It’s no secret that dogs are man’s best friend. In many instances, these animals are loving and loyal, wagging their way into families across the world. However, not all dogs are aloof and friendly, and in some instances, they can be untrained and dangerous. As such, if you were bitten by a dog in Maryland, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Understanding the dangers associated with these wounds, the statute of limitations, and who can incur liability for the damages is critical to protect your rights and ability to recover compensation for damages. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how Baltimore County dog bite attorneys can assist you through these difficult matters.
How Serious Are Dog Bite Injuries?
Unfortunately, many underestimate just how severe dog bites can be. Generally, these can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling in the area where the bite occurred. However, it’s also critical to understand that the most prevalent risk with these injuries is infection. When you are bitten by an animal, not only can their teeth puncture your skin, but the saliva in their mouth will seep into the open wounds. As such, the bacteria and germs in the saliva can result in a serious infection. However, there are several other physical and emotional complications that can arise as a result of dog bites
Common Physical Complications of Dog Bites
- Avulsions
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Soft tissue injuries
- Crush injuries (if strong enough, a bite can result in a broken bone)
- Muscle and tendon damage
- Risk of rabies exposure (rare, but can be fatal)
- Serious risk of infections like MRSA, Pasteurella, or Capnoctyphaga
Psychological and Emotional Effects
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety around animals
- Emotional anguish, especially for young children
- Difficulty sleeping
- Flashbacks
What Does Maryland Law Say About Dog Bite Liability?
If you have been bitten by a dog in Maryland, it’s critical to understand who can face liability for the damages you’ve endured. Typically, states adhere to one of two methods for handling dog bite injuries. The first is the “one bite” statute. Essentially, this limits an owner’s liability for the actions of their dog if the dog has no history of previous aggressive behavior. For example, if a dog bites you but there have been no other instances of attacks, the owner will generally evade liability as they had no way of knowing the dog could turn aggressive.
The second method, which Maryland adheres to, is the strict liability statute. Essentially, this creates a presumption that a dog’s owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous behavior. As such, the law assumes the owner is liable for the injuries, unless the owner can present evidence that proves otherwise. Maryland’s strict liability statute is governed by Courts and Judicial Proceedings §3–1901.
In practice, most dog bite claims in Maryland hinge on whether or not the victim was lawfully on the premises where the bite occurred, and whether or not the dog was under reasonable control at the time of the incident.
When a Dog Owner Is Likely Liable
- The dog bit or attacked without provocation
- The victim was lawfully on the property
- The victim was not committing a crime at the time of the attack
- The dog was not under reasonable control by the owner or an adjacent individual
Situations That May Bar Compensation
- The injured party was trespassing at the time of the attack
- The injured party was tormenting, teasing, or provoking the animal
- The injured party was committing a crime at the time of the attack
What Should You Do Immediately Following a Dog Bite in Baltimore County?
If you have been bitten by a dog in Towson, White Marsh, or anywhere throughout Baltimore County or the surrounding communities, understanding how to proceed after being bitten by a dog is critical to protect your health and your right to pursue legal action.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- You should seek immediate care at an emergency room, urgent care, or physician’s office
- Ensure the wound is adequately cleaned, bandaged, and documented
- Inquire about tetanus and rabies vaccinations, especially if the vaccination status of the animal is unknown
- Obtain copies of your medical records before leaving
Report the Accident
- Call 911 if the injuries you’ve suffered are severe
- File a police report
- File a report with the local animal control in Baltimore County
Gather and Preserve Evidence
- Take photos and videos of your injuries immediately after the incident and throughout the healing process
- Take photos and videos of the scene where the attack occurred
- Gather the contact information of witnesses
- Collect the name and insurance information of the dog’s owner
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Maryland?
In general, Maryland law allows those who have been injured due to the negligent actions of another to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Common Economic Damages
- Emergency room visits and hospital bills
- Medication
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical care
Frequently Awarded Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Scarring and disfiguration
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Maryland?
The statute of limitations in Maryland for most personal injury claims, including dog bites, is three years from the date on which the injury occurred. Failure to file within this time can permanently bar your right to recover compensation.
How Do Dog Bite Cases Work in Baltimore County?
Dog bite claims in Towson and Baltimore County often involve:
- Compensation through homeowner’s insurance policies
- Settlement negotiations prior to litigation
- Leash law ordinance violations
- Review of prior complaints about the animal
Contact an Experienced Baltimore County Dog Bite Injury Attorney
As you can see, dog bites can be incredibly difficult to navigate. That’s why it’s critical to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi to explore your legal options and fight for the compensation you are entitled to. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact our team today.