Below are some of the most common questions concerning dog bite cases that the Oklahoma City dog bite accident lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center are asked. The answers to these questions are general guidelines. If you have a question that is not asked here or would like an answer that pertains more specifically to your dog bite case in Oklahoma, contact our personal injury lawyers today.
Q: Do I have a dog bite lawsuit?
A: If a dog’s jaws have closed down anywhere on your person, you have a dog bite. The skin doesn’t have to be broken for a bite to have occurred or to file a lawsuit.
Q: What causes a dog to bite?
A: Some of the reasons that dogs attack include their neglect, mistreatment, bad temperament, poor socialization, and being provoked or threatened, either intentionally or unknowingly. Ultimately, it’s not always clear what causes a dog to bite, so it’s best to be cautious and respectful of all dogs—they all have teeth.
Q: How can I avoid getting bitten by a dog?
A: Don’t try to pet a dog that is sick, has been mistreated, has not been properly socialized, lives in a confined space, or one whose character and temperament you don’t know to be friendly. In short, unless it’s your dog, leave it alone. In many cases—nearly 80 percent for children under the age of 18—it’s the family dog or a neighbor’s dog that bites. Some warning signs that a dog may intend to bite include baring its teeth, snarling or growling, flattening its ears to its head, and a piercing glare. However, sometimes a dog will give no indication that it is going to bite. Responsible dog ownership is the best way to prevent dog bites.
Q: How do I prevent my dog from biting another person?
A: Choose your dog’s breed carefully. Some breeds are more aggressive than others. Your veterinarian or a breeder can help you choose a dog breed to suit your lifestyle. Choose your dog carefully. Watch how the animal interacts with others before making a purchase. Even puppies have personalities, and it doesn’t take long to figure out which puppy in a litter is shy, active, playful, friendly, unfriendly, or easily provoked. However, since puppies learn how to interact with others from their owners, it is important to teach your dog to not bite or attack others by providing friendly interactions with people and animals during its upbringing. Aggressive play should be avoided. Keeping your dog on a leash at all times in public will lessen the chances of your dog biting. Be sure to have your dog properly licensed, vaccinated, and identifiable with a tag-just in case.
Q: If a dog bites, is the dog owner liable for injuries they cause?
A: Yes, in most cases. Oklahoma is a strict liability state, which means that dog owners are held responsible when their dog bites and causes injury. However, there are many factors and variables that combine to determine a dog owner’s liability in a dog bite case, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible after the dog bite incident occurs. If your or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, please contact us today.
Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Most cases handled by the Oklahoma City dog bite accident lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center are settled before actually going to trial. However, in the event that an agreement cannot be reached, going to court to settle the matter may be necessary. It is recommended that you consult with a lawyer to have a review of your dog bite case.
Q: Will you take my dog bite case?
A: A review of your particular dog bite case by our Oklahoma City dog bite accident lawyers will answer this question. Oklahoma Dog Bite Law Center specializes in dog bite cases, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss your legal needs in more detail. To schedule a consultation and full review of your dog bite case, please contact our personal injury lawyers in Oklahoma City today.