Dog attacks are serious matters that should not be taken lightly. In the United States alone, about 4.5 million people suffer dog bites every year.
Regardless of the dog’s typical demeanor or the owner’s involvement, if you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, you may have a personal injury claim. In the state of Maryland, there are strict laws regarding dog attacks and the owner’s liability. However, there is always room for argument in defense of the dog’s owner. This is why it is extremely important to hire an experienced personal injury law attorney to handle your personal injury claim.
What should I do after I am attacked or bitten by a dog?
Here are the steps you should take immediately after being bitten by a dog:
Should I file a personal injury claim?
We understand that filing a personal injury claim may seem daunting, but if you have been injured by a dog, then you shouldn’t be responsible for your own medical bills or lost wages from missed work. You also deserve compensation for the pain you suffered. In addition to medical expenses, you may suffer life-long scars and or emotional injuries, and may require additional medical treatment later down the road. The value of your dog bite claim can vary greatly and often depends on acting quickly to have a conversation with an experienced personal injury law attorney.
When is the owner of a dog liable for a bite or an attack?
Maryland law provides for strict liability for dog attacks and dog-related injuries under certain circumstances. Strict liability means that the owner of the dog is automatically on the hook for injuries the dog caused if:
Standard negligence rules also apply to dog owners. Negligence is generally doing something unreasonable or failing to take reasonable precautions or give a warning, thereby causing harm to someone.
When is a landlord of a property liable for a bite or attack by a dog living on her property?
Landlords in Maryland have the duty to maintain common areas in a reasonably safe condition. This duty extends not only to the tenant but also includes the members of her family, her guests, her invitees, and others on the property. A landlord could be held liable for knowing about a dangerous dog on her property and not taking steps to protect visitors.
There are a number of defenses that insurance companies will try to use to deny paying an injured person, such as: contributory negligence, assumption of the risk, or trespass. These are legal doctrines that require an experienced attorney to help you navigate. You can be sure that insurance companies will use every argument available to them to argue the dog’s owner or the landlord is not responsible, in order to avoid paying a settlement. At Holzman & Associates, we understand the complexities of the laws surrounding dog attacks. We know what it takes to prove your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
For more than 75 years, Holzman & Associates, LLC has obtained substantial verdicts and settlements for injury victims throughout Maryland. Ask around about us! If you believe you are entitled to compensation, contact us at 410-539-4222 for your free consultation.
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