Dog Bite Lawyer in Baltimore
A dog attack can turn a normal day into a painful and frightening experience.
You might be taking a walk, visiting someone, or simply passing by when a dog suddenly bites you. The injuries can be severe, and the emotional scars often run deep.
If the attack happened because someone else failed to act responsibly, Maryland law gives you the right to seek compensation. Greenberg Law Offices will pursue justice with care and dedication.
Our dog bite lawyers can help you seek the recovery and the peace of mind you deserve.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Baltimore
What you do after a dog bite can greatly affect your health and your claim. Even a small bite can lead to infection, so seek medical care right away. Keep all medical records and medical bills as proof of your injuries.
Take clear photos of your wounds, torn clothes, and the place where the dog bite incident occurred.
Try to get the dog owner’s contact and vaccination details, and report the incident to Baltimore City Animal Control. Hold onto any damaged clothing and follow your doctor’s care plan closely.
Before talking to insurers, reach out to a Baltimore dog bite lawyer for proper guidance.
Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Types of dog bite injuries can range from deep punctures that become infected to torn skin that needs stitches to dangerous bacterial infections that spread quickly.
Some dogs carry rabies, making urgent medical care essential. Severe bites can leave permanent scars or disfigurement, especially on the face and hands. Nerve or bone damage may follow, sometimes affecting movement or strength.
Eye injuries can threaten sight, while emotional trauma often lingers long after the body heals. In the worst cases, especially for children or older adults, these attacks can tragically lead to death.
Understanding Maryland Dog Bite Laws
Maryland dog bite laws can be complicated, as the state uses both strict liability and negligence rules.
Under strict liability, a dog owner is responsible if their dog bites someone, even if they didn’t know the dog could be dangerous. In other cases, the “one bite” rule may apply, holding owners accountable if they knew or should have known their dog was aggressive.
You can also file a claim if an owner was careless, such as letting the dog roam freely. Owners might avoid blame if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog, though these defenses have limits, especially for children.
Landlord and Third-Party Liability for Dog Bites in Baltimore
In some cases, others besides the dog’s owner can be held responsible for an attack. A landlord may share blame if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous but failed to act.
Property owners can also be liable if they allowed a known aggressive dog on their premises or didn’t warn guests about the risk. Dog walkers or pet sitters might be responsible if their careless handling causes harm.
When a child owns the dog, the parents can be held accountable for failing to control the animal.
Evidence Needed to Prove a Dog Bite Case in Maryland
Building a strong case after a dog attack depends on solid proof and detailed records.
Your lawyer will collect medical reports showing your injuries and treatment, along with photos of your wounds, the scene, and the dog, if possible.
Animal control and witness statements help confirm what happened and reveal any past aggression. Veterinary and prior incident records can show a pattern of dangerous behavior. Expert opinions may explain the cause of the attack and how it could have been avoided.
Financial documents, including bills and receipts, demonstrate the full impact of your injuries and support your claim for fair compensation.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Dog Bite
Homeowners and renters insurance often cover dog bite claims, but insurance companies focus on saving money, not helping you recover. Adjusters may offer quick settlements before you understand your full injuries, or record your statements to twist your words.
They sometimes downplay how serious your wounds are or delay the process to pressure you into settling for less. Having a Baltimore dog bite lawyer speak with insurers on your behalf helps protect your rights and ensures you’re treated fairly throughout the process.
Maryland Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits
In Maryland, the dog bite statute of limitations is three years. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to seek compensation. It’s best to start your claim as soon as possible, while the evidence is still fresh and witnesses can recall details clearly.
Early action also helps link your medical records to the incident and gives your lawyer time to build a strong case. Certain situations, such as cases involving minors or late-discovered injuries, may extend this period.
A Maryland dog bite lawyer can confirm the exact deadline for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Baltimore
What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Maryland’s strict liability law means you can still recover compensation even if the dog has no history of aggression, as long as you meet the requirements for a bite injury claim.
Can I sue if a family member’s dog bit me?
Yes, you can file a claim against a relative’s homeowners or renters insurance. The lawsuit is typically against the insurance company, not against your family member personally.
What if I was partially at fault for the attack?
Maryland follows contributory negligence rules. If you’re found even 1 percent responsible for the attack, you cannot recover compensation. This makes having skilled legal representation crucial.
How much is my dog bite claim worth?
Claim value depends on factors like injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, scarring, and psychological impact. Your attorney can provide a realistic case evaluation based on your specific circumstances.
Do all dog bite cases go to court?
Most cases settle through negotiation with insurance companies. However, if insurers refuse fair compensation, your lawyer should be prepared to take the case to trial.
