Dog attacks can happen unexpectedly, leaving victims with painful injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Whether a dog bites a child at a park, a jogger on a city sidewalk, or a delivery worker making their rounds, the consequences can be severe.
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we understand the toll a dog attack can take on you and your family. Maryland law protects victims of dog bites, giving them the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a dog in Baltimore has bitten you or a loved one, our legal team is ready to stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.
Maryland Dog Bite Laws and Liability
Maryland follows a strict liability rule regarding dog bites. Under Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Code § 3-1901, dog owners are legally responsible for injuries their pet causes, even if the dog has never shown aggression.
This means that victims do not have to prove that the dog had a history of being dangerous or that the owner was negligent. The owner is typically held accountable if the dog was loose, attacked without provocation, or caused harm while off-leash.
However, Maryland law allows dog owners to present a defense under the contributory negligence rule. If a victim is found to have provoked the dog or trespassed on private property, their claim for compensation may be barred. That is why having an experienced Baltimore dog bite accident lawyer on your side is crucial to counter any arguments the defense may raise.
Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Attacks
Dog attacks often result in more than just minor cuts and bruises. Victims may suffer serious injuries, including:
- Deep puncture wounds that can lead to infections
- Nerve damage and permanent scarring
- Facial injuries, which may require reconstructive surgery
- Broken bones from being knocked down during an attack
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and a lifelong fear of dogs
Children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks due to their small size and inability to defend themselves. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S., with over 800,000 requiring medical attention.
These statistics highlight the serious nature of dog bites and the importance of holding negligent pet owners accountable.
Seeking Compensation After a Dog Attack
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we fight to recover maximum compensation for our clients. If you have been injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and physical therapy
- Lost wages if you were unable to work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and trauma
- Scarring and disfigurement, especially if the injuries are permanent
- Punitive damages, in cases where the dog owner acted recklessly or allowed a dangerous dog to roam free
Maryland law requires dog owners to carry homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, often covering dog bite claims. Our legal team will negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Baltimore
Taking the proper steps after a dog bite can help protect your health and legal rights. If a dog has attacked you or a loved one, follow these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention – Though the wound seems minor, dog bites can lead to infections or rabies exposure. Get treated by a doctor as soon as possible.
- Report the Incident – Contact Baltimore Animal Control to file an official report. This helps document the attack and ensures authorities take necessary action against dangerous dogs.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog. If possible, get the dog owner’s contact information and statements from any witnesses.
- Do Not Talk to Insurance Adjusters – The dog owner’s insurance company may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you. Do not provide any statements without speaking to a Baltimore injury attorney first.
- Contact Our Law Firm – An experienced dog attack injury attorney in Baltimore can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
When you choose Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law to handle your dog bite case, you are not just hiring lawyers—you are gaining dedicated advocates who will stand up for your rights. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating the attack to determine liability and gather supporting evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary to take your case to court and maximize your compensation
- Helping you recover medical expenses and other losses caused by the attack
We understand the impact a dog bite injury can have on your life. Whether you are facing mounting medical bills, lost income, or emotional trauma, our legal team is here to help you get the justice you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Maryland
Maryland law sets a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including dog bite cases. This means you have three years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long to take legal action could mean losing your right to compensation.
If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Baltimore, MD, as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Baltimore
1. Can I file a claim if I was bitten by a dog while working?
Yes, if a dog bit you while on the job—such as delivering packages, working as a mail carrier, or providing home services—you may be eligible for workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim. Workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and lost wages, while a personal injury claim against the dog owner may provide additional compensation for pain and suffering.
2. What if the dog bite occurred on the dog owner’s property?
You can still pursue a claim even if you were on the dog owner’s property when the attack happened. Maryland’s strict liability laws hold owners accountable regardless of where the attack occurred. However, the dog owner may argue that you were trespassing, which could complicate the case. If you were legally on the property—such as visiting a friend or performing work—you likely have a strong case.
3. Does Maryland have a “one-bite” rule?
No. Unlike some states allowing dog owners one free pass before liability applies, Maryland follows a strict liability standard, meaning that dog owners can be held responsible even if their pet has never bitten anyone. This makes it easier for victims to recover compensation.
4. Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for the attack?
Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule, which means that if the court finds you even 1% responsible for the attack—such as provoking the dog or ignoring warnings—you may be barred from recovering compensation. It is essential to have an experienced dog attack injury attorney in Baltimore who can counter arguments suggesting you were at fault.
5. What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
Even if the dog owner does not have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation. We can explore options such as filing a claim directly against the owner or seeking alternative sources of compensation.
6. Can I file a claim if a dog bites my child?
Yes, and in many cases, claims involving children result in higher compensation due to the long-term physical and emotional effects of the attack. Maryland law recognizes that young victims may need ongoing medical care and psychological treatment.
7. How long does it take to settle a dog bite case?
The timeline for resolving a dog bite claim varies, but many cases settle within a few months to a year. If the case goes to trial, it could take longer. We will work diligently to resolve your case quickly while ensuring you receive fair compensation.
If you have additional questions, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to help.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
Dog bite injuries can have lasting consequences, and victims should not have to bear the financial burden alone. At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we are committed to fighting for the rights of dog attack victims in Baltimore. If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery.
Call us now to schedule your consultation with a trusted Baltimore dog bite accident lawyer. We do not charge any upfront fees, and you do not pay unless we win your case. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
