Dog Bite Injuries In Baltimore: Your Rights To Compensation
National Dog Bite Prevention Week occurs each year in mid-April and sheds light on a common problem affecting Baltimore residents. While dogs are considered loyal friends and protectors, they can also prove dangerous.
Dog bites in Baltimore pose serious risks to children, older adults, and people of all ages. Our experienced Maryland dog bite lawyers help victims in these cases and see firsthand the devastating harm they can cause. Find out common types of dog bite injuries in Baltimore and how to hold reckless and negligent dog owners accountable.
Dog Bite Injuries in Baltimore
Dog bites and attacks in Baltimore occur without warning and are common in local neighborhoods and public parks, as well as in stores, restaurants, or other places dog owners frequent with their pets. Injuries vary widely in severity, but even a minor bite or scratch can lead to infections and other serious medical complications if not treated promptly. Among the most common types of injuries are:
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations that may require stitches or surgery.
- Nerve and soft tissue damage, causing long-term loss of sensation or mobility.
- Multiple fractures, particularly in children and older adults knocked down during an attack.
- Infections, including the risk of rabies or serious bacterial conditions such as cellulitis.
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress, especially in young victims who often experience lasting fear of dogs.
The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that nearly 4.5 million dog bites happen throughout the U.S. annually, and dogs of any size or breed can cause serious harm.
You Have the Right to Hold Negligent Dog Owners in Baltimore Accountable
When dog bites in Baltimore happen due to the dog owner’s negligence, you have the right to hold them accountable under the Maryland Statutes. Understanding how the law applies is an important first step in filing a claim. Here’s what you need to know:
- State, City, and County ordinances require dog owners to keep pets leashed in public spaces and under their restraint at all times, and to post warning signs if a potentially dangerous dog lives on the premises.
- Baltimore dog bite victims have the right to seek compensation, either through the dog owner’s property insurance or by taking the dog owner to court.
- Compensation in a claim includes medical care, counseling, lost income, permanent impairments, and pain and suffering.
Report dog bites in Baltimore immediately to animal control and get medical attention for your injuries. Doing so helps protect your health and your rights to compensation.
Contact Our Experienced Baltimore Dog Bite Lawyers
Baltimore dog bites and attacks can cause devastating injuries and psychological effects that impact victims long after. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we know how to build strong dog bite cases and hold negligent owners accountable.
To get the caring support and trusted legal representation you need throughout the claims process, contact our office and request a consultation with our Maryland dog bite lawyers today.
Sources:
avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention/community-approach-dog-bite-prevention-abstract
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=3-1901
codes.baltimorecity.gov/us/md/cities/baltimore/code/health/10-702
