Tulsa Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog Bite Lawyer Tulsa, OK

If you have recently been injured as a result of a dog attack, it’s important to connect with an experienced Tulsa, OK dog bite lawyer about your rights and options under the law. Thankfully, Oklahoma broadly protects the rights of dog bite victims to an extent that isn’t honored in many other states. As a result, the experienced legal team at Wandres Law, PC is likely in a strong position to help you secure any and all compensation to which you may be entitled at this time.

Dog Bite Lawyer – Tulsa, OK

In Oklahoma, dog bite cases are generally tried under a strict liability standard. Meaning, dog owners are not given the benefit of a “one bite” exception. In some other states, dog owners can’t generally be held liable for a dog attack unless the animal in question has already caused someone harm in a previous bite/attack capacity. By contrast, Oklahoma protects the rights of anyone who is bitten “while such person is in or on a place where they have a lawful right to be” regardless of whether the animal’s owner knew that it had a capacity for vicious behavior.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Attack

Under Oklahoma’s strict liability approach to dog attacks, the owner(s) of any dog which bites someone is liable for the harm their dog causes, provided that the victim didn’t provoke the dog into attacking. If you were bitten without provocation and you were not on someone else’s property unlawfully at the time of your attack, our Tulsa dog bite lawyer team should be in a strong position to help you recover compensation for your harm.

Chances are that the homeowner or property owner insurance policy of dog owner whose animal bit you will be your most straightforward option to secure compensation. However, you may also be in a position to file for workers’ compensation benefits or personal injury damages, depending upon the unique ins and outs of your circumstances. We’ll assess all the details of your situation to maximize your recovery.

Available Damages in Dog Bite Cases

If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog, a Tulsa, OK dog bite lawyer may be able to help you get compensation. What happened to you was not fair and you deserve justice for that. An experienced lawyer can help you pursue a timely injury claim. Here are several available damages in dog bite cases.

• Medical expenses. Dog bites can lead to serious complications, so it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. Medical expenses for a dog bite can easily cost thousands of dollars and you should not have to pay for them out of your own pocket. The compensation you recover for your medical bills may include emergency room treatment, rabies shots, wound cleaning, surgery, antibiotics, occupational therapy and plastic surgery for scars.

• Lost wages. While some dog bites are fairly minor, others are severe enough to require time off of work. If you sustained a severe dog bite, you might not be able to perform your tasks at work for some time. You may be able to be compensated for your lost wages. The lost wages may include salary, bonuses and other benefits.

• Property damage. During a dog bite attack, some of your property may have also sustained damage, like your clothes. You may be entitled to compensation for that. Likewise, if you were riding your bicycle when a dog attacked you, you may be able to recover compensation for your bicycle damage. 

• Reduced earning capacity. Some dog bites are so severe that they render a victim disabled. You might not be able to return to work. If you have suffered debilitating injuries from a dog bite, a Tulsa dog bite lawyer may be able to help you recover damages for reduced earning capacity.

• Emotional distress. Dog bites don’t just cause physical injuries. They can also result in emotional distress. Victims may feel depressed and anxious over suffering injuries. They may also be afraid of getting near dogs again and even develop post-traumatic stress disorder. If you have suffered emotional distress after a dog bite, you may benefit from mental health counseling.

• Loss of consortium. Also referred to as loss of affection, loss of consortium describes the love and affection family members of the victim lose from the injury. For example, the dog bite victim may no longer be able to show his or her spouse physical affection. When calculating compensation for loss of consortium, the court may look at multiple factors, such as living arrangements and life expectancy of the victim and spouse.

• Punitive damages. It’s rare for judges to award punitive damages in dog bite cases, but it can happen. Punitive damages aim to punish a defendant for especially careless behavior. For example, if the owner knows his or her dog is aggressive and allows it to walk off a leash in a public park, the person who gets attacked may receive punitive damages. A Tulsa dog bite lawyer may help you go after punitive damages in a dog bite case.

AVAILABLE DAMAGES IN DOG BITE CASES INFOGRAPHIC

What steps should you take after a dog bite attack?

Navigating what to do following a dog bite attack can be confusing. Especially in instances where the dog is a friend’s pet, you may be hesitant to report the attack or file a claim because you are concerned about damaging your relationship with the dog’s owner. While this can be an uncomfortable situation, the only thing that matters is you get the recovery necessary and the compensation you need to move on from what happened. In many instances, this is not easy to do because dog bite attacks can often leave lasting and permanent damage. If you are wondering what you should do following a dog bite attack, do not hesitate to speak with a member of our team today. 

Steps To Take Immediately Following the Attack 

Right after the attack occurs, you should treat it similarly to other personal injury cases. 

• Assess the damage. After the dog lets go, you need to assess the damage and stop the wound from bleeding. Put pressure on the wound and if you are unable to get it to stop bleeding, call 9-1-1. 

• Get contact information. If you do not need the help of emergency services, it is important that you get the dog owner’s contact information. Additionally, if there were any witnesses who saw the attack occur, they will be vital to supporting your case. 

• Take pictures. If you have your phone or a camera available, take pictures of your wounds, of the scene of the accident, and of the dog if they are still around and it is safe to do so. This can set the scene for what happened and show what your injuries were like immediately following the attack. It can also help if there are signs up, like “Beware of Dog,” that insinuates the owner knew their dog was aggressive or may attack someone. 

• Call the police. When you are dealing with serious injuries from a dog bite, you should file a report with the police department and you should call the local health department. 

• Get medical help. Whether it comes in the form of emergency services coming to the scene or going to the doctor’s by yourself after the attack, always seek medical help. A doctor will want to know if you have a rabies suspicion and they will need to treat you quickly so that the bite does not lead to serious infection. In severe cases, you may need surgery to repair damage as best as possible. 

In Oklahoma, a dog owner is under the “strict liability” rule. This means that they are fully responsible if their dog bites and attacks another person, except if the dog was provoked or the person was on their property illegally. Even if the dog’s owner did not know the dog was aggressive or did not otherwise show signs they would attack, the owner is still liable. When you are ready to move forward with your claim, give our office a call.

Legal Assistance Is Available

Recovering from a dog attack takes time and usually requires a significant amount of medical care. As a result of lost income and rising medical bills, many dog bite victims find that their household budgets can’t stretch to meet the needs of the moment. Please allow the experienced legal team at Wandres Law, PC. to determine whether you’re entitled to compensation as a result of the harm you’ve suffered. If a homeowner’s insurance policy or some other form of compensation should be covering your losses right now, we can help you to secure what you’re owed in an efficient, effective manner.

Please don’t wait until your bills are piling up to connect with our Tulsa dog bite lawyer team. Schedule a free consultation today and benefit from the peace of mind that so often accompanies fully understanding your rights and options. We look forward to speaking with you. 

Common Mistakes That May Impact Successful Case Outcomes

Dog bites are a common type of personal injury accident that can cause severe losses for victims, and because of this, victims may have an opportunity to seek compensation for their losses from the responsible party with representation from a Tulsa, OK dog bite lawyer. When taking legal action, the process can quickly become convoluted for victims as they navigate the legalities surrounding regaining some of their losses. Unbeknownst to victims of dog bite attacks, it’s possible to inadvertently make mistakes or missteps that can impact the outcome of their case. It’s important to note that, sometimes, even the slightest action or lack thereof could reduce the victim’s ability to gain the compensation they deserve or even result in a denial of a claim. Fortunately, Wandres Law, P.C. can help walk victims through the legal process to protect their rights and allow them to gain compensation for their damages. The following are common mistakes victims of dog bite attacks may make in the wake of the accident:

#1. Forgoing Medical Treatment

In the wake of an accident of any kind, when a person has been injured, medical care will be one of the crucial steps for victims to take. However, sometimes, a person may not believe that their injuries are as severe, making medical treatment unnecessary. However, when a person does not seek medical care, they put themselves at risk for more severe damages than they realized. As a result, they may experience infections and injuries that can be life-altering. In addition, our Tulsa dog bite lawyer will share that medical care provides medical documentation that clearly outlines injuries and the associated costs, offering critical evidence when pursuing damages from the accident. 

#2. Not Reporting the Incident

Being attacked by a dog can be a terrifying experience, and victims will likely do everything possible to get themselves to safety. Amidst the panic and significant pain, knowing what to do next may be difficult. However, an essential step is reporting the incident to the dog owner for several reasons. Reporting the accident will ensure that the owner is informed of the attack and help to prove the case. Victims can also report the dog bite to the local animal control agency. In doing so, victims give themselves the best opportunity to prove their claim. 

#3. Posting to Social Media

People all over the country access social media not only to access information but also to stay connected with others. After an accident, posting to social media may seem harmless; however, it can have a disastrous impact on the outcome of a person’s legal claim. There are several reasons behind this. Posting information about the accident, or posting photos engaging in activities that make the victim appear as though they are recovered, could result in the insurance company and the defendant’s lawyer arguing that the victim’s injuries are not as severe as they made them out to be. 

Victims who have experienced injuries at the hands of a dog stand to experience a long road to recovery. Not only may they suffer physical injuries, but they may suffer from emotional impacts as well, both of which can be far-reaching. These events can be deeply traumatic for the victim. There may be economic and non-economic damages, making it imperative to consider whether seeking compensation is the appropriate way to move forward. To learn more about our Tulsa dog bite lawyer, contact Wandres Law, P.C., to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.

Frequently Asked Questions | Dog Bite Lawyer

If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog, you may want to get in touch with a Tulsa, OK dog bite lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Dog bites can result in serious damages, and you deserve justice for that. A lawyer from Wandres Law, P.C. can help you pursue a claim against the responsible parties.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries?

Typically, dog owners will be held responsible if their dog attacks someone else. For example, if they allow their dog off a leash in a public park and the dog bites a person, the owner may be liable for the person’s medical expenses and other damages that resulted from the attack. Likewise, if you are in someone’s yard and their dog attacks you, that person may be held responsible for your damages.

Should I Still Sue If I Was Bitten By a Friend’s Dog?

If you got bitten by a friend’s dog, you may be reluctant to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to remember that many people are bitten by dogs owned by people they know. That doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t file legal claims for their injuries. Besides, the dog owner likely won’t be paying for the damages out of his or her own pocket anyway. The person’s home or rental insurance company may cover the costs.

Can I Talk About Injuries with the Dog Owner?

If the owner of the dog that bit you asks you about your injuries, you should politely decline to answer. You should only discuss your injuries with a Tulsa dog bite lawyer. If you talk about your injuries with the dog owner or anyone else, what you say can be used against you. For example, if you say that your injuries don’t seem that bad, it could devalue your case. Only exchange names and contact information with the dog owner.

Why Is It Beneficial to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

If you want to pursue compensation for a dog bite injury, it may be in your best interest to hire an experienced dog bite lawyer. A lawyer will investigate the details of your case and help you gather evidence to prove your case. He or she will estimate how much your claim is worth and help you go after the compensation you deserve. You lawyer will handle negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company and won’t let them take advantage of you.

What Do I Do If I Don’t Know Who Owns the Dog That Bit Me?

If there was no owner present when you suffered a dog bite attack, you may be wondering who you should hold responsible. It’s important to report your injury to animal control as soon as possible. They may ask you to give a full description of the dog so that they can try and find the dog and owner.

Schedule a consultation with a Tulsa dog bite lawyer from Wandres Law, P.C. to talk about your case.

Frequently Asked Questions 2 | Dog Bite Lawyer

Our Tulsa, OK dog bite lawyer specializes in personal injury law, we are here to help individuals who have been bitten by dogs and sustained injuries as a result. Here are five frequently asked questions about how Wandres Law, P.C. can assist individuals who have suffered injuries due to dog bites:

What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?

If you are bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if the wound appears minor, it is important to have it cleaned and treated to prevent infection. You should also try to identify the dog and its owner, and obtain their contact information. Finally, you should contact a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law as soon as possible to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Can I recover damages for my injuries?

Yes, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the dog owner for their negligence or intentional misconduct.

What if the dog was provoked or the owner wasn’t aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior?

In some cases, a dog may be provoked or the owner may not be aware of their dog’s aggressive behavior. However, this does not absolve the owner of liability. Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their pets are under control and do not pose a threat to others. In some states, there is a “strict liability” rule that holds dog owners responsible for any injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the circumstances. Consult with our Tulsa, OK dog bite lawyer for specific information about how this might apply to your case.

What if the dog was a service animal?

Service animals are trained to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, and they are generally well-behaved and non-aggressive. However, even if a dog is a service animal, the owner can still be held liable for injuries caused by the dog. Service animals are not exempt from the law, and their owners are still responsible for ensuring that they do not pose a threat to others.

How can a lawyer help me with my dog bite case?

A lawyer who specializes in personal injury law can help you in several ways. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company on your behalf. We can also represent you in court if necessary. Our goal is to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence.

In conclusion, if you have suffered an injury due to a dog bite, we are here to help. We have experience in personal injury law and can assist you in understanding your legal rights and developing a legal strategy. Contact Wandres Law, P.C. today to schedule a consultation and find out how our Tulsa dog bite lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.