Baltimore Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs can be wonderful additions to the home, but they may pose a danger if improperly trained or not trained at all. The saying goes, “There are no bad dogs, just bad dog owners.” When a dog lacks training or is trained to be aggressive, others can easily be hurt. Dogs need to be trained and monitored for adverse behaviors. While most dog owners take this responsibility seriously, some do not. A dog has the capability to inflict substantial physical damage to a person, including tearing flesh, tendons, and muscles, and can even break a bone with the right pressure. The results of a dog bite injury can be devastating. Many of these incidents are due to the negligence of the owner. Proving liability can be complicated, but having the right dog bite lawyer in Baltimore can make a significant difference. If you have been injured by a dog and believe that your situation calls for a personal injury lawsuit, contact Albers & Associates. Our firm has significant experience assisting clients through these matters. We are ready to assess your case, guide you through your legal options, and advocate passionately for your future. Contact Albers & Associates for a free consultation.

Call Albers & Associates today at (443) 665-8030 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our dog bite lawyer in Baltimore.

Maryland Dog Bite Laws

Depending on the circumstances, the owner of the dog that caused the injury is typically the liable party. In Maryland, the dog does not need a history of violence if the dog was “at large,” meaning that the dog was not under the control of the owner. This could include being off-premises, unleashed or without constraints, or not in the immediate presence or control of the owner. The fact that the dog was “at large” may constitute negligence immediately. However, if you were injured by a dog that was leashed, on the owner’s property, or otherwise controlled, you may need to prove negligence. This may include investigating to see if the dog had a history of violence. If so, it is assumed that the owner knew or should have reasonably known about it. Many other factors go into establishing negligence. Furthermore, if you had contributed to causing the dog to injure you, it may be considered contributory negligence, meaning that you caused the incident as well, and you may not be entitled to compensation. These acts can include trespassing or attempted trespassing, committing a crime or attempting to commit a crime on the owner’s property or against someone else, ignoring signs to avoid the dog, or otherwise provoking the dog. These are fact-sensitive issues that deserve the attention of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Collecting Evidence

Collecting evidence is an important facet of a personal injury case. Firstly, seek medical attention. This provides the medical care you need while documenting some of the important facts of your case, including the injury, the approximate time of the injury, and the place at which the incident occurred. Secondly, get the contact information of the dog owner and any information you can about the dog itself. If you are not able to act for yourself, contact an attorney to come to the scene and act on your behalf. A seasoned attorney will take the facts of the case and thoroughly investigate the matter, including looking for any evidence of vicious propensity.

FAQs About Dog Bite Cases

What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?

If you experience a dog bite, your priority should be to seek medical attention. Addressing your health is paramount, and documenting medical treatment can be valuable to your legal claim. Next, gather information about the dog and the owner. This includes the owner’s contact information and the dog's vaccination history. Documenting the scene with photographs and obtaining contact information for witnesses who saw the incident can also prove beneficial. Lastly, the bite should be reported to local animal control authorities to ensure the incident is officially recorded and to prevent future occurrences with the same animal.

How Is Liability Determined in Dog Bite Incidents?

Liability in dog bite cases often hinges on the concept of negligence. Maryland law may hold the owner responsible if their dog was off-leash or if the owner violated any local animal control laws. Even if the dog bite occurs without a previous aggressive history, the owner might still be accountable if it can be proven that they failed to control their animal appropriately. Contributory negligence on the victim's part can also influence liability, potentially reducing any compensation if the injured party's actions contributed to the event.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Maryland?

Maryland typically allows a three-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a dog bite. However, waiting too long can compromise the freshness of evidence and witness memories, impacting the case's strength. Starting the legal process earlier ensures that evidence is collected promptly and provides ample time for comprehensive legal preparation. Given these nuances, promptly consulting with a legal professional can safeguard your rights and maximize the potential for a successful claim.

Can I Claim Compensation for Emotional Trauma from a Dog Bite?

Emotional trauma is a recognized form of damage in dog bite claims. The psychological impact of an attack can be significant, leading to conditions such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Documenting these impacts with the help of mental health professionals can strengthen your claim. Emotional distress damages seek to compensate victims for these profound impacts beyond the physical injuries sustained, addressing the holistic impact on the victim's well-being.

What If the Dog Owner Refuses to Cooperate?

Legal intervention becomes crucial if a dog owner or their insurance company refuses to cooperate. At Albers & Associates, we are adept at negotiating with resistant parties, ensuring that victims' rights are upheld. Our approach includes thoroughly investigating the claim, leveraging evidence, and utilizing expert testimonies to build a formidable case. Taking the matter to court may ensure justice is pursued and appropriate compensation is achieved.

Contact Our Baltimore Dog Bite Attorney Today

Being injured by a dog can be traumatic. If you are the victim of a dog bite injury, you could be entitled to economic and noneconomic damages, including medical bills, lost wages, the impact on future wages, pain and suffering, and the loss of consortium. Our firm recognizes the significance of holding negligent parties accountable. If you need our legal support, contact Albers & Associates for a free consultation.

Contact Ailbers & Associates today to get started with our Baltimore dog bite lawyer.