We understand that there are few incidents more traumatic and potentially devastating than dog attacks, and if you’ve been wrongfully injured in one, you should strongly consider speaking with a knowledgeable Prince George’s County dog bite lawyer right here at McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P.,, who can fight, tooth-and-nail, for the financial compensation you deserve and need to heal. Contact us today to learn more about dog attacks and how our legal team can assist you.
Prince George’s County Dog Bite Lawyer | Serving Clients in MD, VA, & Washington D.C.
We know that a dog attack can derail someone’s life. We’ve seen it happen, and we are ready to use all of our resources to attain the best possible outcome on your behalf. You can depend on a Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer at our firm to fight for the outcome you deserve.
Common Dog Attack Injuries
Dog attacks are known to cause some extremely serious injuries. Oftentimes, these injuries entail costly medical treatment that people cannot afford on their own, which is why they seek financial compensation via personal injury claims. Some of the most common dog attack injuries that our firm sees are as follows:
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Infections
- Concussions
- Lacerations
- Loss of limb
Who is Responsible for a Dog Attack in Maryland?
Every state has its own laws regarding dog attack liability. That being said, in Maryland, in most cases, when an unprovoked dog attacks someone, the dog owner is considered the liable party. If you can prove that the dog was either on a leash while on public property, or that the dog attacked you when you were lawfully on the owner’s property and that the dog owner was negligent, you should receive compensation. In fact, under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 3-1901, once a dog causes personal injury, the law presumes the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous propensities, and the burden shifts to the owner to prove otherwise, so you do not need to prove the dog had a prior history of violence. You should also note that if you were attacked by a dog in a public place because the dog owner failed to keep control of his or her dog (eg., the dog was unleashed in public), you should also qualify for financial compensation.
That being said, not every time someone is attacked by a dog is grounds for a personal injury claim. For example, if the dog owner can prove that you provoked the attack either by trespassing on his or her property or by antagonizing the dog in some way, you may not be entitled to financial compensation. Our legal team is prepared to assess your case and determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim.
When a Dog Is Running “at Large” in Maryland
Maryland law is especially protective when a dog causes injury while running at large, meaning loose, unrestrained, or not under the owner’s control. Under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 3-1901(c), the owner of a dog that is at large is strictly liable for any resulting injury, death, or property damage, and there is no presumption for the owner to rebut. The only exceptions are narrow: the owner is not liable if, at the time, the injured person was trespassing or attempting to commit a crime on the owner’s property, committing a crime against another person, or teasing, tormenting, or provoking the dog. If you were lawfully in a public place when a loose dog attacked you, this provision may give you a direct path to compensation.
Contact a Prince George’s County Dog Bite Lawyer
No one should ever have to deal with a serious injury incurred due to no fault of their own by themselves. Our firm is here to help you through every step of the claims process ahead. Contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. today to schedule your initial consultation with our experienced legal team.
