What if I was injured by a dog who was off its leash?
In Oklahoma, if you are injured by a dog who was off their leash, the person or persons responsible for the animal can be held liable for your injuries. The state of Oklahoma is a “strict liability” state for dog bite incidents. This means that the pet owner is held liable for any injuries caused by their pet, regardless of whether or not they had reason to believe the animal could be dangerous. They are also liable for injuries even if the pet had never acted aggressively or displayed anti-social behavior in the past. In order to prove a dog bite claim in Oklahoma, the injured party must show that the dog was off-leash and that they were injured due to the animal’s actions. Furthermore, they must be able to prove that their injuries were not due to their own negligence. If all of these requirements are met, the pet owner will be liable for any medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. It is important to note that if the injury is caused by an animal that is owned by the government, such as a police dog, the injured party will need to bring a claim against the government entity who owns the animal. These claims are much more complex and may require the assistance of an experienced attorney. It is important to take all necessary steps to protect yourself after being injured by a dog who was off-leash. Document all medical visits and treatments and take photos of the injury site. If possible, photographs of the dog and its owner should also be taken. This will help to make any potential claims much easier to prove.
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