Dog Bites

A dog bite can be a traumatic experience, leaving victims with both physical injuries and emotional scars. Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets and preventing them from harming others. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. At Baltimore Accident Law, we specialize in representing victims of dog bites in Baltimore, ensuring they receive the compensation they need to recover.

Maryland Dog Bite Laws

In Maryland, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, meaning they can be held responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression. However, proving liability in dog bite cases can be complex. Owners may argue that the victim provoked the dog or trespassed on their property.

At Baltimore Accident Law, we have the legal expertise needed to navigate Maryland’s dog bite laws. We will gather evidence, such as medical records, eyewitness statements, and any history of aggressive behavior by the dog, to build a strong case and hold the owner accountable.

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

• Puncture wounds: Dog bites often result in deep puncture wounds that can become infected if not treated properly.
• Lacerations: Bites can tear the skin, resulting in lacerations that may require stitches or surgery.
• Nerve damage: A dog bite can cause damage to nerves, leading to long-term pain, numbness, or loss of function in the affected area.
• Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to infections such as cellulitis, rabies, or tetanus.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Severe bites can leave permanent scars or disfigurement, especially if the bite occurs on the face.
• Emotional trauma: Victims of dog bites often suffer from anxiety, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the attack.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if the injuries seem minor. Infections can develop quickly, and early treatment can prevent complications.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

At Baltimore Accident Law, we fight to ensure dog bite victims receive full compensation for their injuries. This can include:

• Medical expenses: We seek compensation for all medical costs related to the bite, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and any necessary plastic surgery to repair scarring.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we pursue compensation for your lost income, both current and future.
• Pain and suffering: Dog bites can cause significant physical and emotional pain. We ensure you’re compensated for the trauma you’ve experienced.
• Scarring and disfigurement: If the bite has left you with permanent scars or disfigurement, we’ll fight for compensation that reflects the impact on your appearance and quality of life.
• Property damage: If the dog damaged your clothing or personal belongings during the attack, we’ll seek compensation for those losses as well.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Baltimore

Dog bite cases can be legally complex, especially if the owner disputes liability or claims that you provoked the attack. Having an experienced dog bite lawyer on your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Baltimore Accident Law, we handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.

Common Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle

• Attacks by known dogs: Many dog bite victims are bitten by dogs they know, such as a neighbor’s pet. We handle cases where the owner failed to properly control their dog, resulting in an attack.
• Attacks on children: Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites, often suffering more severe injuries due to their smaller size. We fight to ensure children and their families receive compensation for their injuries and trauma.
• Unprovoked attacks: We handle cases where dogs have attacked without provocation, holding the owners accountable for their negligence

How We Help After a Dog Bite

At Baltimore Accident Law, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process:

1. Free consultation: We’ll meet with you to discuss the details of the dog bite and explain your legal options.
2. Thorough investigation: We gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and any history of aggression by the dog, to build a strong case.
3. Filing a claim: We handle all aspects of filing your dog bite claim, ensuring that all paperwork is submitted correctly and on time.
4. Negotiating with insurance companies: We negotiate aggressively with the dog owner’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement that covers all of your damages.
5. Representation in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.

Contact Baltimore Accident Law Today

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At Baltimore Accident Law, we’re here to help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.