Tulsa Dog Bite Lawyer

Tulsa Dog Bite Attorney

A dog attack in Tulsa can result in serious injuries and long-term consequences that disrupt every part of your life. A Tulsa dog bite lawyer can step in to hold the dog’s owner responsible and fight for the compensation you deserve. You may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the lasting impact of the trauma.

Unwavering Legal Representation When It Matters Most

Following a dog bite, securing strong and effective legal representation can position you for a successful outcome to your injury claim. When Tulsa dog bite victims trust Bundy Law to guide them through the claims process, they get a dedicated legal team. Our firm is an industry leader when it comes to holding dog owners accountable for their negligence or misconduct.

Bundy Law was built with the needs of our clients in mind. Our phones are text-capable, we bill on the 1st and 15th of the month, and meeting reminders are automated. We understand the importance of receiving prompt and consistent communications from your lawyer.

Beyond these services, our lawyers are fierce and experienced litigators who understand what it takes to be fully prepared for hearings and trials, so our clients benefit from the outcomes of those critical legal proceedings.

Understanding Dog Bites in Tulsa and Across the States

Tulsa is home to popular dog-friendly spaces like Biscuit Acres, a well-maintained park with shaded seating, agility equipment, and fenced areas for both large and small dogs.

Dog bites remain a serious issue in Tulsa and across the country. In April 2023, 71-year-old Glennaroy Blackwelder was fatally attacked by four dogs while searching for her missing cat near her Tulsa home. The dogs were later surrendered and euthanized by Tulsa Animal Welfare.

Nationwide, the financial and physical impact of dog bites continues to rise. In 2022, insurers paid out $1.13 billion for dog-related injury claims, marking a 28% increase from the previous year. Although the number of claims dropped slightly, the average cost per claim jumped 32%, reaching $64,555. Nearly one in five dog bite victims require medical attention, underscoring how severe these incidents can be. Understanding your rights after an attack is essential.

Tulsa Ordinances and State Laws Governing Dog Ownership and Liability

State laws require dog owners to control and restrain their dogs properly. Dogs must be securely kept on the owner’s property, usually inside a strong fence or tied up safely to stop them from roaming free.

Owners must make sure their dogs do not threaten people or other animals by managing aggressive behavior and following leash rules in public places. Breaking these laws can lead to fines, penalties, or other legal trouble.

In 2021, the Tulsa City Council approved updates to the Animal Code to improve animal welfare and public safety. The revisions include stricter leash laws requiring all dogs to be on a leash in public, increased penalties for nuisance animals and dog fighting, and updated definitions like “animal bite” and “severe injury.”

The ordinance also raised pet limits per household and improved enforcement procedures, including home quarantine rules for rabies suspects. These changes aim to protect residents and animals while streamlining city animal services.

Establishing Fault Following a Dog Bite

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, establishing fault after a dog bite is key to holding the owner responsible. Oklahoma follows a strict liability rule, which means dog owners are liable if their dog bites or injures someone without provocation while the victim is lawfully on public or private property.

One element that dog mauling victims must prove is that the attack was unprovoked. They must also show that the victim was not trespassing at the time of the attack. Evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and animal control reports plays a crucial role in building a strong case.

An attorney can investigate whether the dog was involved in prior animal attack incidents. If the dog’s owner tries to falsely claim that you provoked the attack or were not invited onto the property, your lawyer can gather evidence to support your version of events so you are fully compensated for your injury.

What Can I Be Compensated For?

Victims of dog bites in Tulsa may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. Medical expenses are a primary consideration, covering emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

Compensation may also include lost wages if the injury caused you to miss work or impacted your ability to earn. Non-economic damages for pain and suffering can also be sought through an injury claim if you suffered emotional distress due to the attack.

You may also be eligible for damages if you suffered permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability following the animal attack. If the case goes to court, a jury may award punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial for Securing Compensation

Dog bites can cause devastating physical injuries and emotional trauma, but you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. Having an experienced Tulsa attorney who understands local courts, city ordinances, and Oklahoma state laws on dog liability is essential to building a strong case.

An attorney can assess your case to determine the full scope of damages you are entitled to. They can negotiate with the dog’s owner or insurer on your behalf so you do not inadvertently say something that compromises your case. If your injury claim requires action through court, they can guide you through that process and represent you before a judge or jury.

From proving negligence to countering defense tactics aimed at avoiding responsibility, skilled legal representation makes a critical difference in the outcome of your case. Bundy Law offers top-tier attorneys recognized in prestigious legal directories and known for their experience in complex and high-value cases.

Our lawyers are ranked at the top of the world’s most prestigious legal directories, including the Chambers Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth guide and the Spear’s 500 Family Lawyers index for high-net-worth individuals.

If you are looking for a law firm that understands how to hold negligent dog owners financially responsible, we welcome you to join our growing roster of satisfied clients.

FAQs

What Determines Compensation After a Dog Bite in Oklahoma?

What determines compensation after a dog bite in Oklahoma is the extent of the injury and how it disrupts your life. That includes physical harm, medical treatment, and missed work. Strong evidence makes a difference. Take photos, keep records, and report the bite. These steps help show what happened and why recovery for your losses may be appropriate.

What Can You Be Held Responsible for as a Dog Bite Victim in Tulsa?

In Tulsa, as a dog bite victim, you can be held partially or fully responsible for your injuries if you provoked the dog, were trespassing on the dog owner’s property, or ignored explicit warning signs. Even when bitten by someone else’s dog, your actions still matter and can influence any claim for compensation.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove a Dog Bite Claim?

Evidence needed to prove a dog bite claim in Tulsa, Oklahoma, includes medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and proof that the bite happened where the victim had a right to be. The clearer and more organized your documentation, the stronger your claim. Prompt reporting and solid records help support any demand for compensation through legal or insurance channels.

What Is the Legal Standard for Dog Bites in Oklahoma?

The legal standard for dog bites in Oklahoma is strict liability. If a dog bites someone without provocation, and they are legally on the property, the dog’s owner is responsible. It does not matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before. The law is designed to protect public safety. Responsible ownership includes controlling the dog and preventing avoidable contact with others.

What Is a Level 2 Dog Bite?

A Level 2 dog bite occurs when the dog’s teeth make contact with the skin but do 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.

Take the First Step Toward Holding Negligent Dog Owners Responsible

A dog bite or animal attack in Tulsa can leave victims dealing with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills. These incidents often occur because a pet owner failed to follow local leash laws or ignored warning signs. When that negligence causes harm, you have the right to seek compensation and hold them accountable.

A Tulsa dog bite lawyer at Bundy Law can help you understand your legal options and build a strong claim. We take animal attack cases seriously and understand how city ordinances and state liability laws may impact your recovery. Don’t let an animal attack become a financial setback. Contact Bundy Law today so we can schedule a consultation and get you the legal representation you deserve.