Oklahoma City Dog Bite Attorneys

Fighting for Dog Bite Victims in Oklahoma

The aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming. You may be facing painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and emotional trauma while wondering how you’ll cover these losses.

You don’t have to face this situation alone. At JJ Law, our Oklahoma City dog bite lawyers represent victims of animal attacks, keeping our clients informed, empowered, and involved throughout the legal process. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

We bring over 30 years of combined experience, more than 1,000 personal injury cases handled, and over $70 million recovered for injury victims. We can review the attack, explain your options, and pursue compensation on your behalf. You don’t owe our firm any legal fees unless we help you get compensation.

Oklahoma Dog Bite Law: Understanding Your Rights

Oklahoma law is relatively favorable to dog bite victims compared with laws in states that follow the “one-bite rule.” In many states, an owner is liable only if they knew the dog was dangerous. Oklahoma instead follows a strict liability statute for dog bites.

According to Oklahoma law, the owner of a dog is liable for damages if:

• The dog bites or injures a person.
• The victim was in a place where they had a legal right to be, whether on public property or lawfully on private property.
• The attack occurred without provocation.

Under strict liability, you don’t have to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. If the dog bit you while you were minding your own business in a public park or visiting someone’s home as an invited guest, the owner is responsible for the damages.

The Location and "Lawful Presence"

To pursue a claim successfully, you must have been lawfully on the property. This includes:

• Public property, such as sidewalks, parks, and stores.
• Private property when invited, including as a social guest, postal worker, delivery driver, or repair person.

If someone is trespassing on private property, the strict liability statute may not apply. If you were simply walking your own dog or visiting a neighbor when the attack occurred, we at JJ Law can help establish your right to recovery.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Dog Bite Case?

A dog bite claim may include compensation for financial losses and the personal effects of the attack. Financial losses have direct, verifiable amounts that can be calculated using bills, receipts, and financial statements. Compensation may also address intangible consequences without a fixed cost, including the disruption and suffering the injury causes in your life.

Our dog bite attorneys can pursue full and fair compensation for losses including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income from missed work
• Reduced earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement

Punitive damages are available only when the defendant acted especially recklessly or maliciously. They could become relevant if the dog’s owner ordered the animal to attack you or if the dog has a long history of harming others. These damages, which Oklahoma caps, are meant to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Oklahoma City

The steps you take after a dog bite can affect your ability to pursue compensation. If you’re injured, consider the following:

1. Seek medical attention immediately: Even minor bites can lead to serious infections.
2. Report the incident: Report bites within Oklahoma City limits to OKC Animal Welfare. The agency investigates reported bites, prepares a report, and quarantines the animal for 10 days to monitor for rabies.
3. Document the scene: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack.
4. Gather information: Obtain the dog owner’s contact details and statements from any witnesses. Keep medical records, bills, and documents showing missed work.
5. Avoid speaking with insurance companies alone: Insurers may try to minimize your claim.
6. Consult an attorney: Legal guidance can protect your rights and help preserve evidence for your case.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

A 2001 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis found that punctures were the most commonly diagnosed dog bite injury, followed by lacerations. Common injury locations included the arms and hands, legs and feet, and head and neck. Most people treated in emergency departments were released after treatment, while those with more severe injuries required hospitalization.

Dog Bite Injuries in Children

Children face heightened injury concerns after a dog attack. In the 2001 analysis, children ages 5 to 9 had the highest dog bite injury rate, and children under 14 accounted for about 42% of dog bite injuries treated in emergency departments. Children under age 4 sustained most of their injuries to the head and neck.