If you are injured by a dangerous dog, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more about Maryland’s dog laws.
Who is responsible for a dog bite injury?
In Maryland, the fault for a dog bite accident generally lies with the dog owner. If the dog was not on a leash or it was off of its property, the victim will not have to prove a history of the dog’s violence to take legal action. That being said, if the injury occurred while the dog was on a leash, or on its property, you will have to prove that the accident occurred as a result of negligence. There are certain cases in which the owner will not be held responsible and the victim will not be eligible to recover compensation. For example, if you were trespassing or attempting to commit a crime on the owner’s property, and you are injured by the owner’s dog in the process, you will not be entitled to compensation. Additionally, if the owner can prove that you were provoking the dog or ignoring warnings to stay away from the dog, the owner will likely not be held responsible. To provide proof of negligence, it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Fulfilling the burden of proof:
In order to recover compensation, you will have to prove that the accident was a result of the owner’s negligence. To do so, be sure to take the following steps:
- Call 911- It is important to call the police right away. The police will send an ambulance to the scene, file an accident report, and more.
- Seek medical attention- A dog bite can lead to serious medical consequences. For example, your wound can become infected. As a result, it is important to go to a doctor immediately after an accident occurs. This will ensure that your injuries are treated by a medical professional, while simultaneously providing you with proof of the origin and extent of your injuries. This can play a large role in a personal injury case, so be sure to ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents.
- Document the scene: While waiting for the ambulance, take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident, including your injuries.
If you have been involved in a dog attack, our firm will fight for you. Reach out today to discuss your case.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND FIRM
The legal team at Markey & Orsi has proudly represented injured clients throughout the state of Maryland for almost 30 years. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence and require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.