Dogs are one of the most common pets for families to have. Most people consider dogs a part of their family, but they must not forget that dogs are still animals and not humans. Dogs can be extremely friendly, while others can act aggressively. Dogs can cause serious injuries. In Maryland, if you are attacked and bitten by a vicious dog, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite injury, contact a dedicated Prince George’s County Dog Bite Lawyer who can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Does Maryland Apply the Strict Liability Statute for Dog Bite Injury Claims?
In Maryland, the strict liability rule states that dog owners are liable for any injuries caused by their dogs. A dog owner is strictly liable for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by their dog when the dog is not on their property. Dog owners are held accountable for their dogs’ vicious behavior even if they took reasonable precautions to prevent the dog from causing harm. However, Maryland does allow certain exceptions to the owner’s liability. If the plaintiff was responsible for provoking, abusing, teasing, or tormenting the dog into attacking them, the owner is not liable for damages. If the plaintiff was trespassing or attempting to commit a crime, the owner will not be held responsible for any injuries sustained.
Maryland also allows victims to file a claim under negligence. Maryland adheres to the contributory negligence rule for dog bite claims. A dog owner can use a contributory negligence defense to argue that the plaintiff was either partially or fully responsible for their injuries. If a dog owner can prove that the victim was negligent by any means for their injuries, the victim will not be able to recover any damages.
Can I Recover Damages For an Injury Caused by a Dog?
Maryland laws and regulations cover injuries inflicted by a dog bite and injuries caused by other types of vicious dog behavior. You can recover damages for any dog-related injuries. If you are walking past a dog in a park and it knocks you down, causing you to break your arm, the dog owner could be held liable for your injuries. Under the statute of limitations in Maryland, you have three years from the date the injury occurred to file a claim. If you fail to do so, you will forever be barred from filing one. If you have sustained an injury from a dog-related incident, don’t hesitate to consult with an experienced Prince George’s County Personal Injury Attorney who can help you file a claim.
Contact Our Maryland Firm
If you suffered an injury or loss because of another person’s negligence, contact McCarthy, Winkelman, Mester & Offutt, L.L.P. today.
