Dog bites can cause bad injuries and emotional trauma. Victims often face significant hospital bills, lost earnings, and long-term effects. It’s important to understand your rights after a dog attack to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Richardson Richardson Boudreaux stands up for dog bite victims in Oklahoma City. Our experienced team helps clients file dog bite injury claims, hold negligent dog owners accountable, and secure compensation for damages. We know how overwhelming these cases can be, especially when dealing with injuries or financial stress.
If you’ve been hurt in an animal attack, you don’t have to face it alone. Our Oklahoma City dog bite lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Oklahoma City Dog Bite Attorney Knows the Dangers of Dog Bites
A dog bite can lead to severe emotional and physical harm. Victims often experience pain, infections, or even permanent scarring. Children are especially vulnerable to these attacks and may suffer serious dog bite injuries that require long-term care.
Richardson Richardson Boudreaux understands how life-changing a dog attack can be. Beyond physical wounds, victims may face emotional trauma and anxiety around dogs. The costs of medical treatment and time off work add financial stress to an already difficult situation.
Our Oklahoma City dog bite lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover. We fight to pursue fair to maximum compensation for lost earnings, hospital bills, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured, our team is ready to provide the legal support you need to move forward.
Is Oklahoma a Strict Liability State?
Oklahoma follows strict liability laws for dog bite cases. This means that dog owners are fully responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has no history of aggression. Victims do not need to prove that the dog was known to be very dangerous or that the owner was negligent.
However, there are exceptions. Oklahoma dog bite laws state that an owner may not be held liable if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the dog attack. These factors can complicate a dog bite injury case.
Victims of dog bite injuries should consult an Oklahoma dog bite attorney to understand their rights.
When an Owner May Not Be Held Liable (Provocation or Trespassing)
Under Oklahoma dog bite laws, there are situations where a dog owner may not be held responsible for a dog attack. If the victim provoked the dog, such as by hitting, teasing, or threatening it, the owner may not be liable. Provocation can weaken a dog bite injury case, as it shifts blame away from the owner.
Trespassing is another exception. If the victim was unlawfully on the property when the dog attack occurred, the owner is often not held accountable. For example, if a person enters a fenced yard without permission and gets bitten, the owner may not face liability.
Despite these exceptions, dog bite victims may still have a case if the circumstances are unclear. An Oklahoma dog bite attorney can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and determine if the dog owner can be held accountable.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries can go from mild to severe, often requiring immediate medical treatment. Many victims face long-term health issues, physical pain, and emotional trauma. Some of the most common injuries associated with dog attacks are:
Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
Puncture wounds are among the most common injuries from a dog bite. These occur when the dog’s teeth penetrate the skin, often reaching deep tissues. Puncture wounds can damage muscles, blood vessels, or even organs, depending on the severity of the attack.
Lacerations are deeper cuts caused by the tearing of the skin. These injuries could result in significant blood loss and require stitches or surgical repair. Without proper care, both puncture wounds and lacerations can lead to infections, making timely medical treatment critical.
Nerve Damage
A dog attack can cause nerve damage if the bite affects sensitive areas like the hands, arms, or face. When nerves are injured, victims may experience tingling, numbness, or even loss of movement in the affected area.
Severe nerve damage may require physical therapy or surgery to restore function. In some cases, the damage is permanent, impacting the victim’s ability to work and quality of life. This type of injury can significantly increase the value of a dog bite injury claim.
Infections and Diseases
Dog bite injuries often lead to infections if bacteria from the dog’s mouth enter the wound. Common infections include cellulitis, which causes swelling and redness, or abscesses filled with pus. Rabies is a rare but serious risk if the dog has not been vaccinated.
Tetanus is another concern, especially if the bite wound is deep and untreated. Victims may need antibiotics, vaccines, or other medical interventions to prevent complications. Prompt attention to these injuries is essential to avoid long-term health risks.
Long-Term Emotional and Physical Scarring
Dog bite victims often face both physical and emotional scars. Deep wounds can leave permanent marks, requiring reconstructive surgery or other treatments to reduce visible damage. Victims might also suffer from emotional trauma, including anxiety or fear around dogs.
Children who experience dog attacks are especially vulnerable to long-term effects. Emotional scars can impact their confidence, relationships, and daily activities. Compensation for these damages often includes pain and suffering, as well as the cost of future care.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
Taking immediate action after a dog bite is very important to protect your health and strengthen your dog bite injury claim. Follow these steps to gather evidence for your case and ensure your safety:
- Seek medical attention
Clean the wound and see a doctor right away. Even minor bites can result in complications or infections. Keep important records of all medical treatment you receive. - Identify the dog and its owner
Get the dog owner's name, contact information, and proof of vaccination. This will help determine whether the dog is up to date on rabies shots. - Report the incident
File a report with your local animal control or police. An official record can support your dog bite injury case. - Document the scene
Take some photos of your injuries, the location, and any visible hazards. If there are witnesses, gather their contact information. - Avoid discussing fault
Do not say sorry or admit fault as this can harm your case. Let your dog bite lawyer handle all communication.
What Types of Compensation Can You Pursue?
Victims of dog bite injuries might be eligible for several types of compensation. These damages are designed to cover both financial losses and emotional hardships caused by the dog attack:
- Medical bills: Covers the cost of emergency care, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost wages: Reimburses income lost while recovering from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Compensates for physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the dog bite.
- Future medical expenses: Includes long-term care or rehabilitation for serious injuries, such as nerve damage or scarring.
- Property damage: Reimburses costs for items damaged during the animal attack, such as clothing or personal belongings.
- Emotional distress: Covers the psychological impact of the dog bite, including fear, anxiety, or PTSD.
An Oklahoma dog bite lawyer can evaluate your case and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
A skilled dog bite lawyer can handle the legal complexities so you can take more time to focus on your recovery. A few key ways an Oklahoma dog bite attorney supports victims include:
Proving Liability and Gathering Evidence
An attorney helps prove that the dog owner is responsible for the dog bite injury. This involves gathering key evidence, such as:
- Medical records to show the extent of your injuries.
- Witness statements to confirm the circumstances of the dog attack.
- Animal control reports documenting prior incidents involving the dog.
- Photos of injuries and the scene of the attack.
Your lawyer ensures no critical detail is missed, building a strong case to hold the dog owner accountable.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies for Fair Compensation
Dog bite injury victims often deal with insurance companies trying to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney knows how to haggle with these companies to secure fair compensation.
They will review your medical bills, lost income, and other damages to calculate the true value of your dog bite injury claim. By handling communication and negotiations, your lawyer protects you from unfair settlement offers.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
Your attorney can file a dog-bite lawsuit if negotiations with the insurance company fail. They will represent you in court, present evidence, and argue your case to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
A lawsuit can also hold negligent dog owners accountable, helping to prevent future dog attacks. An attorney gives you a better chance of achieving justice and recovering damages.
FAQs
What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Document the injuries, seek medical attention, and report the incident to animal control. Contact an Oklahoma dog bite attorney to explore your legal options.
Can I file a claim if I was bitten on someone’s property?
Yes, you may be able to file a dog bite injury claim, especially if the attack happened due to the owner's negligence or failure to secure the dog.
What damages can I recover after a dog attack?
You can recover fair to maximum compensation for lost wages, hospital bills, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In severe cases, future medical expenses may also be included.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit?
In Oklahoma, you typically have two years from the date of the dog attack to file a dog bite lawsuit. Consulting a lawyer early ensures deadlines are met.
How can a dog-bite lawyer help with my case?
An attorney gathers evidence, proves the dog owner's liability, negotiates with the insurance company, and files a lawsuit if needed. They fight to secure fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Dog Bite Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a dog attack, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, our Oklahoma City dog bite lawyers fight for victims who deserve compensation for their injuries.
We understand the challenges of recovering after a dog bite injury. Our team works to hold negligent dog owners accountable and pursues fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
