More than 800,000 people are treated for dog bites each year in the United States. These unprovoked attacks, which are especially common among children, postal workers, and delivery personnel, can cause severe injuries and emotional trauma, leaving victims with physical, financial, and psychological burdens. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Oklahoma, seeking legal representation is crucial to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
At Carr and Carr, our experienced team of OKC dog bite lawyers is dedicated to helping victims obtain the full and fair compensation they deserve. With our knowledge of Oklahoma’s dog bite laws and extensive experience in personal injury cases, we are prepared to advocate for you and hold responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the financial recovery you need.
Why Hire Carr and Carr for Your Oklahoma Dog Bite Claim?
- Experience-Based Expertise: Carr and Carr has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including dog bite lawsuits. The skilled attorneys at our law firm understand how to pursue these cases and will work diligently to protect your rights and seek the financial compensation you deserve.
- Extensive Legal Knowledge: Our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers have in-depth knowledge of Oklahoma dog bite laws and how they apply to your case. We will deal with the legal steps and requirements on your behalf, ensuring that your bite injury claim is handled effectively and efficiently.
- Comprehensive Approach: We take a comprehensive approach to your dog bite claim, conducting a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to determine the extent of your injuries. Our goal is to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Maximized Compensation: Carr and Carr will diligently pursue maximum compensation for your dog bite injuries. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can take, and we will fight for a settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Personalized Attention: We understand that each dog bite case is unique and provide personalized attention to every client. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the legal process. You can trust us to be your advocate and support you every step of the way.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws
Oklahoma follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or previous incidents. Unlike states that observe the one-bite rule, you don’t need to prove negligence on their part in order to pursue a claim.
It is important to note that there are some exceptions to the strict liability rule. One of them is a provocation. If someone harasses the dog or attacks its owner and the dog bites, the owner is not necessarily responsible for the resulting damages. The other condition is that the bite victim must have been in a place where they have the lawful right to be. If they were trespassing, strict liability may not apply.
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is generally two years from the date of the incident. It is crucial to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, as failure to do so may result in your claim being barred. However, if the bite injury victim is a minor, the two-year statute of limitations does not begin until they turn 18 years old. This means that they have until their 20th birthday to file a claim.
Reasons to Hire an Oklahoma Dog Bite Lawyer
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer for your Oklahoma dog bite claim, doing so puts you in the best position to win the outcome you need. Here’s why:
- A personal injury attorney has in-depth knowledge of the legal framework surrounding dog bite cases. They understand the specific statutes, regulations, and legal precedents that apply to your situation. Their expertise ensures that your rights are protected and that your case is approached with the necessary legal strategies.
- Dog bite cases require thorough investigation to establish liability and gather evidence to support your claim. An experienced bite injury attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation, collect relevant evidence (such as medical records, photographs, and witness statements), and analyze the circumstances surrounding the incident. They will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. An Oklahoma dog bite lawyer has experience negotiating with insurance adjusters on behalf of their clients. They understand the tactics used by insurers to minimize settlements and will fight for fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- While many dog bite cases are resolved through negotiations and settlements, there are instances where litigation becomes necessary. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a skilled dog bite lawyer will be prepared to represent your interests in court. They will present a compelling case, advocate for your rights, and strive to secure the financial compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
After experiencing a dog bite incident, take the following steps to protect your well-being and secure your future legal claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your physical injuries, such as puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, and broken bones. Document and photograph the wounds and any other visible injuries or damage caused by the dog bite.
- Report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as local animal control or law enforcement. Provide them with all relevant details, including the location, time, and description of the dog and its owner, if known.
- Gather information and evidence to support your case. Take photographs of the scene, including any bite wounds and the location where the incident occurred. Obtain contact information from any witnesses present and ask them for statements regarding what they saw.
- Keep thorough records of all medical expenses, including hospital bills, medication costs, and therapy sessions. Also, document any other financial damages you have suffered, such as lost wages or property damage.
- Contact an experienced Oklahoma dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. They can provide you with legal guidance, assess the strength of your case, and advocate for your rights. An experienced attorney will work to gather additional evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in pursuing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Remember, taking prompt action after a dog bite incident can strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
FAQS
What Compensation Can I Get for My Dog Bite Injuries?
If you’ve been attacked and seriously injured by a dog in Oklahoma, several types of compensation may be available to you:
- Medical Expenses: You may be entitled to reimbursement for all medical costs associated with your dog bite injuries. This includes hospital bills, reconstructive surgery, prescription medications, and any future medical care expenses related to your recovery.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible to receive compensation for wages lost while recovering. This includes both current and future loss of income if your injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Dog bite injuries can result in physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address these non-economic damages and provide financial support for the physical and emotional toll the incident has caused.
- Emotional Distress: Dog bite incidents can lead to significant emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, mental anguish, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Financial compensation may be available to help you cope with the psychological impact of the incident.
- Loss of Consortium: If you are married, you can claim compensation for any impact your injuries have had on your relationship with your spouse.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: If the dog bite has left you with permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation to account for the physical and emotional impact of these visible injuries.
- Property Damage: In some cases, a dog bite incident may result in damage to personal property, such as torn clothing or broken glasses. Compensation can be sought to cover the cost of repairing or replacing these items.
Consulting with an experienced Oklahoma dog bite attorney will help you understand your rights and maximize the compensation you can seek for your dog bite injuries.
What is My Dog Bite Claim Worth?
The value of your claim depends on a variety of factors unique to every case. An experienced dog bite lawyer will assess several key elements to calculate the worth of your claim and pursue a fair settlement:
- The total cost of medical treatments, plastic surgery, medications, therapy, and any future medical needs related to your injuries.
- Any lost wages, including past and future earnings.
- The severity and long-term impact of your injuries. This can include disfigurement, which can significantly impact your quality of life and self-esteem, and a lifelong fear of dogs, which is psychologically distressing.
- The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.
By thoroughly evaluating these factors, a skilled dog bite lawyer will provide an estimation of your claim’s value and negotiate with the opposing party or their insurance company to pursue a fair settlement. Their goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, losses, and future needs resulting from the dog bite incident.
Get a Free Consultation From a Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Oklahoma, seeking legal representation is crucial to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. At Carr and Carr, our team of OKC dog bite lawyers is dedicated to helping victims like you obtain the full and fair compensation they deserve. With our experience in dog bite laws and personal injury cases, we will fight to hold responsible parties accountable and maximize your compensation.
Don’t let the burden of a dog bite injury overwhelm you. Call Carr and Carr today for a free consultation from our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers. We are here to support you and help you achieve the recovery you need. To learn more, schedule a free consultation by calling 866-510-0580 or contacting us online.