Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
A recent dog attack in Seattle grabbed national attention—but it also serves as a reminder that dog owners everywhere must protect others from harm. In Oklahoma, that duty is backed by strict laws. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, understanding your rights can help you take the next step with confidence.
In a quiet Seattle neighborhood, a woman named Leslie Shelton was walking her Great Dane near her home when three dogs suddenly charged at her. The dogs had escaped from a nearby RV owned by a homeless woman. As the dogs ran out, they reportedly attacked both Shelton and her dog, Lily.
Shelton was pulled to the ground. Both she and Lily suffered multiple bite wounds. Her husband arrived moments later and drew a firearm to scare the dogs off, but did not fire. Local animal control took the three dogs into custody.
The incident sparked community concerns. Residents say the street is a known hotspot for RV parking and have been calling on the city for better safety enforcement. The event also sheds light on an issue relevant in every state, including Oklahoma: who is responsible when dogs cause harm?
Oklahoma takes dog bite cases seriously. The state follows a strict liability law. This means a dog owner is legally responsible for injuries their dog causes—even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
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 the lawful right to be. — Oklahoma Statute §4-42.1
If you were lawfully on the property or in a public place and didn’t provoke the dog, the owner is responsible—plain and simple. Unlike states that follow the “one bite rule,” Oklahoma does not require proof that the dog had a history of aggression.
Strict liability means that a dog owner in Oklahoma can be held legally responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Dog owners must take reasonable steps to prevent their pets from injuring others. This includes using leashes in public, properly securing gates and fences, and not allowing dogs to roam freely. If a dog escapes—like the ones in the Seattle case—and attacks someone, the owner can be held fully responsible under Oklahoma law.
If the attack occurs in a public area or on someone else’s private property, the owner can still be liable. Oklahoma courts have consistently upheld this duty when someone is lawfully present.
Dog attacks can lead to more than just cuts and bruises. Many bite victims suffer severe physical and emotional injuries.
Common physical injuries include:
Children are especially vulnerable to trauma, and some develop a lasting fear of animals. In cases where a pet is attacked—as happened with Lily, the Great Dane—the emotional toll can be just as heavy.
According to the CDC, nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year, and more than 800,000 require medical attention.
Knowing what to do after a dog bite is vital for both your health and your legal case. First, seek immediate medical care—even if the injury seems minor. Dog bites can lead to serious infections. Then, take clear photos of your injuries, the location, and, if possible, the dog.
Report the incident to your local animal control office or the Tulsa Health Department. If the dog’s owner is known, gather their contact information and ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination.
Keeping a copy of the police or animal control report will also help if you decide to file a legal claim.
Yes, you can file a legal claim if you’ve been injured by a dog in Oklahoma. Because Oklahoma follows strict liability rules, you do not need to prove negligence. You only need to show that the bite was unprovoked and happened while you were legally present.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
An attorney can help collect evidence, speak with insurance carriers, and create a case that reflects the full extent of your injuries.
State | Dog Bite Law Type | Key Requirement | Can Owner Be Liable for First Bite? |
| Oklahoma | Strict Liability | Bite must be unprovoked on lawful premises | Yes |
| Texas | One Bite Rule | Must prove prior knowledge of aggression | No |
| California | Strict Liability | Applies even if no history of aggression | Yes |
| Washington | Strict Liability | Applies to both public and private property | Yes |
This chart illustrates how Oklahoma stands out by protecting victims—even in cases where the dog has no prior incidents of aggression.
Seek medical care, document your injuries, report the bite to animal control, and contact a lawyer experienced in Oklahoma’s strict liability laws.
Yes, you may be able to seek compensation for veterinary bills and emotional distress. An attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case.
In Oklahoma, that doesn’t matter. Strict liability law still holds the owner responsible if the bite was unprovoked and the victim was lawfully present on the premises.
The dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance often covers damages, but some claims may require civil litigation to recover full compensation.
Yes. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Oklahoma.
Yes. Oklahoma follows comparative negligence rules, so if you provoked the dog or ignored warnings, your compensation could be reduced.
The dog attack in Seattle may have happened hundreds of miles from Oklahoma, but it reflects a growing concern about public safety and responsible pet ownership. Oklahoma’s strict liability laws make it easier for victims to hold dog owners accountable; however, acting quickly and gathering the proper evidence is crucial.
If you’ve been hurt in a dog attack in Tulsa or elsewhere in Oklahoma, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers are available to help you understand your rights. Guide you through the process. Our team is committed to protecting your interests and helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.
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.
