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Animals

negligent handling

The owner of a dog or other animal may be liable for negligence in handling the dog when the dog causes personal injury or property damage. Sometimes a plaintiff must show that the owner had knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities in order for the dog's owner to be liable for negligent handling.

In Oklahoma, the liability of a dog owner for injuries or damages caused by their dog is governed by a combination of state statutes and common law principles. Under Oklahoma law, specifically 4 Okl. St. § 42.1, a dog owner is liable for damages suffered by a person who is bitten or injured by the dog while in a place where they have a lawful right to be, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness. This is known as the 'strict liability' statute. However, for other types of injuries or property damage caused by a dog, the plaintiff may need to prove that the owner was negligent in handling the dog and that the owner knew or should have known of the dog's dangerous propensities. This means that if the dog has not bitten or injured someone before, the owner might not be held liable unless there is evidence of negligence in controlling or restraining the dog.

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Animals

negligent handling

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Oklahoma State Code

Oklahoma State Code

Animals

negligent handling

Articles