Silver Spring Dog Bite Lawyer

Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to severe injuries from dog bites, including:

• Children: Due to their small size and lack of understanding about interacting safely with animals, children are often victims of bites to the face, neck, and hands.
• Elderly People: Older adults may have slower reaction times and weaker physical defenses, increasing their risk of serious injuries when attacked by a dog.
• Delivery and Utility Workers: People who frequently encounter unfamiliar dogs during their work are at a heightened risk of being injured in attacks.

Anyone can suffer a dog bite injury, and victims will need to understand what steps they can take to address the harm suffered in these incidents.

Dog bite injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. Common injuries include:

• Puncture Wounds: Deep wounds may be caused by the dog’s teeth.
• Lacerations: Serious cuts in the skin and underlying tissue may occur, leading to significant blood loss, damage to soft tissues, and permanent scars.
• Infections: Bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body, leading to infections such as rabies.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: When bites occur on visible areas like the face, wounds may leave prominent scars, which can affect a victim's emotional well-being.
• Nerve Damage: When puncture wounds or the tearing motion of a dog bite causes damage to nerves, a victim may experience long-term physical impairments, loss of mobility, or paralysis.
• Psychological Trauma: Victims may develop conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a fear of dogs.

Medical attention should be sought immediately after a dog bite to address potential injuries and prevent complications. At Whitlock Law, LLC, we can help assess the full extent of the damages a victim has suffered, ensuring that they will be properly compensated for the ways they have been affected.

Maryland follows a strict liability rule in situations where dogs bite or attack people without provocation. Under this principle, a dog owner is presumed to be liable for injuries caused by their dog, as long as the victim was lawfully on the property where the attack occurred and was not in the process of committing a crime.

Strict liability applies even if the dog owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. However, if the owner can prove that the victim trespassed or provoked the dog, they may be able to avoid liability.

Liability for dog bite injuries typically rests with the dog’s owner. In some cases, other parties may also be held responsible, including:

• Landlords: If a landlord knew of a dangerous dog on their property and failed to take action, they might share liability.
• Dog Sitters or Walkers: If someone other than the dog's owner was responsible for the dog at the time of the bite, they could be held accountable.
• Property Owners: In cases where a person allowed a dangerous dog onto their premises and failed to ensure the safety of visitors, they may be held liable through a premises liability claim.

Dog bite victims in Maryland may be compensated for financial losses and other damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: The costs of emergency care, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation may be addressed.
• Lost Wages: A person may be compensated for time missed from work when recovering from a dog bite injury.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the incident may be addressed in the compensation a person receives.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: A victim may receive compensation that addresses the impact that visible scars or long-term disfigurement have had on their life.

Our attorney can help evaluate the full extent of the damages suffered due to a dog bite or attack. We will work with you to help ensure that you will be fully compensated for all of the ways you have been affected.

After an animal attack, you can take the following steps to protect your health and your right to recover compensation:

• Seek Medical Attention: It is important to address injuries immediately and document the treatment you have received. You can visit an emergency room if necessary, or you may see a doctor to ensure that your injuries are assessed correctly.
• Report the Incident: You may need to notify local animal control or law enforcement about what happened to ensure that the proper steps are taken to address a dog that may be a danger to the community.
• Collect Information: Gather details about the dog and its owner, as well as the contact information of any witnesses.
• Photograph Injuries and the Scene: You can document the bite and the injuries that you have suffered, as well as any other contributing factors.
• Consult an Attorney: Our experienced lawyer can help you navigate Maryland’s dog bite laws and make sure you take the correct steps to receive full and fair compensation.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Maryland, including dog bite cases, is three years. After the date of the injury, you will have three years to file a claim and take steps to recover compensation. If you do not take the necessary legal action within the three-year time limit, you will most likely be unable to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. It is essential to contact our attorney as soon as possible after the incident to make sure evidence is preserved and take the necessary legal action to recover compensation.

In Maryland, there are no breed-specific liability laws that affect dog bite cases. Each case is assessed based on the individual dog’s behavior and the owner’s actions. An owner will typically be liable for injuries inflicted by their dog, regardless of the dog's breed or whether the dog had ever exhibited dangerous behavior.