Personal Injury:
Dog Bite
Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in Hagerstown, MD: Protecting Your Rights After an Attack
Dog attacks are often the result of a pet owner’s negligence rather than mere chance. In Maryland, dog owners are legally required to take necessary steps to prevent their dogs from causing harm or injury to others. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Maryland, it’s crucial to seek legal guidance from an experienced Hagerstown dog bite lawyer. At Sarro Proctor Law we have over 30 years of experience representing victims of dog bites and other injuries in Hagerstown MD and surrounding areas. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Maryland
- Call the Police
Reporting the incident to the police can help create an official record of the attack. A police report can be a crucial piece of evidence when seeking compensation for your injuries. - Gather Contact Information
Collect the name, address, and phone number of the dog’s owner, as well as any witnesses who can support your claim. It’s also essential to ask if the dog is up-to-date on its rabies vaccination, as this information will impact your medical treatment. - Document the Incident
Take detailed photographs of your injuries, the location of the attack, and any damaged property. These photos will serve as strong evidence in building your case and demonstrating the extent of your injuries. - Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Dog bites can lead to severe injuries and infections, so it’s vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Proper medical documentation of your injuries will also be important in any legal proceedings. - Keep Detailed Records
Maintain a journal documenting your physical and emotional pain, medical treatments, and any other impacts the dog bite has had on your life. This information can be instrumental in proving your claim for pain and suffering in court. - Consult a Hagerstown Dog Bite Lawyer
Taking legal action quickly is essential. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Hagerstown can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Maryland
Dog bite injuries can vary in severity, ranging from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries our Hagerstown dog bite lawyers encounter include:
- Facial Injuries: Often seen in children, these can result in scarring and disfigurement.
- Lacerations and Bruises: Common in most dog bite incidents.
- Broken Bones: Sometimes caused by being knocked down by a large or aggressive dog.
- Amputations: Severe cases can involve the loss of extremities, such as fingers.
- Crush Injuries: Caused by a dog’s powerful bite force.
- Injuries Leading to Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, some dog attacks can be fatal.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, Sarro Proctor Law is here to help. We will evaluate your case for free and only charge fees if we successfully recover compensation for your injuries.
Maryland’s Strict Liability Dog Injury Law
In Maryland, dog owners are generally held responsible if their dog causes injury or damage. The law presumes liability if:
- The dog was at large, or
- The owner cannot prove they didn’t know or couldn’t have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
This law applies not only to dog bites but also to other injuries caused by dogs, such as being knocked down by an unleashed dog. However, dog owners may not be liable if the injured person was:
- Trespassing on the owner’s property,
- Committing a crime on the property, or
- Teasing, tormenting, or provoking the dog.
Negligent Dog Owners’ Liability in Maryland
In addition to strict liability, injured individuals in Maryland can file a negligence claim against the dog owner. To succeed in a negligence claim, you must show that:
- The dog owner had a duty to control their dog,
- The owner breached that duty, and
- The breach directly caused your injury.
Dog Bite Injury Statistics
Dog bites are a serious public health issue. According to the CDC:
- Approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur each year in the U.S.
- Nearly 800,000 of these bites require medical treatment.
- Children, especially those under 12, are at the highest risk of severe injury.
- The most common breeds involved in fatal attacks are pit bulls and rottweilers, though any dog can bite and cause injury.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Maryland
Victims of dog bites in Maryland may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for both immediate and future medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and lost earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for permanent physical damage.
- Death Benefits: Compensation for the family if a dog bite results in death.
Contact Our Hagerstown Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bite victims often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At Sarro Proctor Law we are committed to helping you navigate these challenges and pursue the compensation you deserve. Even if a dog has no history of aggression, you may still be entitled to compensation under Maryland law.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation!
OUR PROCESS
Initial meeting with potential clients to understand their legal needs and ensure no conflicts with current or former clients.
Gather evidence supporting the client's claims and formally exchange information with the opposing side.
Identify relevant laws and precedents; draft formal documents outlining the case's allegations and defenses.
Submit the formal legal documents, typically a complaint or petition, to the appropriate court to initiate the lawsuit.
SARRO PROCTOR LAW
CONTACT SARRO PROCTOR LAW
If you’re dealing with workers’ compensation, personal injury, or a car accident, Sarro Proctor Law is here to help. Our experienced team in Hagerstown, MD, is ready to fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the legal support you need.