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Dogs are territorial animals. This means whether on your daily walk, at the dog park, or even on your lawn, there’s always a chance your dog will end up in a tussle with another dog. Most dog fights end without serious injuries, but some can be potentially deadly for dogs, making it important to break them up.

Dogs can usually be quickly separated when they get aggressive with each other, especially when they’re leashed. But unleashed dogs or large dogs that pull away from their leashes often require more direct intervention when they fight. That can put their owners and bystanders at risk of being bitten if they attempt to break up those fights.

If you or someone you love was injured while breaking up a dog fight, here’s what you need to know about your rights to compensation.

Understanding Oklahoma’s Dog Bite Law

In Oklahoma, dog bite cases generally fall under the realm of personal injury law. The state follows the “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites.

This means that a dog’s owner can be held liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness or any previous behavior. However, there are exceptions to this rule, especially when the circumstances surrounding the bite involve the injured party’s actions.

The Role of Negligence

When you’re bitten while breaking up a fight between two or more dogs, the concept of negligence comes into play. Negligence refers to the failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary carefulness would have exercised under the same circumstances. The behavior usually consists of actions, but it can also consist of inactions when there is some duty to act.

To succeed in a dog bite claim, you must prove the dog owner’s negligence contributed to your injuries. This could mean showing that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to control their pet and prevent it from attacking. In many cases, this can mean failing to leash their dog or allowing it to freely roam in an area where there are people and other pets.

However, your actions before and during the dog attack will also be scrutinized. If you purposefully intervened in the dog fight (as opposed to being accidentally caught in the middle of the fight), the opposing side or jury might consider whether your actions were reasonable or if you voluntarily took on the risk of being bitten.

Comparative Negligence in Oklahoma

Oklahoma operates under a “comparative negligence” system. This means that if both parties are found to be partially at fault, the amount of compensation you’re entitled to may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% responsible for your injuries because you chose to intervene in the dog fight, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.

What Are the Best Ways to Safely Break Up a Dog Fight?

Breaking up a dog fight is risky and should be done cautiously. It’s important to prioritize your safety first and the safety of the dogs involved second when breaking up a dog fight.

Here are some steps you can take to safely break up a dog fight:

Don’t Grab Collars or Reach for Faces

Trying to separate dogs by grabbing their collars or heads can lead to redirected aggression, where a dog might bite you unintentionally.

Use a Loud Distraction

Sometimes, a loud noise such as clapping, shouting, or a loud whistle can momentarily distract the dogs, allowing them a moment to disengage.

Place a Physical Barrier Between the Dogs

If available, use a large object to separate the dogs. This can be anything from a large piece of cardboard, a chair, or even a trash can lid. The goal is to put a barrier between the dogs without putting yourself in harm’s way.

Use Water

If you’re outside, a hose, a bucket of water, or even a water bottle can be effective at stopping a dog fight. Splashing water on the dogs might surprise them enough to stop fighting.

Use the Wheelbarrow Method

As a last resort, and only if you have someone to help you, each person can grab the back legs of one of the dogs, lifting them off the ground in a wheelbarrow fashion. Then, both people should walk backward, pulling the dogs apart.

Secure the Dogs After Separation

Once the dogs are separated, make sure to secure them far away from each other to prevent the fight from restarting. Check them for injuries and consult a veterinarian if needed.

If you’re unsure about your ability to safely break up a dog fight, it might be best to seek help from others or call animal control rather than risking injury to yourself or the dogs.

Our Oklahoma City Dog Bite Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you’re ever bitten by a dog, you should immediately seek medical attention. Deep dog bites can result in serious blood loss, infection, and nerve damage. Then, it’s important to contact a law firm that understands dog bite cases in Oklahoma. Dog bite victims often incur huge medical bills and may be unable to work for weeks, months, or even years, which is why they deserve to be duly compensated for their injuries.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and legal knowledge dog bite victims need after bites caused during dog fights and unprovoked attacks. Contact our Oklahoma City dog bite law attorneys today for a free consultation.

When most people think of pet and animal-related bites and injuries, they often think of dog bites first and foremost. That’s because dog bites are extremely common. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association says more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, and around 800,000 of those people seek medical attention.

However, dogs don’t account for all pet and animal-related bites and injuries. The World Health Organization says that there are around 400,000 cat bites annually in the U.S., and around 66,000 of those bites are serious enough to send victims to the hospital.

Dog bites are relatively common sources of injury lawsuits, but what about cat bites and bites caused by other pets? Can victims of those bites also sue for compensation for the cost of their medical bills?

You Can Sue a Cat or Other Animal Owner if Their Pet Bites You

Just as you can sue a dog owner if their pet bites you, you can also sue a cat owner if their pet bites you. However, the bite must be unprovoked. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, nearly 90% of cat bites are provoked.

Although unprovoked cat bites are rare, they aren’t nonexistent. Cats can bite unprovoked for many reasons, including pain, fear, anxiety, cognitive decline, and more. Some cats may also bite suddenly and without warning while playing or being petted by people. If a pet owner knows or has reason to suspect that their pet may become aggressive when interacting with other people, they have a responsibility to keep their pet away.

Cat Bites Can Cause Serious Complications

Although cats don’t have the same jaw strength and bite force as most dogs, they have long, sharp teeth, and their bites can cause serious and painful injuries. Complications of cat bites include:

There’s a myth that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans, and the myth is often told concerning cats, too. But like dogs, cats’ mouths are full of dangerous bacteria.

When cats bite people, their long, sharp teeth can push that bacteria deep inside the skin and even into the bloodstream where it can cause severe infections. In some cases, victims have even needed to have infected tissue removed or amputated, including fingers and parts of their hands.

Cat Bites Can Also Spread Diseases

Cats can spread serious diseases through their bites, including:

Pasteurella multocida

This bacteria is found in the mouths of anywhere from 70% to 90% of cats. Although it usually only causes localized infections when cats bite, it can spread through the bloodstream where it can cause sepsis, infected heart valves, pneumonia, and respiratory infections.

Cat scratch disease

Also known as cat scratch fever, this condition is caused by the bacteria bartonella henselae. Around 40% of cats carry this bacteria in their mouths, and it can cause fever and enlarged lymph nodes in people who are infected. Although rare, the bacteria can also infect and damage people’s brains, eyes, hearts, and other internal organs.

Sporotrichosis

Cats carry high loads of this fungal disease and can easily spread it to humans when they bite. Although it usually only causes skin irritation, it can spread to the lungs, joints, bones, or central nervous system. People who suffer from widespread sporotrichosis infection often require intravenous medication and even surgery to treat it.

Rabies

Rabies is one of the most feared diseases in the world, and for good reason. It has a nearly 100% fatality rate once it has started to progress, and symptoms don’t show up in many victims for weeks or even months. Thankfully, rabies is extremely care in American domestic cats due to the widespread usage of rabies vaccines in pets.

How Should I Treat a Cat Bite?

The best way to treat a cat bite is to immediately wash it thoroughly but gently using soap and warm water. If the bite is bleeding, apply pressure using a clean towel, bandage, or cloth until it stops. Then, dry the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing.

A severe cat bite may require stitches to close the wound. You also may need antibiotic cream applied directly to the cat bite or taken systemically to reduce the risk of infection.

After suffering a cat bite, watch it and your overall health closely for signs of infection. Go to the doctor immediately if you notice the following:

Call Our Oklahoma Personal Injury Lawyers

Animal attacks can be painful and shocking, especially when they’re from pets like dogs and cats owned by friends, family, or neighbors. Unfortunately, the pain and shock are often only the beginning of the suffer for victims of these types of bites.

If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog or cat owned by someone else, we want to help. Contact the legal team at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers today for a free case review. We’ll work hard to help you get maximum compensation for all of your animal bite-related expenses, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You don’t deserve to have to deal with this painful and stressful situation alone and out-of-pocket just because a pet owner was negligent.

Regardless of breed, temperament, or history of aggression, all dogs are capable of biting people—and sometimes, bites happen without warning or provocation. 

Some dog bites may appear to be only minor injuries, while others clearly result in significant damage to the skin, muscles, and other tissue. However, because of the risk of complications, all dog bites should be looked at and treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, getting immediate medical attention can help you avoid or mitigate some of the most common long-term complications, which can include the following.

Infection

Have you ever heard the phrase, “A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth?” The Animal Kennel Club says that’s a myth. Dogs’ mouths contain more than 600 different types of bacteria, and when they bite, their long, sharp teeth can push some of those bacteria deep into the skin, muscles, tissue, and even the bloodstreams of victims.

It’s important to immediately and thoroughly clean a dog bite injury, but doing so doesn’t always eliminate the risk of infection. Because bacteria get pushed so deep into wounds when dogs bite, infections often occur no matter how clean the surface area of the wound is. When doctors treat dog bite victims, they often give them antibiotics to help stop or reduce the severity of infections, but these treatments aren’t always 100% effective.

Rabies

Rabies is one of the most feared infections in the world—and for good reason. Without immediate treatment during the virus’s incubation period, it has a 100% mortality rate. In some animals, including humans, rabies infections usually take around 2-3 months to become symptomatic after bites from infected animals, but the process is known to take anywhere from one week to one year.

Thankfully, rabies is rare in the U.S., especially in domestic animals like dogs. Most pet dogs are vaccinated against rabies, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says only around 60-70 dogs are reported as rabid each year in the U.S. If you’re bitten by a dog, it’s important to ask the owner about the dog’s rabies vaccination status as soon as possible. If you’re bitten by a stray dog, see a doctor immediately to discuss if you need a rabies vaccine.

Nerve Damage

Dogs’ long, sharp teeth not only push bacteria deep into skin and muscle tissue, but they can also penetrate deeply enough to damage nerves. In some cases, nerve damage heals on its own or can be surgically repaired, but in many cases, nerve damage is permanent. When nerves are damaged or severed during dog bites, they can cause victims to lose some or all control over certain body parts.

For example, people who are bitten on their hands may lose control over one or more fingers. They also may struggle with fine motor skills, such as typing, writing, operating machinery, and more. This loss of dexterity and fine motor skills can be devastating for many workers across a wide variety of industries and occupations.

Disfiguration

Dog bite victims are often left with large scars after their dog bites heal, even after receiving stitches to help close the wounds. In some cases, victims may need debridement, which is the surgical removal of infected or severely damaged skin tissue. And in severe cases, amputation has been used to help stop the spread of infection and to remove severely damaged body parts.

Scarring, debridement, and amputation can have traumatic effects on victims’ lives. Not only do they negatively alter their appearance, but they also serve as constant reminders of the traumatic experience they went through when they were attacked.

Psychological Injuries

Being bitten by a dog is painful, frightening, and traumatic. Because many dog bites occur without warning or provocation, victims are often taken by complete surprise. The sudden violent nature of dog bites can cause victims to develop long-term psychological injuries, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The psychological aftermath of a dog bite injury can linger long after the physical effects of the injury have healed. For example, some victims may develop a lifelong fear of dogs, while others may be afraid of walking in residential areas, parks, or trails because of the possibility of encountering a dog. Other victims may be forced to quit occupations that put them into contact with dogs, such as veterinary, grooming, walking, boarding, and other jobs.

Our Oklahoma Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Attack

Whether you or a loved one were bitten by a dog owned by a friend, family member, or coworker, or if the dog that attacked you was owned by a complete stranger, you can and should pursue compensation. Your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are significant, and if you don’t file an injury claim, you may be forced to pay for them out of your own pocket.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our Oklahoma dog bite attorneys understand how bites can impact victims’ lives for years or even decades after they occur. That’s why it’s our goal to help victims like you get maximum compensation not just for your current damages, but for your future damages, too. Contact us today for a free case review.

Whether it happens at a dog park, on a walking trail, or in someone’s home, being bitten by a dog is something no one ever expects or prepares for. It’s not only frightening and traumatic, but it’s also extremely painful and can cause serious health complications.

People who are bitten by dogs often don’t know what to do or even what their options are. They’re often shocked by the cost of the treatments required to minimize the damage that dog bites can inflict, and they end up paying big money out of pocket to cover treatments that their health insurance doesn’t cover.

If you or someone you love is bitten by a dog, it’s important to know that you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to get money for your bite-related expenses. Here’s exactly what you can be compensated for after a dog bite.

Medical Bills Compensation

Dog bites can range in severity, and some people require more intensive treatment than others to recover. Some of the treatments that many dog bite victims may be billed for include:

In severe cases, dog bite victims may require:

Even when victims have health insurance, their policies may be overwhelmed by all of their bills, and they may end up having to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket for their dog bite treatment costs. Thankfully, dog bite injury claims can provide compensation for victims to pay some or all of their medical bills.

Lost Wages Compensation

When people are bitten by dogs, they often experience severe pain in the areas where they were bitten. They also may lose sensation and motor control in that limb. For example, someone who is bitten on their hand may have difficulty picking up and holding objects with it both due to pain and lost coordination. For some victims, this disability lasts forever.

Dog bite victims who become temporarily or permanently unable to work because of their injuries deserve compensation both for the paychecks they’ve lost while recovering and the paychecks they will lose in the future—as well as compensation for likely promotions, bonuses, benefits, and more they lost.

Pain and Suffering Compensation

Dog bites are often sudden, violent, and painful. It’s common for dog bite victims to suffer psychological trauma from the events, including depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Some dog bite victims develop a phobia of dogs, making it difficult for them to own one or even be around them in public and private settings.

In addition, dog bite victims who become disabled or who suffer from chronic pain afterward may find it difficult or impossible to enjoy activities they once loved. They may be unable to participate in hobbies, exercise, or play with their children.

Losing the ability to enjoy life can be devastating for victims, and it’s a loss they deserve maximum compensation for.

Punitive Damages Compensation

In rare cases, victims who are injured because of other people’s extreme negligence and recklessness can be awarded punitive damages when their cases are heard by juries in civil trials. Although punitive damages are designed to punish negligent parties, the money is awarded to victims in addition to any other compensation they receive.

In the case of dog bites, victims may receive punitive damages if the dog owners led the victims into situations or areas where they were likely to be bitten, failed to restrain their dogs after they previously showed signs of aggression or biting, or even instructed their dogs to bite them.

Call Us After a Dog Bite Injury—We Want to Help You Get Compensation

A dog bite can change your life forever. Not only is it a surprisingly expensive injury to treat, but it can also be an injury that causes lifelong pain and disability. You also may experience a significant reduction in quality of life after a dog bite due to depression, anxiety, and the inability to enjoy activities you once loved.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we work hard to help injured dog bite victims get the money they need to move forward with their lives. Contact our Oklahoma dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation.

Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” but it’s important to remember that even friendly dogs with no history of aggression can be unpredictable. All dogs have the potential to lash out or bite, even without provocation. Unfortunately for victims, a dog bite can be traumatic, painful, and even life-threatening.

The risk of dog bites is reduced when dog owners keep their pets enclosed or on a leash, which is one reason why the state of Oklahoma requires dogs be leashed when on certain public properties. When dog owners allow their pets to run freely in public parks or on sidewalks, dogs may become aggressive and territorial.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a dog bite, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation, and because of Oklahoma’s strict liability law, dog owners can typically be held responsible for their pet’s actions.

Strict Liability Holds Dog Owners Responsible

Even if a dog was properly leashed or enclosed when the bite occurred, Oklahoma’s strict liability rule states that a dog’s owner can be held liable as long as the victim was not illegally on the property when and where the attack occurred. Oklahoma Statute § 4-42.1 states:

 “The owner or owners of any dog shall be liable for damages to the full amount of any damages sustained when his dog, without provocation, bites or injures any person while such person is in or on a place where he has a lawful right to be.”

If you’re looking to file a claim after a dog bite in Oklahoma, don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers. We’re ready to help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. The statute of limitations to file a dog bite claim is two years after the date of injury, so it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us anytime, 24/7 to get started.

Serving Oklahoma Dog Bite Victims

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we understand the financial and emotional repercussions of an animal attack, and we believe you should be compensated for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. If you suffered injuries resulting from a dog bite, contact us—we’re ready to get to work for you today.

Dogs may look cute and cuddly but it’s important to remember, first and foremost, that they are animals with instincts. No matter how friendly a dog may seem, you never know when one is going to attack—especially if it’s a stranger’s dog. Dog bites can be an emotionally and physically traumatizing experience, and on top of that, it can lead to infection and prolonged medical care. You may even need to take out a personal injury lawsuit.

Many people take advantage of warm summer days to take dogs on long walks and let them explore new neighborhoods. Here are some tips to avoid dog bites so you don’t end up with an easily preventable injury.

Approach All Dogs Correctly

Never approach a dog from behind, or too quickly. You don’t want it to feel threatened and go into defense mode. Always let dogs sniff and see you before petting, even in the case of your own dogs. Don’t disrupt a dog’s personal space, either; wait to pet it when it’s done sleeping, eating, chewing, or caring for puppies.

Also, avoid approaching dogs you don’t know. This goes particularly for dogs that are chained up without an owner around; you never know their temperament, so you should always assume they will think you are a threat and are always at the ready to attack.

Watch For Dog Body Language

Some dog body language makes it clear that they are about to attack. Do not continue pursuing a dog if you notice it doing one of the following:

Of course, do not immediately turn your back and run away either, if you notice one or more of these actions from a dog. This puts you in a vulnerable position because the dog may instinctively start to chase you. Avoid dog bites by staying still until the dog in question is gone or you feel safe slowly moving away.

In Case of Attack

If you can tell that a dog is about to attack, do not run away. Stay still and put your arms at your side. Do not make eye contact with the dog, and slowly back away once it loses interest. In case it does attack, first try putting something between you and the dog as a distraction, such as your jacket or purse. Do not move at all if possible. You may fall to the ground; if that is the case, curl up into the fetal position, cover your ears with your hands, and remain as quiet and still as possible.

If You’re Bitten

No matter how carefully you try and avoid dog bites it could still happen. If a dog has bitten you, wash the wound immediately to prevent it from infection. Contact your physician as soon as possible for additional instructions. Once you’ve taken care of yourself, contact your local animal control agency to report the dog and owner information.

If you have received a dog bite, you’re likely in need of damages to cover your medical bills. The Parrish DeVaughn Law Firm can help. Contact us today.

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