1998 Chevy Malibu Intake manifold reiar and dealer screw-up

My wife took her car in to the local Chevy dealer due to what she thought was a batter light problem. It turned out to be a radiator indicator and found that the intake manifold gasket was shot, leaking both internally and externally. OK. Told them to fix it. They did, but then they said when they cranked it up, the lifters were making crazy noises. They said it was their mistake and that they had to re-do the procedure at their own cost. Seems to me they forgot to put oil in! (They have not elaborated at this point). We feel that this may lead to problems down the road, and don't want to be stuck on the side of the road with a thrown rod or a cracked block. Any advice on how to handle the dealership would be appreciated!

Bruce and Jo Peters