Strict Liability for Dog Bites in Oklahoma

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Oklahoma's statute puts the cost of an unprovoked bite on the owner, whatever the dog's history.

The statute

4 O.S. 42.1 provides that the owner of any dog is liable for damages to the full amount sustained when the dog, without provocation, bites or injures any person while the person is in or on a place where he has a lawful right to be.

No prior bite required

The owner is generally responsible regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or took reasonable precautions. Oklahoma does not follow the one-bite rule for owners.

Beyond bites

The statute reaches bites and other direct physical injuries, so a dog that knocked you down without contact may call for a negligence claim.

Dangerous dogs

Owners of dogs classified as dangerous must carry at least $50,000 in liability coverage or a surety bond.

Deadline

Dog bite claims have two years.

Official sources

• 23 O.S. § 13 — comparative negligence

This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how Oklahoma's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Oklahoma attorney.