Dog Bite Accidents
Your Legal Companion for Dog Bite Accidents
Dog bite accidents can cause severe injuries. After a dog attack, there are often both physical and emotional injuries that can be extensive and long-lasting. If you suffered a dog bite injury, you need empathetic legal counsel. Dog bite laws in Maryland are complicated, so having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side is critical to protecting your rights and best interests. Your lawyer can review your dog bite case and fight for the best possible resolution.
Contact us today to discuss your case with a skilled lawyer. We proudly serve clients in the Baltimore metropolitan area, throughout Maryland, and northern Virginia.
Are Dog Bites Common?
According to the CDC, a staggering 5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. The United States spends $1.1 billion a year in medical costs from animal attacks. Dog bites are also ranked 5th on the list of reasons why children go to the ER. When dogs attack, they tend to target the face, neck, limbs, and groin area, causing serious injuries.
Dog attacks can be exceptionally frightening for both children and adults. These experiences usually leave emotional scars along with physical pain. Children, in particular, can suffer from nightmares, a lifelong fear of dogs, and other emotional trauma. A compassionate Baltimore dog bite lawyer can help you address all these damages in a lawsuit.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Maryland?
Despite common misconception, Maryland is not a “one-bite” state, meaning a dog must have previously bitten someone to bring a claim against its owner. Maryland’s dog bite laws have changed over the years, which can be confusing without proper legal guidance. Previously, Maryland law stated that strict liability applied only to certain breeds, such as pit bulls, because of myths about dog breeds and aggressiveness. Maryland’s new dog bite laws are much more victim-friendly, and strict liability now applies to all breeds of dogs under certain circumstances.
The current Maryland laws impose liability on dog owners for a victim’s injuries if the dog was running at large. As long as the dog was loose when it attacked someone, the owner is generally liable for any harm it caused. It is no longer a defense that the owner was unaware of the dog’s aggressiveness or dangerous tendencies. It is enough that the dog attacked and injured someone to prove it was dangerous.
Pursuing a dog bite case based on negligence can be challenging. Dog owners may be liable if they created an unreasonable risk of harm under circumstances where it was foreseeable that a dog bite injury could occur. Dog bite laws and legal theories can be challenging to navigate. An experienced dog bite lawyer in the Baltimore metropolitan area can help determine how best to proceed with your case.
What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?
If a dog bites you or your child, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. Dog bites can lead to various injuries that vary in severity. Too often, children suffer dog bites on their faces, leaving them with scarring or disfigurement.
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Infections
- Eye injuries
- Hand injuries
- Nerve damage
- Head and neck injuries
- Facial injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
- Rabies
How Can a Maryland Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me With My Case?
Dog bite cases are legally complex with several nuances. If you suffered a dog bite, you need a lawyer who stays on top of the current laws, knows what evidence is necessary, and understands the legal procedures. Your lawyer can also refute any defenses the dog owner might try to use against you in court.
There are two common defenses the dog owner might use in a lawsuit:
- You were trespassing on the dog owner’s property.
- You were the one who provoked the dog attack.
If the dog owner can prove either defense to be accurate, it can affect your ability to recover compensation. An experienced dog bite lawyer can be prepared with proof and arguments to support your case.
A Maryland dog bite lawyer can do the following:
- Investigate the dog attack and bite that led to your injury.
- File your claim by the statute of limitations.
- Gather all evidence needed to establish liability and refute any defenses.
- Review the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy.
- Review your medical records and work with experts.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and opposing representatives.
- Be prepared to take your case to trial when appropriate.
What Damages Are Available in Dog Bite Lawsuits?
Many dog attacks result in injuries that require extensive medical treatment, hospitalization, and multiple reconstructive surgeries. These injuries can be costly and stressful, especially if you miss work.
Damages you may be eligible for in a dog bite lawsuit include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Hospitalizations and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and therapies
- Mental health treatment
- Permanent disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Quality of life losses
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Maryland?
In Maryland, plaintiffs have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. In cases of wrongful death, the three-year timeline starts running at the date of death, which may be later than the date of accident and injury. Minors must file a personal injury claim three years from their 18th birthday. It is best to pursue legal action as soon as possible. A Baltimore dog bite lawyer can help you get the process started.
Our Compassionate Maryland Dog Bite Lawyers at Maryland Accident Law Firm Fight for the Compensation Our Clients Need After Dog Bite Accidents
Our experienced Maryland dog bite lawyers at Maryland Accident Law Firm are dedicated advocates who will protect your rights after a dog attack. If you or someone you love suffered a dog bite injury, fill out our online form. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients throughout Maryland and northern Virginia.