Are you or a loved one suffering injuries due to a dog bite in Maryland? If so, you may be eligible for compensation. If your injuries are due to the owner’s negligence, we want to help you file your claim.
Maryland does not limit personal injury claims involving animals to just bites. If a dog’s actions caused you to have an accident, causing injury, you might still be eligible. Hiring a Maryland dog bite lawyer that specializes in personal injury claims can help you negotiate your request. We are committed to getting you the settlement you deserve.
Contact our team at (800) 816-0755 today so we can start building your case. We also only work on a contingency-fee-basis. Therefore, you will not pay for your case until you win.
Proving Liability in a Maryland Dog Bite Claim
Maryland is one of four states that adheres to the antiquated contributory negligence rule, which means that if a victim is even 1% liable for the attack, they are not eligible for any compensation. This rule does not apply if the victim is under five years old.
Reasons you may be at fault:
- Provoking or teasing the dog
- Trespassing on their property
- Attacking the owner
- If the owner gave you a warning before approaching the dog
Insurance companies that usually work against your case are skilled at finding fault, which is a significant reason why hiring a Maryland dog bite attorney may help with managing your claim.
Two Ways to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Maryland
- Strict Liability – Following Code of Maryland § 3-1901, a victim can file a strict liability statute, which extends the negligence to the owner even if they did not know their dog was aggressive or took steps to prevent the dog from biting.
- Common-Law Rules of Negligence – You must prove 100% negligence by showing that the owner:
- Had a responsibility to prevent the attack by controlling the dog
- The negligence, or lack of control, is what allowed the attack to take place
Other laws also protect the victim if the dog has a history of aggression or caused death. Dangerous Dog Laws are outlined in the Code of Maryland § 10-619 and may carry different penalties against the owner. Obtaining the help of an adviser in these cases is strongly suggested.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations, or time frame, a plaintiff has to file a personal injury claim in Maryland is three years from the incident’s date. There are exceptions to these limitations, which may be best to discuss with an attorney.
There are a lot of moving parts when trying to prove negligence in these cases. If you are not familiar with your rights and the laws that uphold them, hiring a Maryland dog bite attorney may be the help you need to understand your position better.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 816-0755
How a Maryland Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
We are prepared to navigate these types of civil lawsuits and personal injury claims. Proving negligence in a dog bite case is not the difficult part. However, establishing that you, as the victim, did not play a role in instigating the attack is where most cases fail.
Knowing the law and being prepared to argue your claim against the insurance company’s defense is also what a Maryland dog bite lawyer is prepared to do. We will use the law to protect you against your own claim by using the evidence to prove the defendant was the negligent party. We want to make sure you are safeguarded against an at-fault counterclaim so you can collect the compensation you deserve.
Supporting You in Your Time of Need
Facing the challenges of managing a personal injury or wrongful death case due to another person’s negligence can add weight to your pain and suffering. Defense attorneys also know how to use this to benefit their case and their negotiations when establishing a settlement agreement.
When you work with the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we help negotiate your claim while unloading the burden of reliving the attack. We are compassionate about your pain and suffering, your healing, and your case. We know the value of getting the help you need, and we may be the asset you need to balance out your argument.
Contact us today and let one of our team members evaluate your case for free. We want to help you receive the just compensation you deserve.
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Damages You May Receive for a Dog Bite in Maryland
Damages cover economic and non-economic losses, depending on each case. These are better left to discuss with your attorney, as not all may apply to your lawsuit.
Some examples of damages:
Economic Losses
- Lost wages
- Medical costs
- Prescriptions
- Personal property damaged
Non-Economic Losses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of care for the household
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What to Do As a Victim of a Dog Bite
If a dog attacks you or your loved one in Maryland, attend to the victim’s injuries first.
The next steps are vital to how your dog bite case will move once filed. You have a better chance of relieving yourself of any fault the more information you can acquire.
Other things to do when a dog has bitten you:
- Gather all information you can on the dog and its owner (licenses, phone numbers, address, the dog’s history).
- Contact animal control or another city authority to document the attack.
- Contact the police and obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
- Get any, and all, available witness testimony.
- Take photos of the scene (dog, the person with the dog, the wounds).
- Write everything down from the time of the incident till you go to court (how you feel daily, how the experience has affected you, medical issues, etc.).
You must establish your argument with the understanding that in these cases, you must prove 100% that you are not at fault or your lawsuit will be compromised. This may be difficult to do without the help of a dog bite attorney.
Connect with a Maryland Dog Bite Lawyer Today
These cases are complex, and it can take years to receive compensation. To prove you should receive compensation is even harder to prove when proving yourself not liable. That is why we are here to help.
Our clients have been awarded millions of dollars in personal injury damages over the years because we know how to guide you through the law to support your case with integrity and confidence. We also understand the value of having a support system committed to your success, and we want to be that support for you.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 816-0755 and speak to a team member about your case during a free case evaluation. We will help highlight what you need to help win your case. We also work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means we do not get paid until you win your case.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form