Dogs are referred to as man’s best friend for a reason – they are loyal companions. But dogs can also become extremely aggressive and dangerous if they feel provoked or threatened. If you are hurt by someone’s dog, you may pursue them for the resulting economic and non-economic damages.
To recover damages following a dog bite in Oklahoma, however, you will need to prove that the defendant owned the animal, that you did not provoke it and that you had the right to be where you were when the attack occurred.
That cleared, here are two crucial steps you need to take if you are attacked by someone’s dog:
Seek treatment as soon as possible
A dog bite can leave you with serious wounds. Left unattended, this can lead to excessive bleeding and serious health complications. But this is not all. A dog bite can also leave you with infections such as rabies, cellulitis and Capnocytophaga. It’s important that you seek treatment as soon as possible to address these health concerns.
Besides the health concerns, seeking immediate treatment also ensures that you obtain a medical report that is crucial for litigating your claim. Remember, without a clear connection between your injuries and the alleged dog attack, you may have a difficult time proving your case and, thus, attaching a dollar amount to your injuries.
Prepare to file your claim
Dog bite lawsuits fall under personal injury claims. This means that you must bring your claim within the state’s statute of limitations period. If you do not, you might forfeit the damages you are entitled to. And in Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims is two years from the date of the attack. You must not let this statute of limitations period run out.
A dog attack can leave you seriously hurt. Understanding your legal obligations following the attack can help you build a strong case against the liable party.