Dog Bites

Dog Bite Injury Claims in Maryland

A dog or other animal attack is traumatic, especially when it involves children. Scars and other serious physical injuries as well as severe emotional distress are common results of dog bites.

If you or your child has been injured in a dog or other animal attack, we can help you. At the law offices of Joel L. Katz, L.L.C., we serve clients throughout Maryland, including Chestertown, the Eastern Shore and our hometown of Annapolis. Dog bite attorneys from our firm have more than 125 years of combined experience. We understand the challenges that families face after a dog attack, including the complex, changing legal landscape of dog bite laws. We have the experience and knowledge to help you.

The Basics of Dog Bite Law in Maryland

Dog bite laws can be complicated and they vary significantly between states. In general, Maryland applies strict liability against dog owners whose dogs attack victims. However, if the dog was not loose, the owner can avoid this strict liability by proving that he or she neither knew nor should have known that the dog had vicious or dangerous propensities.

Certain dogs and other animals have been deemed by law to be inherently dangerous, meaning that any owner of one of these animals is expected to know of the dangers involved, and thus strict liability applies.

When a person is attacked on a dog owner’s property by a dog that the owner did not know (and did not have reason to know) was dangerous, strict liability applies. However, Maryland applies contributory negligence, which prohibits recovery if a victim contributed in any way to the attack.

Dog bite law is complex, with numerous rules and exceptions based on various circumstances and details. Do not try to handle your case alone or work with an inexperienced lawyer. Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of this area of law, and we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Contact Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Talk with an attorney from our firm to determine whether you have a case. Contact us online or call (410) 841-5333 ((800) 966-5333 toll free) to schedule your free initial consultation.