Can You Recover Damages For a Dog Bite in Maryland?

If you are attacked and bitten by a dog in Maryland, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. Dog bites can cause extremely serious injuries. Maryland has clear guidelines about who is liable for dog-related injuries. If you have been injured by a dog, reach out to a devoted St. Mary’s County Dog Bite Lawyer who can help you get fair compensation for your injuries.

What is the Strict Liability Rule in Maryland’s Dog Bite Law?

Several states follow the “one-bite” rule. In a “one-bite” rule, if the owner used reasonable care, they may not be held liable, unless they knew the dog would behave in an aggressive manner. For instance, if the dog has exhibited aggressive behavior before or even bit someone, the owner will be held liable for any injuries sustained. Maryland is not a one-bite state. It is a strict liability state. Maryland allows victims to either make a claim under their strict liability statute or under negligence. If someone decides to make a negligence claim, the victim will have to prove that the owner had a responsibility to use reasonable care, but failed to do so. The victim must also prove that the dog owner failed to properly restrain their dog which ultimately led to the victim’s injuries.

In Maryland, the strict liability rule states that dog owners are responsible for any damages caused by their dogs. A dog owner is strictly liable for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog, when the dog is not on their property. The owner is held responsible for their dog’s behavior even if they took reasonable care to prevent the dog from causing harm. Owners may not be liable if a victim was trespassing or attempting to trespass on the owner’s property. The owner is not liable if they intended to commit a crime. An owner is not liable if the victim was responsible for provoking, abusing, teasing, or tormenting the dog which caused their injuries.

What is the Statute of Limitations For a Dog Bite Claim in Maryland?

In Maryland, if you experience a dog-inflicted injury, you have up to 3 years from the date the injury occurred to make a claim. If you fail to file an injury lawsuit in Maryland within this period, you will be barred from ever filing one. The sooner you file a claim, the sooner an attorney can help you investigate the circumstances that led to your injuries. It is imperative to act quickly. If you or a loved one has been injured from a dog-related incident, reach out to an experienced Leonardtown Personal Injury Lawyer who can help you make a claim.