Oklahoma Dog Bite Laws Explained [2024 Updated]

“Man’s best friend” can turn on people without notice, causing serious bodily injury and emotional trauma for victims. If you were recently bitten by a dog, you may be wondering about the Oklahoma dog bite laws. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can hold the dog owner accountable and receive financial compensation for your injuries.

Important Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite

It’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly after a dog bite. Dog bites can cause severe and lasting injuries, and there’s a risk that any dog can transmit an infectious disease even if they do not show injuries. Following these steps can ensure your physical safety while helping you lay the groundwork for legal action with the help of a personal injury attorney.

• Focus on your safety: Remain calm and avoid eye contact to reduce aggression. Stand still and avoid sudden movements or running, but work to put distance between you and the dog. Making loud commands with a confident voice can change the dog’s behavior.
• Stabilize your wound and seek medical attention: Apply pressure using a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Even a minor bite should be looked at by a medical professional immediately. Dog bites can become infected, which can lead to further complications. Medical documentation can be used if you decide to take legal action later on.
• Report the incident: You should report the bite to the police and local animal control. This could keep the public safe and potentially prevent another attack. The report can serve as evidence for your case.
• Gather information: Find contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses to the attack. Write down the location of the attack, the dog’s description, and the circumstances that led to the bite. Take photographs of your injuries and of the location of the incident if you can do so safely. Save any medical records tied to the injury. Receipts for any purchases needed to treat your wounds could be included in any settlement negotiations.

Avoid negotiating directly with the dog owner regarding compensation without legal advice. Premature discussions may result in insufficient compensation due to not fully understanding your injuries or rights.

Consult with a dog bite lawyer who can assist you in navigating the claims process, handling insurance companies, and securing appropriate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to your injury.

What Can I Be Compensated for Following a Dog Bite?

Victims of dog bites in Oklahoma may seek compensation for various expenses related to their injuries, such as medical procedures like surgery for broken bones or stitches for puncture wounds. If you suffered emotional trauma due to the attack, you may be able to sue for pain and suffering as well.

They may also recover damages from surgeries needed to treat severe bites. Compensation can include lost wages due to time away from work and can even cover the value of other pets or livestock harmed by the dog.

Oklahoma law provides specific protections, allowing livestock owners to claim full compensation for any damage caused by another person’s dog, including legal expenses.

FAQs

Q: Does Oklahoma Have a One Bite Rule?

A: There is a popular myth that you can only sue a dog owner if their dog has bitten and injured someone before, but this is not true. Oklahoma follows the principle of strict liability, meaning that dog owners are responsible for preventing their pets from harming others. If someone’s dog bites you or a loved one, you may be able to take immediate legal action against the dog owner.

Q: What Happens if I Am Partly to Blame for the Dog Bite?

A: Oklahoma is a comparative negligence state, meaning you can seek compensation for a dog bite even if you are partially responsible as long as your responsibility is less than 50%. If you are found to be 50% or more responsible by a jury, you may not be eligible to pursue compensation. Liability could shift, for example, if the defendant accuses the plaintiff of provoking the dog.

Your personal injury lawyer can review your case to see if you have solid legal grounds for suing the dog owner.

Q: Can Someone Sue You if Your Dog Bites Them on Your Property in Oklahoma?

A: Yes. Under state law, someone can sue you if your dog bites them, even if the incident happened on your property. Dog owners have a legal responsibility to prevent their pets from causing bodily injury to other people.

You can protect yourself from financial liability by hiring an attorney to defend you against those accusations. An attorney can explore defense strategies that can lower your liability for financial damages.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite in Oklahoma?

A: The statute of limitations for a personal injury case involving a dog bite is two years. Exceptions to this legal deadline are exceedingly rare. Anyone who wishes to pursue legal remedies for a dog bite should consult with a personal injury attorney soon after the attack to see if they have legal grounds for pursuing a lawsuit.

Q: How Are Dog Bite Cases Usually Settled?

A: The vast majority of dog bite cases are settled outside of court through a settlement. Your dog bite attorney’s job is to gather evidence to build a strong case so the defendant understands that they are liable for causing the bite.

When both parties agree to a settlement that compensates the plaintiff for their injuries, the case will be settled and closed. When both parties cannot come to an agreement over a settlement, mediation offers one way forward. If that does not resolve the disagreements, the case can go to trial.

Schedule Your Dog Bite Consultation Today

A dog bite can result in serious bodily injury that can require stitches or surgery. Once you have tended to your safety, consult with an experienced dog bite attorney to see if you can be compensated for your injuries.

The legal team at 222 Injury Lawyers has helped many clients receive financial compensation following a personal injury case involving a dog bite. We can work to ensure that you do not suffer the financial consequences of the dog owner’s negligence or misconduct. To schedule your consultation, please call our office today.