Dog Bite Injuries in Maryland: When the Dog Owner Is Responsible

Dog bites are a common cause of potentially debilitating personal injuries in Maryland. As dog owners make the most of the summer months, taking their pups with them to public parks, family get-togethers, and to pet-friendly stores and restaurants throughout the area, the risks of a bite or attack tend to increase.

What often starts as a casual encounter can quickly turn into a traumatic and painful experience. Our Maryland dog bite attorneys represent victims in these cases and explains common types of dog bite injuries and your rights in holding those at fault accountable.

Dog Bites in Maryland Increase During Summer Months

Statistics from the Maryland Department of Health show that nearly 8,000 dog bites are reported annually throughout the state. Unfortunately, as warm weather brings more people outside, the summer months are the most common time of year for bites and attacks.

Dog bite injuries often occur at public parks, in local neighborhoods, and in stores or restaurants that permit customers to bring in their pets. Children are especially at risk, but they can happen to anyone. Common types of dog bite injuries in Maryland include:

• Puncture wounds and torn skin;
• Nerve damage or muscle injury;
• Infections, including rabies and cellulitis;
• Loss of limbs;
• Facial injuries.

Maryland dog bite injuries can cause scarring, disfigurement, and emotional trauma, often for years after an attack. When there is negligence on the part of the dog owner, you have the right to hold them liable in a claim.

We Hold Negligent Owners Liable For Dog Bite Injuries In Maryland

Under Section 3-1901 of the Maryland Code, a dog owner is presumed liable if they failed to take certain precautions, which include:

• Keeping the dog on a leash when out in public, as per local leash laws;
• Not posting warning signs on the property, warning visitors of a potentially aggressive pup;
• Ignoring previous incidents or complaints about the dog’s behavior;
• Leaving the dog unsupervised around guests, including children;
• Failing to maintain a secure fence or enclosure around the property.

When dog bites happen due to the negligence of the dog owner, they can be held liable either through their property insurance or by taking them to court.

Request A Consultation With Our Experienced Maryland Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog bites cause devastating injuries and tend to be more common in the summer months. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we hold negligent dog owners liable, helping you get the compensation you need to cover your medical care, pain and suffering, and other losses. To request a consultation with our Maryland dog bite attorneys, give us a call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/CZVBD/Shared%20Documents/Animal%20Bite%20and%20Non-Bite%20Exposures%20in%20Maryland%202022.pdf

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gcj&section=3-1901