Approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur annually, with one out of every five bites requiring medical attention. These vicious attacks can leave behind serious injuries, traumatized victims, and physical and emotional scars.
If a dog bites you, you should not have to suffer. The dog’s owner should be held accountable for the harm you suffered. An experienced Norman dog bite lawyer from Oklahoma Injury Law can fight for the financial compensation you deserve that acknowledges the full extent of your injuries and suffering. Contact our law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Is Oklahoma’s Dog Bite Law?
Oklahoma’s dog bite law states:
The owner or owners of any dog shall be liable for damages to the full amount of any damages sustained when his dog, without provocation, bites or injures any person while such person is in or on a place where he has a lawful right to be.
This type of law is known as a strict liability law, which means that if you can show you were injured in the way described in the statute, you do not have to show the dog owner was negligent or knew their dog was dangerous. This eases the evidentiary burden on dog bite victims, unlike in one-bite states.
What Are My Options for Recovering Financial Compensation After a Dog Bite?
Dog owners and handlers are responsible for the animals in their care. If you are bitten, your first option for financial recovery may be to file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance policy. For example, if the dog bite occurred on the owner’s property, you may be able to file a claim with their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. If the bite occurred at a commercial establishment, you could file a claim with the general liability policy.
At times, landlords, business owners, apartment complexes, or local municipalities may be legally responsible for the damages stemming from a dog bite if they fail to protect residents from a known vicious animal. An experienced Norman dog bite attorney can review your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Financial Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
If you were injured during a dog bite or animal attack, you may have the right to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses – Medical bills for dog attacks can be extensive. You or your child may have required emergency medical treatment, follow-up care, and reconstructive surgery. You could also face significant medical expenses in the future.
- Lost wages – Your medical recovery may take you away from work. You have the right to recover compensation for your lost wages and reduced future earnings.
- Pain and suffering – Pain and suffering damages compensate for your physical discomfort, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by someone else’s negligence.
An experienced Norman personal injury attorney can review your case and explain the compensation that may be available to you.
Contact Our Norman Dog Bite Lawyers for Legal Assistance and Representation
If a dog bit you while you were lawfully on the property, Oklahoma’s strict liability law can protect you. Contact us online or call (405) 310-8800 Oklahoma Injury Law for a free case review with a Norman dog bite lawyer.