Can I Sue in Oklahoma If Someone’s Dog Bite Me?

Dog bite sue, Oklahoma

Dog bites can be serious, traumatic, painful events. If a dog has bitten you in Oklahoma, you may be wondering what your options are for seeking compensation. 

Most dog bite victims are eligible for compensation from the dog’s owner. While you may be able to seek compensation through a lawsuit, you should consider all of your options before proceeding with a legal case. 

Read on to learn our answer to, “Can I sue in Oklahoma if someone’s dog bite me?” Then contact our attorneys at Bryan Garrett PLLC to schedule your free initial consultation. 

Can You Sue Over a Dog Bite? 

You may be able to sue for a dog bite claim if the dog’s owner’s negligence led to the dog bite. 

In many cases, pet owners are responsible for their pets’ actions. If a dog owner knows their dog has the potential to be aggressive, they need to take measures to prevent the dog from coming into contact with other people and animals. 

However, even if a dog does not have a history of being aggressive, its owner still may be legally responsible for its behavior. Oklahoma law only recognizes two instances in which a dog’s owner is not responsible for a dog bite:

  • You were trespassing on the dog owner’s property when the dog bit you
  • You provoked, abused, or goaded the dog, leading it to bite you

If a dog’s owner is legally responsible for the bite, you can seek compensation from the owner. There are two main ways to seek compensation: an insurance claim and a lawsuit. You and the property owner may also decide to settle outside of an insurance claim or lawsuit. 

So the short answer to “Can I sue in Oklahoma if someone’s dog bit me?” is yes. However, we recommend hiring an attorney first to review all of your options and ensure that you approach your case strategically. 

Ways to Seek Compensation After a Dog Bite

If you have suffered an injury from a dog bite, you should not have to pay for your medical bills and other expenses out of pocket. Instead, the dog’s owner may be financially liable for your injuries. 

You can seek compensation from the dog’s owner in a few ways:

Insurance Claim

The first way to seek compensation after a dog bite is through an insurance claim. If the dog’s owner has the right kind of liability insurance to cover dog bites, you may be able to submit a claim through their insurance company and receive a payout that way rather than directly from the property owner. 

For example, if the dog bite happened at the dog owner’s house, you may be able to file a claim through the owner’s homeowners insurance. However, if it happened on public property, the dog owner’s insurance may not cover the incident. 

Settle Outside of Court

If the dog’s owner does not have the right liability insurance to cover your dog bite, you can talk to them about settling outside of court. Even if the owner has insurance, they may decide to settle outside of an insurance claim to prevent their rates from increasing. 

We recommend having a lawyer present when you discuss a settlement with the dog’s owner. 

Lawsuit

Finally, if the dog’s owner refuses to provide compensation through a lawsuit, or the insurance company does not offer adequate funds, you can consider a lawsuit. Your attorney can walk you through this process. 

Now that you know the answer to “Can I sue in Oklahoma if someone’s dog bit me?” you can begin preparing for your next steps. Contact our team at Bryan Garrett PLLC today at 405-358-2342 to request your free consultation and start the process of seeking compensation.

Bryan Garrett PLLC

Bryan Garrett has been dedicated to personal injury law for over 15 years in Oklahoma City. He has achieved excellent results for countless clients, whether through settlement or litigation.

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