Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bites can leave lasting physical scars, and they can result in emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, Oklahoma law may be in your favor.
The lawyers at Federman & Sherwood have vast experience in taking on some of the most powerful businesses in the country, including insurance companies. We provide personalized service to accident victims, and we commit to being there for you in your time of need. We do not let insurance companies push our clients around without a vigorous fight.
Federman & Sherwood is located at 10205 N Pennsylvania Ave, The Village, OK 73120, right near the Western Village – Pied Piper neighborhood of Oklahoma City. Call us today at (800) 237-1277 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Oklahoma dog bite injury attorney.
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Dog Bite Injury Statistics
Every year, there are between four to five million people who are bitten by dogs. Some of these bites do not result in injuries. Roughly 20% of dog bites will require medical attention. For adults, the most common location of dog bite injuries is on their arms and legs. Children who are bitten will likely be injured in their face and neck due to where the dog attacks them. Roughly 50 people die each year from dog bites, although thousands more are seriously injured.
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, children are the victims of roughly 50% of dog bites. This occurs because dogs often feel threatened by children who are closer to the same eye level. Further, children may not know how to interact with animals, leaving them at more risk. They may not know the signs that an animal is agitated and on the verge of attacking. Accordingly, as a parent, you may be in the position of having to file a claim on behalf of your child.
What Is the Dog Bite Law in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma law is friendlier to dog bite injury victims than the statutes in other states. Oklahoma uses the law of strict liability in dog bite cases. Strict liability means that once you can prove that you were injured or bitten by a dog, the burden of proof shifts to the owner to show why they should not be liable. Strict liability does not mean that you are automatically entitled to compensation, but it does mean that you will have a good chance of being paid. The dog’s owner may argue that you either provoked the animal, or you were not legally entitled to be where you were when the incident occurred.
Oklahoma law applies strict liability both to bites and any other injuries that were caused by the animal. For example, if you suffered a serious back injury because you were trying to evade an aggressive dog, strict liability law would still apply.
Dog Bite Cases Can Still Be Challenging Even When Liability Is Clear
Insurance companies often know immediately that they will be liable to pay you dog bite damages. The real battle often comes when it is time to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. They will often downplay your injuries and underestimate the value of your claim. You will have to negotiate for compensation, and insurance companies can present a real challenge here. If the insurance company will not pay what you are owed, you have the option of filing a lawsuit against the dog’s owner in court.
Your Compensation in an Oklahoma Dog Bite Case
If you or your child has been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to the following in compensation:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
“When you hire me for your dog bite case, I will take the time to learn the value of your case before fighting tooth-and-nail to get you every dollar you deserve.” Oklahoma dog bite injury lawyer J.T. Sherman.
What to Do After You Have Been Injured By a Dog
It is vital that you seek immediate medical care when you have suffered a dog bite that punctures the skin. There are more than 600 types of bacteria that are present in a dog’s saliva. What this means is that you can develop an infection in the days after you have been bitten. From your standpoint, you should always be vigilant about your medical care, especially because an injury can grow worse if it is untreated.
Even though you may think that you have a sound claim for compensation, you should still immediately hire a dog bite injury lawyer. As explained, liability is only part of the picture. Hiring a dog bite injury attorney now can put you in a stronger position when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
Contact an Oklahoma Dog Bite Injury Law Firm
A dog attack can change your life in an instant, leaving you or your child with painful injuries, fear, and lasting emotional scars. At Federman & Sherwood, we work to hold the animal’s owner legally accountable for the damages. Schedule a free initial consultation by messaging us online or by calling us today at (800) 237-1277.