Dog bites are a serious problem in Oklahoma and across the United States. Each year, four million people are bitten by dogs and an average of ten to twenty people are killed in dog bite accidents in the U.S. While some dog bite accidents are minor, others can cause serious harm to a victim, possibly resulting in injuries like broken bones or torn skin and tissue, and potentially causing permanent disability or death. Sadly, many dog bite victims in the United States are children and senior citizens. In fact, dog bites are the second leading cause of injury to children in the U.S. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite accident in Oklahoma, contact our dog bite accident lawyers at AMA Law to discuss your legal options.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING DOG BITE ACCIDENTS IN OK
Some dog bite accidents occur when a person is handling or petting a dog, walking a dog when confronted by another dog, feeding a dog, restraining or scolding a dog, or retrieving a dog. Unfortunately, many dog bite injuries involve a victim that had no prior contact with the dog, often when that person is walking, cycling, running, skateboarding, or making a delivery. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, adults and children can use the following tips to help prevent dog bite accidents:
Avoid rough-housing and games like tug of war
Never tease a dog
Have your child ask permission before petting a dog that he or she doesn’t know
HOW TO AVOID DANGEROUS DOGS
Dog owners in Oklahoma are urged to make sure their dogs understand basic commands and are current on all of their vaccines. Those at risk of dog bite accidents can avoid dangerous situations by learning to read a dog’s body language. Do not approach a dog if you recognize the following:
Cowering posture
A dog’s ears are back or laying down
Lots of licking lips
A dog is panting when it has not been exercising
A dog’s tail is tucked between his legs
COMMON DOG BITE INJURIES IN THE U.S.
Depending on the size of the dog, dog bite accidents can inflict serious injuries on victims, especially if the victim is a small child. The most common type of dog bite injuries are injuries to the face. Other types of dog bite injuries involve the neck, head, fingers, hands, upper arms, wrists, shoulder and forearm – most often if the victim is trying to cover his or her face – and may also involve the knees, feet, lower legs and calves.
HIRE A DOG BITE ATTORNEY IN OKLAHOMA CITY
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite accident in Oklahoma City, contact our dog bite accident attorneys at AMA Law to explore your compensation options. You may be entitled to reimbursement for the expenses associated with your injuries, including medical treatment, future medical care, scarring, disfigurement, loss of income due to missed work, and compensation for damaged items like broken eyeglasses and torn clothing. Immediately after being involved in a dog bite accident in OK, make sure you get proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination, and be sure to get the owner’s information, take pictures of your injuries, and seek medical attention. Dog bite accidents in Oklahoma City can inflict severe physical harm, long-lasting injuries and devastating financial difficulties on a victim and his or her family. With the help of a qualified dog bite accident lawyer in Oklahoma, victims of dog bite injuries can protect their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.