Oklahoma City Dog Bite Lawyer

Oklahoma City Dog Bite Attorney

Being attacked by a dog is a life-altering moment that can leave you facing unexpected financial, physical, and emotional hardships. By working with an Oklahoma City dog bite lawyer, you can hold the negligent dog owner accountable for allowing their pet to do you bodily harm. With legal representation, you can be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

A Personal Injury Law Firm Built for Clients

Following a dog bite, having the right legal representation can be the difference between receiving fair compensation and receiving little, if any, financial help from the at-fault party. At Bundy Law, we understand the hardships you are going through because we have successfully guided many injured clients through the civil claims process and helped them secure the compensation they were owed.

Our firm was built from the ground up with our satisfied clients in mind. We use advanced software to schedule and coordinate meetings with clients, so you are never lost in the system. Our firm bills every two weeks, so you are not hit with months of legal bills you weren’t expecting.

If you are preparing to pursue compensation from an at-fault party or group following a dog attack, working with a market-leading law firm can position you to secure a favorable settlement or court verdict.

Understanding Dog Bites in Oklahoma City

Dog bites are a growing concern in Oklahoma City and across the country. In 2022, a woman broke into the Oklahoma City animal shelter to retrieve her pit bull, Hazel, just hours before it was scheduled to be euthanized. Hazel had previously bitten someone and was declared dangerous by a court. The dog was later seized and euthanized as ordered, and the woman was arrested.

In a separate 2023 incident, an elderly woman was walking her two dogs near Southeast 64th Street and South Byers Avenue when two large, tan dogs attacked, fatally injuring one of her pets. Animal control is still searching for the dogs involved.

Nationally, dog-related injury claims totaled $1.13 billion in 2022. While total claims declined slightly, the average payout rose to $64,555. Nearly one in five bite victims requires medical care.

For the vast majority of dog owners, life with their pets is rich and rewarding, especially in a dog-friendly city like Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City offers eight off-leash dog parks, including PAW Park at 3303 NW Grand Blvd., which features separate areas for large and small dogs and a pond for swimming.

Oklahoma City and State Laws Pertaining to Dog Ownership and Injuries

Oklahoma City has multiple municipal codes and laws that govern how dogs should be restrained and treated. Under Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 8-38, it is illegal for dog owners to let their dogs run loose or trespass on other people’s property. Dogs found “at large” can be impounded by animal control and will only be returned following city rules.

Exceptions include dogs on private property with permission, dogs under direct control in public places, and dogs in city-approved dog parks. Violating this law is considered a Class “A” offense, which is taken seriously by the city.

Oklahoma City law § 8-39 requires all dog owners to keep their dogs confined on their property. This means dogs must be kept inside a house or secured in a sturdy fenced area that prevents escape or reaching outside the enclosure in a threatening way. If not fenced, dogs can be tethered with a strong chain long enough for exercise but not long enough to reach public areas or others’ property.

State laws also govern how dogs should be handled and restrained by their owners. These regulations typically require dogs to be confined securely on the owner’s property, usually within a fenced area or properly tethered to prevent them from roaming freely.

Owners must ensure their dogs do not pose a threat to people or other animals by preventing aggressive behavior and following leash laws in public spaces. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines, penalties, or other legal consequences.

Establishing Fault Following a Dog Bite

The first step for securing compensation for a dog bite requires establishing fault. Typically, this means proving that the dog’s owner is responsible for the mauling. Oklahoma follows a strict liability rule, meaning owners are liable if their dog bites someone without provocation while the victim is lawfully on public or private property.

Dog owners may try to avoid or minimize liability by arguing that the victim provoked the attack or was trespassing at the time of the animal attack. Evidence, like witness statements, medical records, and animal control reports, plays a critical role in establishing fault. Working with an attorney who understands how to hold dog owners accountable is also critical for securing the compensation that you are owed.

What Can I Be Compensated For?

Once you establish fault and hire an attorney, you can be compensated for a variety of damages. These include medical expenses, such as emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Compensation may also cover lost wages if injuries prevent you from working, and pain and suffering from emotional and physical trauma.

Following a serious animal attack, you may be eligible for compensation for scarring or disability. This could include payments for future lost earnings, the cost of ongoing rehabilitation, and reimbursement for the cost of refitting your home with equipment to accommodate your disability.

Oklahoma law aims to make victims whole by financially restoring them following a vicious dog mauling. While the state’s personal injury laws create a pathway to pursue compensation, doing so often requires guidance and support from an injury attorney who understands the state and city laws pertaining to animal attacks.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial for Securing Compensation

A dog attack can be life-altering, but it doesn’t have to leave you facing financial hardships. With legal representation from an attorney who has experience representing dog bite victims, you can secure the compensation you are owed.

Throughout the dog bite claims process, Bundy Law can stand by your side every step of the way. Our attorneys are recognized by respected organizations. These distinctions reflect our skill in handling complicated and high-stakes cases, including serious dog attack claims that require thorough knowledge and aggressive representation. When you partner with us, you gain skilled representation from an industry-leading firm that puts your rights and interests first.

FAQs

What Is the Law on Dog Bites in Oklahoma?

The law on dog bites in Oklahoma is based on strict liability. If a dog bites someone without being provoked, and the person is legally on public or private property, the dog’s owner is responsible. The dog does not need a history of aggression. The law does not protect owners if they fail to control or restrain their dogs properly.

What Arguments Can Dog Owners Use to Avoid Liability?

Dog owners may argue that the injured person provoked the dog, was trespassing on private property, or assumed the risk by voluntarily approaching the animal. In some cases, they may claim the dog had no prior history of aggression, which can limit liability under certain state laws. Owners might also argue that they took reasonable steps to restrain or warn others about the dog, such as using a leash or posting signs.

What Does a Level 2 Dog Bite Look Like?

A Level 2 dog bite means the dog’s teeth made contact with the skin but did not break it. These bites may leave red marks or bruising. They often serve as a warning from the dog. Owners should treat this level seriously and work to correct the behavior before it escalates into something more dangerous or harmful.

Are Dog Owners Responsible for Restraining Their Canines in Oklahoma City?

Yes, dog owners in Oklahoma City are legally required to restrain their dogs. City ordinances mandate that dogs must be kept on a leash or within a secure enclosure when outside the owner’s property. Failure to comply with these laws and ordinances can lead to citations and other penalties. If the dog bites someone, any violations of city laws could be used to establish liability for the injury.

Can a Dog Bite Lead to a Large Settlement?

Yes. An animal attack injury, like a dog bite, can lead to a substantial settlement when the injury is severe and causes long-lasting setbacks for the dog mauling victim. Settlements typically cover medical expenses, so any ongoing treatments or future surgeries could be accounted for through a settlement. If the injured party becomes disabled or suffers emotional trauma, that can further add to the size of any settlement or favorable court verdict.

Don’t Let an Animal Attack Become a Financial Setback. Contact Bundy Law Today

An unexpected dog mauling or animal attack can leave you facing painful injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. It is an unfortunate reality that dog maulings can leave innocent victims facing serious financial burdens. With legal representation, you can hold the negligent party accountable for the harm you suffered.

At Bundy Law, we represent victims in serious animal attack cases with the focus and determination these claims deserve. We understand how local ordinances and state liability laws can affect your recovery. Don’t let an animal attack become a financial setback. Contact Bundy Law today.