Imagine walking down your street in Baltimore, minding your business, when a dog suddenly lunges and bites you. It’s a frightening and painful experience—and unfortunately, it’s more common than you might think. At Holman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we’ve represented numerous victims in similar situations. The fact is, many people are not aware of the most dangerous breeds and victims rights after an incident.
Many of our clients are surprised to learn just how many legal questions arise from a dog attack: Who is responsible? What if it was a “dangerous breed”? Are you entitled to compensation?
As experienced Baltimore dog bite attorneys, we’re here to answer those questions and help you assert your legal rights. Whether you were attacked by a pit bull, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, or any other breed, Maryland law provides protections, and we’re ready to fight for you.
What Makes a Dog Breed “Dangerous”?
There’s no official list of “dangerous” dog breeds under Maryland law, but certain breeds are statistically more likely to be involved in serious or fatal attacks. According to a nonprofit organization, from 2005 to 2019, pit bulls accounted for 66% of fatal dog attacks in the U.S., while Rottweilers caused 10%.
Other breeds frequently associated with severe injuries include:
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Presa Canarios
- Bullmastiffs
- Cane Corsos
- Akitas
- Alaskan Malamutes
That said, it’s important to understand that any dog can become aggressive, depending on its training, environment, or provocation. Maryland courts do not automatically assume liability solely based on a breed.
Maryland’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites
Under Maryland Code § 3–1901, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for injuries caused when the dog is “running at large”—meaning not properly secured or restrained—regardless of whether the dog was previously known to be vicious.
What does this mean? It means that victims do not have to prove that the dog had a history of aggression to seek damages. This strict liability rule simplifies the legal process for victims and places a clear duty on dog owners to keep their pets under control.
Exceptions to Liability
There are some important legal exceptions where a dog owner might not be held responsible:
- If the person bitten was trespassing at the time of the attack (all covered under Maryland’s premises liability law)
- If the person was committing a criminal offense
- If the dog was provoked or abused immediately before the bite
Still, even in these circumstances, the facts matter. As dog bite accident lawyers, we carefully investigate every aspect of an attack to build a strong case for our clients.
What Is a “Dangerous Dog” in Maryland?
Maryland law provides a legal definition for “dangerous” and “potentially dangerous” dogs under Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 10-619. A dangerous dog is one that:
- Has killed or severely injured a person without provocation
- Was previously classified as “potentially dangerous” and subsequently attacked or injured again
If a dog is declared dangerous, the owner must comply with strict containment and control rules, including:
- Keeping the dog in a secure, locked enclosure
- Muzzling and leashing the dog when in public
- Notifying animal control if the dog is sold, relocated, or involved in another attack
Failure to comply can result in criminal charges and fines of up to $2,500.
Local Restrictions on Dog Breeds
Maryland does not have a statewide ban on any specific breed, but local jurisdictions do. For example, Prince George’s County has long-standing legislation that bans the ownership of pit bulls. While Baltimore City does not prohibit specific breeds, it does enforce leash laws, licensing requirements, and public safety ordinances.
If a dog bite occurs in a jurisdiction with breed-specific laws, these local rules may impact the outcome of a legal case.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Baltimore
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Maryland, take these steps immediately to protect your health and legal rights:
1. Get Medical Help
Even a small puncture wound can become infected. Infections like cellulitis and even rabies are real risks. Call 911 or visit an urgent care center or ER if the bite breaks the skin.
2. Report the Incident
Notify Baltimore Animal Control or local law enforcement. Officials will need to determine whether the dog is vaccinated, has a history of attacking, or poses a continuing danger.
3. Document the Scene
Take photos of the injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog if possible. Keep copies of medical records, incident reports, and all correspondence.
4. Get Contact Information
If the dog’s owner is present, request their name, phone number, and homeowner’s insurance info. Ask witnesses for statements and contact information as well.
5. Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Baltimore
Time is of the essence. A knowledgeable Maryland dog bite lawyer can assess your case, gather evidence, and help you take legal action before deadlines expire.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
At Holman & Dickriede, we strive to secure full and fair compensation for our clients following a dog attack. Depending on the case, this may include:
- Emergency room bills and follow-up care
- Lost wages or diminished earning ability
- Reconstructive surgery or scar treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Property damage (e.g., torn clothing, broken glasses)
If the dog had a known history of aggression and the owner failed to take precautions, punitive damages may also be awarded.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving dog bites, is three years from the date of the injury. Waiting too long can result in your claim being dismissed, no matter how strong the evidence may be.
As accident attorneys in Baltimore, MD, we encourage victims to reach out as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence and secure witness statements while they’re still fresh.
Why Dog Bites Are Especially Serious
Dog bites can be more dangerous than they first appear. In many cases, victims face long-term physical and emotional consequences:
- Scarring and disfigurement: Especially common in children bitten in the face
- Infection risks: MRSA, rabies, and tetanus are real threats
- Nerve damage: A bite can damage tendons, nerves, or bones
- Emotional distress: Many victims suffer anxiety, depression, and a fear of dogs
Children are especially vulnerable. According to the CDC, children aged 5–9 are most likely to experience dog bites that require medical treatment.
How Our Firm Helps Dog Bite Victims
At Holman & Dickriede, we understand that a dog attack can upend your life in an instant. We take a personalized approach to every case, starting with a free consultation. Once we accept your case, we:
- Conduct a full investigation into the incident
- Collect medical evidence and expert evaluations
- Identify all possible insurance coverage
- Negotiate directly with insurers on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary
As Baltimore dog bite lawyers, we are not intimidated by complex cases involving disputed liability or aggressive insurance companies. We fight for justice because we believe every victim deserves to feel safe and supported.
Can You Sue the Dog Owner?
Yes, in most cases, you can sue the dog owner directly or file a claim against their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. Depending on the facts, third parties—such as a landlord or property manager—may also be liable if they knew about the dog’s dangerous behavior and failed to act.
If the dog was being walked by a dog-sitter or under someone else’s care at the time of the attack, that person may share liability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Maryland
Do I need to prove the dog had bitten someone before?
No. Maryland follows a “strict liability” rule for dogs running at large. If the dog was not properly contained or leashed and it bit you, the owner can be held liable, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
What if the dog was on a leash?
Liability may still apply. Even if the dog was leashed, if the owner failed to maintain control or the dog was known to be dangerous, they can still be held responsible. Every case is fact-specific, so it’s important to speak with a dog bite accident lawyer to evaluate your situation.
Can I file a claim if the bite happened on private property?
Yes, especially if you were lawfully on the property (as a guest, delivery driver, etc.). However, trespassing or provoking the dog can limit your ability to recover damages.
What if the dog belongs to a friend or family member?
This is more common than you might think. While it may feel uncomfortable, most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Filing a claim does not necessarily mean suing the person directly.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
That depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, emotional trauma, and any permanent disfigurement. A Baltimore dog bite attorney from our team can provide a more precise estimate during your consultation.
How long do I have to take legal action?
You have three years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit in Maryland. Don’t wait—contact us as soon as possible so we can begin building your case.
Learn More About Dangerous Breeds and Victims Rights
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, don’t assume you just have to deal with it. Our Maryland dog bite lawyers are here to help you make sense of your legal options and pursue full compensation for your injuries. We’ll handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
