Ylla | Gosney represents dog-chase-bicycle accident victims in OKC. Although it is more common for cycling accidents to involve motor vehicles, bicycle accidents can also result from cyclists being chased by unrestrained dogs.
If a dog causes you to lose control or bites you while riding, then you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damage, and emotional damage. To see what legal options are available to you for your dog-chase-bicycle accident in OKC, contact Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
How Ylla | Gosney Can Help Dog Chase Bicycle Accident Victims
Dog-related bicycle accidents are more common than cyclists may realize. According to the National Library of Medicine, over 35,000 riders visit the ER each year, with many of those injuries due to being chased by a dog. The legal outcomes for these injuries will vary based on whether carelessness by the dog owner can be proven.
According to the State of Oklahoma, it is unlawful for a dog to be “at large.” The term at large means when the dog is off-leash or not under the direct control of the owner. Direct control, according to Statute 8-38 of Oklahoma’s Municipal Code, means immediate, continuous, and physical control of a dog at all times by means of a leash, cord, rope, or chain.
So, if a dog is unrestrained and causes you injury while riding your bicycle, the owner can be held responsible for damages. The Attorneys at Ylla Gosney can ensure the owner is held liable and that you are compensated for the following damages:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages (if you have to miss work to recover)
- Retraining or re-education for job placement if you have suffered a disability from the accident
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Oklahoma Dog Bite Law
If a bicyclist is being chased by a dog, it is usually because the dog feels they are protecting their owner. This, unfortunately, usually results in the bicyclist being bitten. So, what protection do bicyclists have from dog bites in OKC?
Oklahoma has strict dog bite liability laws. This means pet owners are responsible for the injuries and losses caused by their dog as long as their dog attacked without provocation. Also, the victim must have a lawful right to be in the place where the bite occurred. In Oklahoma, it is not necessary to prove that the owner knew or had reason to know their dog would attack another person, according to the One Bite Law (4-42.4).
The owner of any dangerous dog as defined in Section 44 of Title 4 of the Oklahoma Statutes, if a dog attack results in a person’s death, the owner, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for no more than five years, or by the imposition of a fine not to exceed Twenty-five thousand dollars.
What Victims Should Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident in OKC
If you’re bitten by a dog, the most important thing you do is remove yourself from the dog’s presence. Once the dog is no longer a threat, you should immediately start treating your injury. Treating your wound includes:
- Looking over the wound to note if the skin is broken or not
- Washing the wound with non-scented soap and warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the wound is dirty, it may require extended cleaning time
- Stopping the bleeding by putting pressure on the wound with a clean cloth until it has stopped
- Applying antibiotic ointment if available will help decrease infection
- Dress the wound with a clean dry bandage
Legal Steps to Take After a Dog-Chase Bicycle Accident in OKC
To take the appropriate legal action and begin building your case after a dog bite incident, you should:
- Document the incident: take photos and write down details of your injuries, the dog, and your surroundings.
- Exchange information with the dog owner: get the owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance info. If any witnesses are on the scene, collect their contact information and record their testimony if possible.
- Seek immediate medical attention: go to the nearest emergency room or see your primary care physician as soon as possible. Dog bites can lead to dangerous infections. Also, any delay in medical treatment could be harmful to your personal injury case.
- Report the incident to Animal Control: contact your local animal control agency and report the bite. An investigation by animal control will not only be helpful to your case, but can prevent future injuries.
- Speak to an attorney: discuss your legal options with an experienced Dog Bite Attorney by contacting Ylla | Gosney.
Dog Chase Bicycle Accident Settlements in OKC
The settlement amount for a dog-chase injury claim varies significantly on a case-by-case basis. However, there are various factors that can help determine the value of your case such as:
- Extent of damages
- Medical treatment needed
- Insurance coverage limit
- Determination of fault
When it comes to your dog bite settlement, the details of your case matter. For example, if you only sustained minor injuries from the attack or you were partially liable for the incident, your settlement could result in a lower amount. So, when considering settlements for dog-chase bicycle accident injuries, they will generally fall into three categories:
- Low Settlements: minor accidents with little to no injuries can result in a low settlement in the low thousands to cover damage done to your property and medical bills to treat minor injuries.
- Moderate Settlements: moderate settlements can range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. These dog-chase cases usually involve medical treatment for significant injuries, some missed work, and longer recovery periods.
- High Settlements: high settlements typically involve dog chase injury incidents with severe injuries, long-term medical treatment, permanent disabilities, or fatalities. Settlements can be substantial, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars and up to millions of dollars.
Contact a Dog Chase Bicycle Accident Lawyer in OKC
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, the attorneys at Ylla Gosney can help you recover the maximum amount of damages or represent you in court if your case goes to trial. We help numerous injured bicyclists reach successful settlements to help them put this traumatic event behind them and resume their normal lives. Our firm provides a custom, legal plan for each case and will explore every legal avenue toward getting you the compensation you need.
Contact Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
