Dog Owners Are Legally Responsible for Attacks.

Oklahoma uses a modified approach. Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries if the bite occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property (including the owner's property). Unlike some states, Oklahoma doesn't require proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The key statute is 4 O.S. § 42.1.

You can still recover compensation as long as you were lawfully on the property—as an invited guest, mail carrier, delivery person, or customer. Trespassers generally cannot recover. We establish that you had permission or legal right to be on the property.

Yes. Oklahoma law covers injuries caused by dogs, not just bites. If a dog jumped on you and caused you to fall, scratched you, or otherwise caused injury, the owner may still be liable under premises liability principles.

You can recover medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rabies shots, plastic surgery for scarring), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma and PTSD (especially common in children), and disfigurement. Dog bites often cause permanent scarring that may require multiple reconstructive surgeries.

We investigate all potential sources of recovery. Many attacks occur on rental properties—the landlord may be liable if they knew about a dangerous dog. Some dog owners have umbrella policies or assets. We also check if the attack occurred at a business, which would have commercial liability insurance.

Yes. Report the bite to Oklahoma City Animal Welfare or your local animal control. This creates an official record, triggers quarantine requirements to check for rabies, and documents the incident. We can obtain copies of prior complaints about the same dog to prove the owner knew it was dangerous.