Most of us love dogs, but it can be hard to feel that way if you have recently been attacked by an aggressive dog. If this has happened to you, you may be able to hold the dog owner liable for your damages. If you were recently attacked by a dog, please don’t hesitate to contact a seasoned Prince George’s County Dog Bite Lawyer who can help you fight for the just compensation you deserve.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Maryland?
If you are a victim of a dog bite, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights, as you may be entitled to significant compensation for the damages you have incurred. Various laws determine liability for dog attacks. In Maryland, dog owners are held strictly liable for their canine’s actions. This means they are automatically responsible for injuries and property damages caused by their dogs when their canines are at large, or they knew or should have known that their dogs had vicious or dangerous propensities.
However, there are exceptions to this law. Dog owners may not be found liable for injuries caused by their dogs when the injured party was trespassing, committing a criminal offense, teasing, tormenting, abusing, or provoking the dog. Essentially, if you provoked the dog in any way, you may be barred from recovering compensation for your damages under Maryland’s contributory negligence doctrine.
What Damages Can Victims Seek?
As mentioned above, Maryland is a contributory negligence state. This means if a victim of a dog bite was partially at fault for the cause of their injuries, they would face the absolute bar of recovery. Therefore, holding a dog owner liable can be complex. It’s important to understand that you must fulfill the burden of proof to obtain compensation for the damages you have endured.
To satisfy the burden of proof, you must prove that the owner’s negligence was the direct cause of your injuries and damages. Generally, you can seek compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent tangible losses that can be easily documented and calculated. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket losses. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, represent subjective and difficult to quantify. This may include pain and suffering, mental anguish, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), loss of enjoyment of life, and other emotional losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Maryland?
In Maryland, you typically have three years from the date of a dog bite to file a claim against the dog owner. If you fail to file your claim within the legally prescribed time frame, you will relinquish your right to recover compensation.
To ensure you file your claim within the right period, it’s in your best interest to contact a trusted Prince George’s County dog bite lawyer. At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we are prepared to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Contact our dedicated team today to discuss your case.
