top of page
Dog Bites
Bitten by a Dog in Oklahoma? Here Is What You Need to Know
A dog bite can be a scary and painful experience. It often happens suddenly and leaves people dealing with injuries, stress, and unexpected medical bills. If you were bitten by a dog, you may have a legal right to hold the dog’s owner accountable.
At Brian Williams Law, we help Oklahomans who have been injured because someone else did not take proper care of their pet. If this has happened to you or someone you love, you do not have to handle it alone.
What Is A Dog Bite Claim?
A dog bite claim is a type of personal injury case. It is filed when a dog injures someone who was legally allowed to be where they were. In Oklahoma, the law says dog owners are responsible if their dog bites someone who is not trespassing and who did not provoke the dog.
That means if you were bitten while walking down the street, visiting a friend, or out in public, the owner could be held legally and financially responsible. But if you were trespassing or threatening the dog, the situation may be different. Every case depends on the details, and that is why it helps to talk to an attorney who knows the law.
Why You Should Talk to a Lawyer
Dog bite cases might seem straightforward, but they can get complicated quickly. Owners often deny that their dog did anything wrong. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. In some cases, the dog owner might not even have insurance at all.
An experienced personal injury attorney can make sure your rights are protected. We know how to gather evidence, prove liability, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Most importantly, we can help you pursue the full amount you deserve for medical bills, missed work, and the pain you have gone through.
Dog bites can cause serious harm, including infections, nerve damage, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. Handling your own legal claim while trying to heal is a lot to take on. When you hire us, you can focus on getting better while we take care of the rest.
What to do After a Dog Fight
If you are bitten by a dog, here are the most important steps to take:
-
Get to safety right away
Move away from the dog and get to a safe place.
-
Call 911
Even if you are not sure how serious the injury is, calling for help ensures the incident is documented.
-
Get medical care
Dog bites can lead to infection and other complications. A doctor can treat your wounds and create a medical record, which can also help support your legal claim.
-
Avoid speaking with insurance companies
Do not make statements to the dog owner’s insurer without talking to your lawyer first. They may try to twist your words or use your statements against you.
-
Call a personal injury attorney
The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin building your case and protecting your rights.
What You Can Be Compensated For
If you were bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. The exact amount depends on your injuries and how the incident has affected your life. Common types of compensation include:
-
Emergency room visits and follow-up medical care
-
Surgery or physical therapy
-
Lost income from time off work
-
Reduced ability to work in the future
-
Vocational training if you cannot return to your old job
-
Pain and suffering
-
Emotional distress or trauma
Oklahoma law says that dog owners are fully responsible for damages caused by their dog, as long as the victim did not provoke the dog and was not trespassing.
What About the Dog?
Many people hesitate to report a dog bite because they are afraid the dog will be put down. In most cases, that does not happen. Especially if this is the first time the dog has bitten someone, the focus is usually on preventing future incidents, not punishing the animal.
Reporting a bite helps keep others safe. It also creates an official record that supports your case. Failing to report it could mean someone else gets hurt by the same dog in the future.
What Kind of Evidence Helps My Case?
Every case is different, but here are some common types of evidence we may use to support your dog bite claim:
-
Medical records showing your injuries
-
Photos of the wounds or the scene
-
Witness statements
-
Police or animal control reports
-
Security or doorbell camera footage if available
To win a case like this, we will need to prove that the dog owner had a responsibility to control their pet, that they failed to do so, and that their dog caused your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is not meant to provide legal advice. Its purpose is to provide a list of frequently asked questions and general answers about personal injury.
How Brian Williams Law Can Help You
If you were bitten by a dog in Oklahoma, Brian Williams Law is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you understand your rights and next steps. We are ready to stand up for you.
bottom of page