Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Dog bites and attacks occur more frequently than people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of dog bites occur each year in the U.S., and nearly 1 in 5 victims require medical attention. These injuries can lead to costly treatments, emotional trauma, and legal complications.
In Oklahoma, laws hold dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their pets. Understanding these laws, while also learning how to avoid dangerous situations, can protect you and your loved ones.
Dogs are loyal companions, but any dog can bite if it feels scared, cornered, or provoked. Children and delivery workers are among the most common victims because they often have direct interactions with unfamiliar dogs.
Nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by a dog requires medical attention. — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition to preventing painful injuries, knowing how to avoid a dog attack reduces the risk of costly medical bills, scarring, or permanent damage. Prevention is also crucial because Oklahoma law has specific rules governing dog bite claims, and understanding these rules can help you if an incident occurs.
The best defense against dog bites is awareness and prevention. Never approach an unfamiliar dog, no matter how calm it appears. A dog that seems friendly can still react unpredictably, especially when protecting its home or owner. If you see a dog behind a fence, avoid reaching over to pet it, as this can lead to serious injuries.
Most dog bites are preventable with education and responsible interactions. — AVMA.
When meeting someone walking their dog, ask the owner before petting the animal. Even small dogs can inflict severe wounds if they feel threatened. If the owner says the dog is shy or nervous, respect that and keep your distance.
Pay attention to body language. Signs such as stiff posture, raised hackles, a hard stare, or growling may indicate that a dog is feeling stressed or aggressive. Avoid sudden movements and refrain from running, as this can trigger a chase instinct. Instead, remain calm and slowly walk away, avoiding direct eye contact.
When walking in areas where stray or loose dogs are common, consider carrying an umbrella or walking stick. These items can act as a barrier if a dog approaches, making you appear larger and discouraging aggressive behavior.
Oklahoma has a strict liability law for dog bites. This means the owner of a dog can be held responsible for injuries, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
The owner … 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. — 4 O.S. § 42.1.
To bring a claim, you generally need to prove:
Oklahoma also follows modified comparative negligence, meaning that your compensation may be reduced if you are found to be at fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you may not recover any damages.
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule: If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot seek compensation. — Okla. Stat. tit. 23, § 13.
The statute of limitations for dog bite claims in Oklahoma is usually two years from the date of injury. Failing to file a claim within this time could prevent you from seeking compensation.
If a dog bite occurs, the first step is to seek medical attention, even for minor wounds. Dog bites can lead to infections or complications, such as rabies or tetanus. Wash the wound with soap and water, and let a healthcare provider examine it.
Report the incident to local animal control or the health department. Document the bite with photographs of your injuries and keep all medical records and receipts. If possible, collect the dog owner’s contact information and names of any witnesses.
You generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit in Oklahoma.
Avoid making any statements to insurance companies before you understand your legal rights. Insurers may try to settle quickly, but this might not cover the full extent of your damages.
| Issue / Rule | What It Means | Source |
| Liability standard | Strict liability, no need to prove prior aggression | 4 O.S. § 42.1 |
| Provocation rule | No recovery if the victim provoked the dog | Oklahoma statute |
| Comparative negligence | Compensation reduced if partly at fault (50% bar rule) | Okla. Stat. tit. 23 |
| Statute of limitations | 2 years from the date of the incident | Oklahoma personal injury law |
| Common damages | Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring | Personal injury claims |
Victims of dog bites may face more than just physical injuries. Medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and scarring are everyday issues after a severe attack. Children may also experience lasting psychological effects, such as fear of animals or social anxiety.
Every case is unique, and recovery depends on factors like medical treatment costs and evidence of the owner’s liability. Strict liability does not mean automatic compensation; defenses such as provocation or trespassing can impact the outcome.
A lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, manage interactions with insurance carriers, and ensure all deadlines are met. Experienced personal injury attorneys understand Oklahoma’s strict liability statute and can evaluate the actual value of your case.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, the focus is on helping victims understand their rights without making false promises. We believe every victim deserves clear guidance and strong representation.
Yes. Oklahoma’s strict liability law makes dog owners responsible for bites or injuries if the victim was legitimately on the premises and did not provoke the dog.
Victims generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
Oklahoma’s comparative negligence rule may reduce your compensation. If you are more than 50% responsible for the incident, you may not recover damages.
No. Unlike some states, Oklahoma does not require proof of prior aggression. The owner is liable even for a first-time bite under strict liability rules.
Yes. Reporting to animal control or health authorities ensures proper documentation and helps assess risks, such as rabies or repeated aggressive behavior from the dog.
Dog bites are serious, but many can be prevented through awareness and safe interactions. In Oklahoma, strict liability laws protect victims; however, deadlines and comparative negligence rules can impact a case.
If a dog has injured you or your child, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and options. We offer free consultations and will review your situation with care and attention.
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.
