Prince George’s County Dog Bite Lawyers

Dogs are among the most beloved animals, and it’s no secret that people rely on their dogs for companionship, comfort, and a general sense of joy and fulfillment in everyday life. However, the unfortunate reality is that dogs, like people, can be unpredictable at times, and when a dog attacks or bites someone, that individual may be left seriously injured, frightened, and unsure of what steps to take next. Our experienced Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers stand ready to help you with your dog bite case. Contact Miller Berman for a free initial consultation today.

How Maryland Dog Bite Law Works

Many people believe that dog bite laws are simple, but in reality, Maryland has a combination of strict liability rules and common law negligence principles that work together in these cases. Maryland uses a statutory strict liability rule when a dog is running at large, which generally means the dog was loose or not under proper physical control at the time of the attack. When this happens, the owner is often held directly responsible for the harm caused by the dog, even if the owner claims they did not know the dog could be dangerous.

Now, you may have heard something referred to as the so-called one bite rule, and many people assume this means a dog is essentially given one free bite before the owner is held accountable. However, this is a misconception, and the truth is that Maryland law does not excuse owners simply because their dog never bit anyone before. If the dog was running at large or if the owner knew or should have reasonably known that the dog had dangerous tendencies, liability may apply.

That said, there are certain defenses that dog owners may use. For example, if the person bitten was trespassing or provoking the dog, such as teasing, tormenting, or otherwise abusing the animal, this may affect liability.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Unfortunately, dog attacks can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may require long-term treatment or even surgical intervention. Some of the most common injuries we see include the following:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations that can tear through skin and muscle and may require stitches or even plastic surgery in more severe cases.
• Nerve or tendon damage, which is especially common when bites occur to the hands, arms, or legs, possibly resulting in long-lasting mobility issues, chronic pain, or reduced functionality.
• Bone fractures and crush injuries, often happening when a dog knocks a person down, leading to broken bones, sprains, or significant bruising.
• Serious infections, since dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body and may develop into severe complications if not promptly treated by a medical professional.
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly when bites occur to the face or other visible areas that can leave lasting physical reminders of the incident.

What to Do After a Dog Attack

Though dog attacks are frightening and often leave victims startled, there are several important steps you should take immediately after the incident to protect both your health and your legal rights. If possible, you should do the following:

1. Seek medical attention right away so your injuries are properly treated and documented.
2. Report the incident to animal control or law enforcement, which creates an official record and helps ensure public safety.
3. Collect information from the dog owner, including their name, address, and any insurance information they may have.
4. Take pictures of your injuries, the dog (if possible), and the location of the attack.
5. Speak with any witnesses and ask for their names and contact information.
6. Write down everything you remember about the attack, including the date, time, and circumstances surrounding it.
7. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers who can help you file your dog bite injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Compensation Available in Maryland Dog Bite Claims

When pursuing a dog bite claim, victims may be entitled to several types of compensation that are designed to help them recover physically, financially, and emotionally. These damages may include medical expenses, such as emergency treatment, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care that may be necessary.

Victims may also recover lost wages if they are unable to work while recovering, as well as compensation for reduced earning capacity if their injuries interfere with long-term employment. Pain and suffering damages are also available, which account for the physical pain, emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and any permanent scarring or disfigurement that may result from the attack.

Depending on the circumstances, victims may also pursue compensation for emotional trauma, and in many cases, children who sustain dog bite injuries may require counseling or therapy to address the psychological impact of the attack.

Contact Our PG County, Maryland Dog Bite Lawyers Today

At the end of the day, if you’ve been injured by a dog, you should not wait to explore your legal options. Our team of dog bite lawyers at Miller Berman is here to guide you every step of the way, answer your questions, and help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. If you’re ready to take the next step, simply contact us for a free consultation today.