Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Dog bites are more common than people realize. With millions of dogs living in homes across the U.S., these incidents happen every day. Children, postal workers, and even neighbors walking by are among those often affected.
While some bites are minor, others can cause serious injuries that require medical treatment or even legal action. If you or someone close to you has been bitten, it’s essential to know the facts and your legal rights under Oklahoma law.
Each year, millions of Americans experience dog bites. Some may seem like accidents, but many are preventable. The injuries from these attacks range from scratches to deep wounds, infections, and even permanent disfigurement. Most attacks happen at home or in familiar surroundings.
National Dog Bite Awareness Week spotlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for public safety education. It reminds us that while dogs are often seen as family members, they are still animals and can act unpredictably.
Each year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States. At least half of those victims are children. — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Dog bite injuries happen across all age groups, but children are especially vulnerable. Most bites to children occur on the face or neck, often requiring surgery and long-term emotional care. Postal workers and utility employees are also at high risk due to daily contact with unfamiliar dogs during home visits.
About 800,000 dog bite victims receive medical care annually. Many bites go unreported, especially among children. — American Veterinary Medical Association
Category | Annual Data (Approx.) |
| Total dog bites in the U.S. | 4.5 million |
| Dog bites requiring medical care | 800,000 |
| Dog bites involving children | Around 50% of all cases |
| Fatal dog attacks | 30–50 deaths |
| USPS-reported dog attacks | Over 5,300 |
| Most common victim age group | 5–9 years old |
While national numbers are alarming, dog attacks in Oklahoma also happen regularly. Victims include children playing outside, visitors, and service workers. In cities like Tulsa, animal control departments track hundreds of reported bites each year. Though Oklahoma does not publish statewide breed-specific bite data, local cases span all dog types and sizes.
Oklahoma postal workers continue to report dog attacks during deliveries, highlighting the ongoing need for public awareness and safer pet handling.
Oklahoma follows a strict liability law for dog bites. That means a dog owner can be held legally responsible even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression. The law is covered under Oklahoma Statutes Title 4, Section 42.1.
Victims do not need to prove the owner was negligent. However, the attack must have happened in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property. Trespassing or provoking the dog could affect a person’s ability to claim damages.
In Oklahoma, dog owners are strictly liable for damages if their dog bites someone, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. — Oklahoma Statute Title 4, Section 42.1
The law does not consider breed. Whether the dog is large or small, the owner is still responsible for its actions.
Dog bites can lead to a range of injuries. Some of the most common include puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, infections, and even broken bones if the attack causes a fall. In severe cases, plastic surgery or long-term rehabilitation may be needed.
Children often face emotional trauma in addition to physical injuries. The effects may last for years, especially if the dog is familiar to the child.
Legal claims after a dog bite can include compensation for:
The strength of a claim depends on how well the incident is documented and how quickly the victim acts.
Every dog bite case is different. Some involve friends or family members, and others include disputes about who was at fault. An experienced legal team can help navigate these challenges, gather evidence, and handle negotiations with insurance companies.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we’ve worked with many clients facing medical bills, trauma, and uncertainty after an attack. We understand how these events impact everyday life. Our team takes time to understand each case and explain your options clearly and respectfully.
We don’t make promises we can’t keep—but we do fight for fair compensation when someone is hurt due to someone else’s negligence.
Clean the wound, get medical help, and report the bite to animal control. Take photos of the injury and the scene. Get the dog owner’s contact info and ask for vaccination records.
Yes. Oklahoma law allows dog bite victims to seek damages even if it was the dog’s first bite. You don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
Some studies suggest certain breeds are involved in more attacks, but Oklahoma law doesn’t consider breed in assigning liability. Owners are responsible no matter what breed they own.
You can recover costs for medical treatment, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress. Each case is unique, so outcomes vary based on the facts.
Yes. Oklahoma has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bites. Filing after that period may bar your claim.
Many cases are resolved through settlement. However, if liability is disputed or the insurance offer is too low, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.
Dog bites aren’t just minor accidents. They can leave deep physical and emotional wounds, especially when young children are involved. In Oklahoma, the law gives dog bite victims a clear path to seek justice.
Understanding dog bite statistics and the legal rules helps victims take control of their next steps. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is here to support Tulsa families dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack, offering clear guidance, trusted legal experience, and support when it’s needed most.
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.
