Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Dog bites are more than just frightening—they can result in severe harm, psychological distress, and monetary strain. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, dog bite victims have specific legal rights that may help them recover compensation after an attack. Whether it happens on a sidewalk, at a neighbor’s house, or during a visit to someone’s property, knowing the law can make a big difference.
This guide explains how Oklahoma law handles dog bite cases, who may be liable, what compensation may be available, and what steps victims should take next.
Oklahoma follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. That means dog owners are automatically responsible if their dog injures someone—under certain conditions.
Under Oklahoma Statute 4 OK Stat § 4-42.1, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog if the victim was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog.
Unlike some states, Oklahoma does not require victims to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or had bitten someone before.
In Oklahoma, a victim does not have to prove that the dog had a history of aggression. The law imposes responsibility based on the circumstances of the attack.
If a person is bitten while legally on public or private property and the dog was not provoked, the owner is responsible for the injuries. This includes guests, delivery workers, mail carriers, or anyone with permission to be at the location.
Liability in dog bite cases usually depends on a few key factors: where the incident happened, whether the person was lawfully present, and whether the dog was provoked. Below are examples of situations that could lead to legal responsibility.
If a dog escapes through an open gate and bites a pedestrian on the sidewalk, the owner is likely liable. Similarly, if a visitor is attacked while knocking on a front door, Oklahoma law would generally hold the owner responsible.
A ‘Beware of Dog’ sign does not excuse a dog owner from liability under Oklahoma’s strict liability statute.
Cases become more complicated if the bite occurs inside a home or on private property. However, as long as the visitor is invited and does not provoke the dog, the owner can still be held liable.
Provocation plays a significant role in Oklahoma dog bite cases. If the dog was provoked, the owner may not be held responsible. Courts look at whether the victim teased, startled, harmed, or threatened the dog in some way before the bite.
Examples of provocation include pulling the dog’s tail, hitting it, or entering the property aggressively. On the other hand, knocking on a door, standing quietly on a sidewalk, or entering a home after being invited inside are not considered provoking actions.
It’s not provocation just because someone knocked on the door or walked by the fence. Oklahoma law looks closely at the dog’s behavior and the victim’s actions.
In some situations, dog owners aren’t the only ones who could be held responsible. Property owners and landlords may also be liable—especially if they were aware the dog was dangerous and didn’t take steps to address the risk.
Landlords may be held liable if they were aware of the dog’s dangerous behavior and failed to act to protect tenants or guests.
For example, if a tenant’s dog has previously bitten someone or shows signs of aggression, and the landlord takes no action, they could share liability if another attack happens on the premises.
Dog bite injuries can range from minor cuts to severe, lasting harm. Victims often face emergency medical care, follow-up treatment, missed work, and psychological effects, especially in children. The law allows victims to seek compensation for:
Every case is different, but victims have the right to pursue a claim that reflects the actual cost of their injuries.
According to the CDC, nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S.
In many dog bite cases, the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance may cover the claim. Insurance policies often provide for bodily injury claims caused by pets, especially if the attack happens on the property.
If the dog owner has no insurance or denies responsibility, a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step. It’s essential to act quickly—Oklahoma law gives victims two years from the date of the injury to file a claim.
Here’s a breakdown of typical dog bite scenarios and how Oklahoma law might apply.
Scenario | Was the Victim Lawfully Present? | Was the Dog Provoked? | Likely Liability |
Bitten while knocking on door | Yes | No | Owner liable |
Bitten after teasing dog | Yes | Yes | Possibly not liable |
Child bitten while playing on sidewalk | Yes | No | Owner liable |
Guest bitten after entering home | Yes | No | Owner liable |
Trespasser bitten while jumping fence | No | No | Owner likely not liable |
Tenant bitten, landlord aware of dog’s aggression | Yes | No | Landlord may be liable |
No. Oklahoma does not follow the one-bite rule. It uses strict liability, meaning a dog owner may be held responsible even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before.
Yes. Under Oklahoma’s personal injury laws, injuries caused by a dog’s aggressive actions, even without a bite, may qualify for compensation.
If no insurance is available, a claim can be filed directly against the dog owner for medical costs, lost income, and other damages.
Yes. Landlords may be liable if they knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take action to protect visitors, tenants, or the public.
Yes. Children often receive compensation that reflects both physical injuries and emotional harm, such as trauma, anxiety, or lasting scars.
Dog attacks can cause pain, trauma, and financial burdens. Oklahoma’s strict liability law is designed to protect victims who were injured without provoking the animal. Even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, the owner can still be held responsible.
Landlords and third parties may also be liable in some instances. Victims have options—and the law is on their side —whether through an insurance claim or legal action.
If a dog in Tulsa has hurt you or someone you love, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps clients throughout Oklahoma pursue the compensation they need after a serious injury. We offer clear guidance and compassionate support every step of the way.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
