Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Oklahoma City

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?

  You can contact the Oklahoma City Police Department at 405-231-2121 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?

  You can request a copy of a police report by calling the Oklahoma City Police Records Unit at 405-297-112 or completing the online records request form: https://oklahomacityok.justfoia.com/Forms/Launch/8bceebdf-37b1-4d13-8535-86299b1dd659.

• Does Oklahoma City follow the "one bite rule"?

  No. Instead, Oklahoma City upholds the strict liability rule. This means that the owner of the dog is fully responsible for any injuries caused by the dog. They must pay the full amount of medical costs and other damages when their dog—without being provoked—bites and consequently injures another person.

• If a dog bites a trespasser in Oklahoma City, will the owner be required to pay for the medical costs or other expenses?

  No. Under Oklahoma laws, the strict liability rule on dog bites only applies if the person bitten by the dog is "in or on a place where he has a lawful right to be." This means that if an individual illegally enters a property in Oklahoma City and is bitten by the property owner's dog, the trespasser does not have any legal right to claim damages or compensation from the owner.

• Does Oklahoma City require dogs to be leashed or confined within the owner's property?

  Yes. Oklahoma City requires dog owners to have an enclosure for their dogs and install fences that are high and strong enough to keep their dogs confined within their property. They are also mandated by city ordinance to keep their dogs on a leash when outside, although this rule does not apply at dog parks.

• Can an individual bitten by a dog in an area in Oklahoma City that does not have U.S. mail delivery service file a lawsuit for damages?

  Yes. In Oklahoma City, the dog bite victim can still file a claim for damages, although the strict liability rule will not apply. Instead, the victim must prove the dog owner's negligence. Negligence in a dog bite case can be proven if these four elements are present:

  • The dog owner has a duty of care or responsibility to keep the victim safe.
  • The dog owner failed to keep that duty.
  • The dog owner's failure to uphold that duty of care directly led to the dog's attack.
  • The dog attack resulted in an injury to the victim.

• How long does a dog bite victim have to file a claim for damages in Oklahoma City?

  Under Oklahoma laws, which Oklahoma City follows, a dog bite victim has up to two years to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. Once this period lapses, the victim may be barred from recovering compensation or damages or bringing up any other action against the dog owner.