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If you have been injured from a dog or animal attack, then you may need to take legal action against the owner. Dog bite injuries can impact not only the victim but also their family members, including children and elders, making it crucial to seek legal representation that can help secure compensation for the entire family. Oklahoma law follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, so pet owners are held liable for injuries caused by their dogs regardless of prior aggression or fault. A Lawton dog bite lawyer at AMA Law can provide comprehensive legal representation to help you pursue compensation for medical bills, treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
Contact our office for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys to learn more about your legal rights after a dog bite injury. Oklahoma dog bite attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, so clients do not pay legal fees unless they win their case.
In Oklahoma, if a dog bites or injures a person, the victim may sue the owner, even when the dog has not previously hurt someone or the owner did not know of the dog’s aggressive nature. Oklahoma Statutes § 4-42.4 governs these cases. Under Oklahoma’s dog bite laws, the owner is held strictly liable, meaning the victim does not need to prove fault or negligence to recover damages. Establishing where and when the bite occurred and that the victim was lawfully present when the attack occurred is crucial for liability and insurance claims.
Those injured in dog or animal attacks do not need to demonstrate that their injuries were due to the pet owner’s negligence. Instead, to recover damages from the pet owner in a Lawton dog bite case, the injured party must prove:
To maintain a claim for damages as a result of a dog bite in Oklahoma, the victim must show that they were lawfully present at the location where the bite occurred and that the dog was not provoked.
However, it is important to note that a different legal standard applies in rural areas, cities, and towns that do not have mail delivery services in Oklahoma.
Dog bites can happen unexpectedly and for a variety of reasons. In many cases, an Oklahoma City dog bite occurs when a dog feels threatened, is startled, or is trying to protect its territory or family. Even dogs that have never shown signs of aggression can bite if they are not properly trained or socialized. Under Oklahoma’s dog bite laws, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has a history of biting or dangerous tendencies.
Some of the most common causes of dog bites include unfamiliar dogs reacting out of fear, dogs defending their home or owners, and situations where a dog is provoked—intentionally or unintentionally. Many dog owners may not realize their pet is capable of causing harm until an attack occurs, but the law still holds them responsible for the dog’s actions.
When you are bitten by a dog or attacked by an animal, seek medical care immediately. Dog attacks can leave victims with devastating injuries, including:
Common injuries from dog bites include deep puncture wounds, broken bones, nerve damage, and severe infections. Serious dog bites can result in serious dog bite injuries that may require reconstructive surgery, skin grafts, or ongoing treatment such as physical therapy. Infections from dog bites can lead to severe complications, including the risk of amputation.
The most serious injuries could require surgery. Approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur annually in the U.S., and about 20% of dog bite victims require medical attention. Prompt medical treatment and physical therapy are crucial for recovery and to prevent complications.
Aside from the physical complications a dog bite victim might suffer, it is emotionally stressful. Many victims experience mental anguish and psychological effects, such as anxiety and fear of dogs, which can have lasting impacts. Those injured in dog attacks often suffer from anxiety or PTSD after the incident. These conditions may make it difficult to work or carry out daily activities.
Victims should maintain all medical records and documentation related to their injuries and medical treatment, as these are crucial for supporting insurance claims and legal cases. A lawyer can help by investigating the incident, gathering medical records, photographs, witness statements, and reports from local animal control, and handling insurance company negotiations to prevent lowball offers or inadequate settlements. Dog bite victims may need to file an insurance claim with the dog owner’s insurance company to recover compensation for their injuries. After obtaining treatment for any injuries, a Lawton dog bite lawyer can help you file a claim against the owner for the harm you suffered.
Dog bite victims can collect compensation for their economic and non-economic losses related to the attack. Economic damages compensate you for medical bills, lost income, and other out-of-pocket costs. Economic damages can also include lost wages due to missed work and future medical needs resulting from the dog bite. Dog bite victims may seek compensation for ongoing treatment and future medical care related to their injuries. The amount of financial compensation or appropriate compensation a victim can recover depends on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their life. Dog bite claims are often filed against the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy, and homeowners insurance policies typically cover dog bite claims even if the incident occurs away from the owner’s property. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims are a significant portion of homeowners insurance liability claims each year. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so clients do not pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for them. Our goal is to secure full and fair compensation for all damages suffered by the victim. Non-economic damages account for a person’s pain and suffering, emotional distress, and similar subjective, non-monetary losses. Our team of dedicated legal professionals at AMA can evaluate your physical and emotional injuries and argue for fair compensation accordingly.
If you are considering legal action, it is imperative that you take action early on. Okla. Stat. § 12-95 sets forth the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Injured individuals have two years from the date of injury to file their case. If you were harmed by someone else’s dog you could have a claim for compensation, discuss your options with an experienced Lawton dog bite injury attorney.
When you or a loved one suffers injuries in a dog attack, it is important to consult an experienced attorney, such as a Lawton dog bite lawyer, as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a dog bite lawsuit or dog bite injury claim. Our firm represents personal injury clients in a variety of dog bite injury cases, including those involving pit bulls and other breeds.
We serve clients in Lawton, Oklahoma City, Tulsa County, and surrounding areas, with a team that includes city dog bite lawyers and Tulsa dog bite lawyers ready to assist you. Our attorneys have years of experience litigating cases involving dog related injuries, whether caused by a dog owner’s negligence or a dog’s actions. We have successfully helped injured parties recover comprehensive compensation for their injuries.
Dog bite injuries can cause serious complications, including infections and scarring. When someone else’s negligence was a factor, you should not have to bear the financial burden of treating your injuries alone. Contact our firm today at (405) 972-6123 to discuss your legal options and potential compensation in a dog bite injury case. Consultations are always free and have no obligation.