim depending on:

• Photos or videos you took
• Witness statements
• Medical documentation
• Purchase records
• The type of injuries you suffered

A lawyer can help determine your options.

What Should You Do After an Ozark Trail Stove Explosion?

If you were burned or injured, try to do the following as soon as possible:

1. Keep the Stove

Try NOT to:

• Return it to Walmart
• Throw it away
• Send it back for a refund
• Attempt to repair it

2. Photograph the Damage

Take pictures of:

• The stove
• Burn marks
• Gas canister
• Injuries
• Surrounding damage
• The scene of the explosion

3. Get Medical Attention

Burns may worsen rapidly. Medical records also help strengthen your claim.

4. Save Receipts or Order Information

Even an emailed receipt from Walmart.com counts.

5. Avoid Starting a Claim With Walmart First

They may request the product back or offer minimal compensation.

6. Contact an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer

Legal counsel can help preserve the evidence, investigate the defect, and handle communications for you.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If the stove caused your injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation for:

Medical Expenses

• Emergency treatment
• Burn unit care
• Surgery and grafting
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Future medical care

Lost Wages

• Time away from work
• Reduced earning ability

Pain & Suffering

• Physical pain
• Emotional anguish
• Long-term scarring

Property Damage

• Damaged camping gear
• Clothing
• RVs, boats, or outdoor areas affected by the fire

Future Damages

Serious burns often lead to long recovery periods and lifelong limitations.

Do You Have to Prove You Used the Stove Correctly?

Not necessarily. Under product liability law, you may still recover compensation even if:

• You used the stove normally
• You followed the instructions
• You didn’t modify the product
• You weren’t aware of the defect

Many stove explosions happen during completely ordinary use, while boiling water, warming food, or lighting the burner.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Certain deadlines apply based on your state’s statute of limitations. Because burn injuries often require extended treatment, it’s best to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Why Contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin?

Our firm can help clients nationwide including those injured by defective camping gear, kitchen appliances, pressure cookers, and portable stoves. When you hire our team, we can:

• Investigate the cause of the explosion
• Work with engineers and fire experts
• Preserve and examine the stove
• Document injuries and damages
• Handle negotiations with Walmart and insurers
• Pursue full compensation you deserve through settlement or litigation

There are no upfront fees or costs, and we only get paid if you recover compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my stove only caught fire and didn’t explode?

You may still have a claim.

2. Do I still have a case if the injury happened years ago?

Possibly, depending on your state’s deadline.

3. Can renters or Airbnb guests file a claim?

Yes, injury victims do not need to be the product’s purchaser.

4. Should I return the stove under the recall program?

Not before speaking with a lawyer.

5. What if the stove was part of a hurricane-preparedness kit?

Your use may still qualify.

Contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin

If you were burned by an Ozark Trail Tabletop Stove, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation at (800) 337-7755.

We are here to help victims pursue justice and financial recovery after stove explosions, fires, and serious burn injuries.
You pay no fees or costs unless we win.