Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Dogs are often seen as loyal companions and part of the family. But even the friendliest dog can become aggressive under the wrong circumstances. Dog bites are more common than many people realize, and they can lead to serious injuries, infections, and legal complications.
If someone else’s dog in Tulsa has bitten you, it’s essential to act quickly—not just for your health, but also to safeguard your legal rights. Too. This guide will walk you through what to do after a dog bite, how Oklahoma law handles these cases, and how you may be able to seek compensation.
If a dog has bitten you, get to a safe place right away. For minor wounds, clean the area with soap and warm water, apply antibacterial ointment, and bandage it. Seek immediate medical care if the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection, or if the dog was acting strangely. Prompt treatment also creates a medical record that can support any legal claim later.
Dog bites carry a high risk of infection. Even if the wound looks minor, bacteria from the dog’s mouth can enter the body and cause serious complications.
Common infections include:
Doctors often prescribe antibiotics after a bite to prevent infection. If the dog’s rabies vaccination is unknown, you might need a rabies shot as a precaution.
Take photos of the wound daily to track healing. You may also want to keep a short journal describing pain, sleep problems, missed workdays, or emotional distress, as these can support your case if you pursue compensation.
Oklahoma has some of the clearest dog bite laws in the country. The state follows a strict liability rule, which means that dog owners are responsible for bites—even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and even if they had no reason to think the dog was dangerous.
Oklahoma follows a statutory strict liability rule—dog Owners are liable for the injuries caused by their dogs. Even if the dog had no history of aggression.
This law is found under OKLA. STAT. Tit. 4 § 42.1. There are a few exceptions—like if the person bitten was trespassing or provoking the dog—but in most cases, the owner is still legally responsible.
Oklahoma also follows a comparative negligence rule. That means if the injured person shares some blame (for example, by ignoring warning signs or provoking the dog), their compensation might be reduced.
In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the date of the bite incident to file a lawsuit before your right to seek damages expires.
That two-year window is known as the statute of limitations. After that deadline passes, you could lose your ability to pursue legal action.
After getting medical attention, start documenting the incident right away. The more details you gather, the stronger your case will be. Get the dog owner’s name, phone number, and their vet’s contact info. Ask if the dog is current on rabies shots. If the owner isn’t around, speak to witnesses who may know where the dog lives.
You should also:
Medical experts warn that infections such as rabies, MRSA, Pasteurella, and even rare bacteria like Bergeyella zoo helcum may result from dog bites without prompt care.
Taking these steps can make a big difference if you opt to pursue a legal claim.
Here’s a quick overview of the key steps to take after a dog bite:
Step | Action | Purpose |
| Safe location | Move away from dog | Prevent further injury |
| Medical care | ER/clinic/tetanus update | Document injuries and begin treatment |
| Photos/journal | Capture injury and symptoms daily | Support physical and emotional evidence |
| Owner/witness info | Collect names, insurance, vet contacts | Identify liability |
| File animal control report | Notify Tulsa Animal Welfare or police | Create official incident documentation |
| Follow-up tracking | Record expenses and missed work | Build a complete damages profile |
Dog bite injuries can have lasting effects—physically, emotionally, and financially. If someone else’s dog caused your injury, you may be able to recover damages for:
In some cases, property owners or landlords might also be held responsible, especially if they knew a dangerous dog was on the property without proper control.
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance often covers dog bite claims. But insurance companies may try to minimize your payout. That’s why having legal support can make a significant difference.
Dog owners may claim that the person bitten provoked the dog, was trespassing, or assumed the risk of injury. These arguments don’t always hold up, but they can affect how much compensation is awarded.
Insurance adjusters might also downplay your injury or delay your claim. This is why it helps to have a lawyer who understands how to challenge those tactics and protect your rights.
Dog bite claims can get complicated. From gathering medical records to negotiating with insurers, every step requires attention to detail.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, our team helps clients navigate this process. We investigate the incident, gather supporting documents, and advocate for full compensation. If we take your case, you don’t pay unless we recover damages for you. Acting quickly and documenting everything is key. We’re here to guide you through it.
Clean the wound, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and seek medical care for deep or infected bites. A doctor can assess whether you need antibiotics or a tetanus booster.
No. Oklahoma uses a strict liability rule. Dog owners are responsible even if the dog has no history of aggression.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation.
They may argue that the victim provoked the dog, was trespassing, or accepted the risk. These defenses may reduce or block a claim if proven.
Symptoms can get worse over time, and insurance companies may resist your claim. A lawyer helps you document injuries, gather evidence, and seek fair compensation.
Dog bite injuries can be more than just painful—they can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. Oklahoma law gives bite victims strong rights, but acting quickly and understanding your options is key.
If you’ve been hurt in a dog attack, don’t wait. Take care of your health first, document everything, and consider speaking with a lawyer who knows how to handle these cases.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has helped many Tulsa residents navigate personal injury claims, including dog bite cases. We’re here to guide you through the process with care, clarity, and experience.
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.
