Baltimore Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog attacks can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, leaving victims with lasting scars, medical bills, and a sense of fear long after the incident. Maryland law provides clear protections for people injured by dangerous animals, and the Baltimore dog bite lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP are prepared to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Whether the attack occurred in a public space or on private property, our attorneys have the experience and determination to hold negligent dog owners accountable.
Understanding Maryland Dog Bite Law
In Maryland, dog owners are generally held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets if the dog was “at large” or not properly restrained at the time of the attack. This means that a victim does not need to prove the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies to recover compensation. However, there are situations where negligence must still be established, such as when the owner claims the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing.
These cases often involve detailed evidence, including veterinary records, witness statements, and prior complaints about the animal’s behavior. An experienced attorney can investigate the attack and build a compelling case to demonstrate the owner’s responsibility under Maryland law.
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks
Dog bites and animal attacks can lead to a wide range of physical and psychological injuries. Victims often require emergency care, surgery, or long-term treatment. Common injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken bones or crush injuries caused by large dogs
- Infections such as rabies or tetanus
- Nerve damage and permanent scarring
- Facial disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery
- Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, often resulting in significant financial and emotional burdens. Our firm works closely with medical experts to document the full extent of your damages, including pain and suffering and the cost of future care.
Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases
Establishing liability in a dog bite case involves demonstrating that the dog’s owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- The dog’s owner or handler
- Property owners or landlords who allowed a dangerous animal on their premises
- Pet sitters or caretakers responsible for controlling the animal
- Business owners if the attack occurred on commercial property
Maryland’s strict liability statute gives victims a strong foundation for recovery, but insurance companies often attempt to shift blame by arguing that the victim provoked the dog or ignored posted warnings. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics with solid evidence and expert testimony.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites may be entitled to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Compensation may include:
• Medical bills, hospital stays, and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages in fatal attacks
Our team will evaluate every aspect of your case to ensure your recovery reflects the true impact of your injuries and ongoing hardships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases
What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Seek medical attention right away, even if the wound seems minor. Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement and gather contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses. Take photos of your injuries and the location of the attack, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurance representatives.
Can a dog owner be held responsible if the animal never attacked before?
Yes. Under Maryland’s strict liability law, dog owners can be held responsible for attacks even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. The law focuses on whether the dog was properly restrained and under control at the time of the incident.
What if the attack happened on the owner’s property?
Victims who were lawfully on the property—such as guests, delivery personnel, or service workers—can still pursue compensation. Only trespassers are typically excluded from recovering damages under Maryland’s dog bite laws.
Contact Our Baltimore Dog Bite Lawyers Today
The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP have decades of experience handling serious injury claims throughout Baltimore and surrounding counties. We understand the lasting physical and emotional effects of dog attacks and are committed to securing justice for our clients.
Call 410-779-6160 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
