Dog bites are more common than many people realize, and while most are relatively minor, some can be severe. When someone else’s dog attacks and leaves you or someone you love with severe injuries, you have the right to take legal action and hold them financially accountable. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at AMA Law can provide valuable assistance with your case.
Lawsuits resulting from dog bites fall within premises liability laws, which apply to incidents caused by property owner negligence. Call today to schedule a free case consultation with a knowledgeable Edmond dog bite lawyer at our firm and learn more.
The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale rates the severity level of dog bite injuries. The scale rates the wounds from one to six, with four and five being severe and six fatal. While dog bites are relatively common, those that fall within level six are not. Some of the more severe injuries people sustain in dog attacks include:
Dog bites and attacks are also traumatic and can leave the victim with severe psychological trauma. That is particularly true when the victims are young children. A compassionate Edmond dog bite attorney at AMA Law will help you collect a fair compensation amount to cover the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Seeking medical care after dogs leave you with deep lacerations is critical to ensure the wound heals properly and prevents infections. Hospital bills and medical records are also essential for establishing liability (i.e., who is legally to blame) and damages to collect a fair settlement amount.
Collecting any information at the scene—such as the identifying information of the pet owner and the dog’s name and tag number—is also helpful. You should also promptly report the attack to animal control or the local police department to protect the public from future attacks and to record the event for evidence during the claims process.
Civil laws protect people from damages sustained by dog bites and attacks. Unlike many other states, Oklahoma laws do not consider whether there is evidence of the dog biting another party in the past. According to the Oklahoma Statutes § 4-42.1, the pet owner is responsible for paying the total cost of damages caused by dogs, whether they have a history of aggression or not. The exception is for those trespassing on someone’s land.
When an animal has a history of aggression and the owner fails to protect others from harm, they could also face criminal prosecution. During an initial consultation, a seasoned dog bite lawyer in Edmond can answer questions about dog bite laws and regulations and handle all legal work and filings on your behalf.
When a dog attacks, they can inflict severe and life-threatening injuries—including bodily harm and psychological damage that affects them negatively for years. Unfortunately, children are commonly the victims and may require years of therapy to overcome the trauma. When you or a loved one suffers injuries because of someone else’s dog, you have every right to hold them accountable.
Schedule a free consultation with a hard-working Edmond dog bite lawyer at AMA Law to review your case and legal options. The sooner after the event you begin preparing, the better your chance of collecting the crucial evidence needed to reach a positive outcome. Let us help you seek the justice you deserve; call now.