More than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year. Half of these injuries occur in children ages 5 to 9, and one of five dog bites causes an injury severe enough to necessitate medical attention. Dog bites can be and should be prevented. When a dog owner or handler allows a dog in their control to harm another person, they should be held responsible for the harm they cause.
If a dog recently bit you or your child, you have legal options to pursue justice and financial accountability. An experienced Oklahoma City dog bite attorney from our law firm can meet with you during a free and confidential case review to explore them with you. Contact us today to learn more.
How Can an Oklahoma City Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me?
Dog bites and attacks can be traumatic experiences. You may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and psychological trauma. You may also be intimidated by the legal system and unsure of your rights.
An experienced OKC personal injury lawyer can explain your rights to you and various pathways to pursue compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. They can investigate your case and gather evidence to prove the dog owner’s responsibility under the law. They can also coordinate your medical care to ensure you receive the necessary treatment for your dog bite injuries to be promptly diagnosed and treated.
Dog bite victims may underestimate the long-term harm these attacks can have on their lives. An experienced attorney can consider your lost earnings, psychological trauma, and other factors to determine a fair amount of compensation to demand on your behalf. They can prepare a demand letter that clearly illustrates the dog owner’s liability and the compensation you are due. If the dog owner or their insurance company does not make a fair settlement offer, an Oklahoma City dog bite injury lawyer can take your case to court to pursue justice and accountability.
Every step of the way, your OKC dog bite attorney can advocate for you and guide you through the legal process. You will never be alone when you hire a skilled dog attack lawyer from our firm. Call us today at (405) 310-8800 to take advantage of a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Are Oklahoma’s Dog Bite Laws?
Oklahoma law protects dog accident victims. Lawmakers have simplified the process of obtaining compensation following a dog bite by passing a strict liability law. Under this law, dog owners are liable for damages their dog causes when the dog bites or injures a person who is lawfully on the property where the dog bite occurs and did not provoke the dog. Dog bite victims do not have to show the dog was dangerous, the dog owner was negligent, or that the dog owner was aware that the dog had a propensity for violence unless the strict liability law does not apply.
What Financial Damages Can I Recover for Dog Bites?
Dog bites can lead to considerable damage, but Oklahoma personal injury law allows victims to financially recover for the full extent of harm they suffered. Dog bite victims may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency department visits, specialist visits, ambulance rides, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing medical treatment
- Future medical expenses for rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages while recovering from the bite
- Reduced earning capacity if the dog bite lowered their long-term earning potential
- Impairments and disabilities
- Physical scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
An experienced Oklahoma City dog bite injury attorney can review your claim and explain the damages available to you.
What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bites can cause serious harm, including:
- Puncture wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Crushing injuries
- Rabies, tetanus, or other diseases or infections
Sometimes, the psychological trauma following dog bite victims continues well after the physical injuries have healed. Victims may suffer from a debilitating and lifelong fear of dogs.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
If a dog bit you, there are steps you can take to protect your health and legal rights, including:
Perform First Aid
Take steps to address the immediate issue by:
- Placing a clean towel over the injury to stop bleeding
- Keeping the injured area elevated
- Washing the wound with soap and water
- Applying a sterile bandage to the wound
Watch for signs of infection, such as fever, pain, or a red, swollen, or inflamed appearance around the wound.
Seek Medical Treatment
Many dog bites require medical treatment. Do not take any chances. Go to the emergency room or other healthcare provider immediately to prevent infection and properly diagnose your injuries. Establishing a paper trail between the bite and your medical condition will also help with your legal claim.
Report the Incident
Contact your local animal control to inform it of the incident. They need to document the incident and conduct an investigation to determine if the dog is dangerous.
Get Information About the Dog and Owner
If possible, ask for the dog owner’s name, contact information, and insurance information. Also, ask for a copy of the dog’s veterinary records to see if it is up to date on its vaccines.
Take Pictures
Take pictures of the injuries, the scene of the attack, any conditions that could have contributed to the incident (like a broken fence), and the dog.
Talk to Witnesses
Ask witnesses for their names and contact information so your OKC dog bite injury lawyer can follow up with them for a statement later.
Hire an Oklahoma City Dog Bite Lawyer
The legal process following a dog bite can be daunting. An experienced Oklahoma City dog attack and bite injury attorney can represent your legal interests regarding filing a dog bite claim, while you focus on your recovery.
Contact a Compassionate Oklahoma City Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you were injured in a vicious dog attack, you have legal rights and options. You should not have to suffer because someone else fails to control their animal. An experienced and compassionate Oklahoma City dog bite lawyer from our law firm can meet with you during a free consultation to review your legal options. We can protect your interests and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us today at (405) 310-8800 to get started with your free case review.