Towson Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Dog bites and animal attacks are horrifying incidents that can result in serious injuries, causing intense physical pain, severe emotional trauma, and significant medical expenses. In Maryland, dog owners are typically held liable for the actions of their pets, but the laws are confusing, and building a case that proves liability and damages can be challenging and complex. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and Hardball Law can help. Our firm, led by the experienced and successful personal injury attorney Susan R. Green, is dedicated to helping dog bite victims in Towson and Baltimore County navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve. We’ll approach your situation with caring and compassion while fighting to get you the financial support you need. Contact our experienced Towson dog bite injury lawyer today.

Dangers of Serious Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause a range of injuries, from minor scratches to severe wounds. Some of the more serious injuries resulting from dog bites include:

• Puncture Wounds: Deep bites can cause puncture wounds. These wounds are painful and require serious medical attention to treat properly, including dealing with the possibility of nerve damage or difficult-to-treat infections which can be life-threatening.
• Lacerations: Severe bites can result in lacerations, requiring stitches or even surgery. Facial lacerations are not uncommon, especially among child victims.
• Broken Bones: A dog’s powerful jaws can crack or crush bones, requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation to repair and raising the risk of a life-threatening blood or bone infection.
• Nerve Damage: Bites can cause nerve damage, leading to long-term pain or loss of function in the affected area.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites can leave permanent scars and disfigurement, impacting a victim’s appearance and self-esteem.
• Emotional Trauma: Dog attacks can create lasting psychological impacts and conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Maryland Dog Bite Laws

In Maryland, dog bite cases can rely on several different legal theories including negligence and strict liability. For instance, if the attack happened while the dog was at large, the owner is strictly liable unless they can prove that they did not know (and had no reason to know) that the dog was dangerous. Letting a dog roam freely might also be considered negligent behavior that imposes liability on the owner. However, certain defenses may be available to the dog owner, such as proving that the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog at the time of the attack. Because of Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law, any fault on the part of the dog bite victim will prevent them from recovering any compensation from the owner, even if the owner negligently let a dangerous animal roam free at large. It’s essential to get legal help from a zealous personal injury attorney who can build a strong case that proves the owner’s liability while protecting you from allegations that your own actions played a role in the attack.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it is important to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Immediate medical care is crucial to treat injuries and prevent infections.
2. Report the Incident: Notify local animal control authorities about the dog bite to document the incident and prevent future attacks.
3. Collect Evidence: Gather evidence such as photographs of the injuries, witness statements, and information about the dog and its owner.
4. Contact an Attorney: Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and pursue a claim for compensation.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Victims of dog bites in Maryland may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including coverage for medical bills, hospitalization, surgeries, and ongoing treatment; compensation for lost income if the injury prevents you from working; damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life; and coverage for physical therapy and other rehabilitation services. Insurance companies, when they accept liability and don’t try to blame the victim for trespassing or provocation, typically only offer to settle the claim for past medical expenses, but the damage of a serious dog bite injury is much more than that, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you get the amount of compensation that reflects the true value of your claim.

At Hardball Law, we understand the physical and emotional toll that a dog bite injury can take on victims and their families. Our dedicated Towson dog bite attorney Susan R. Green has extensive experience handling injury cases in Towson and Baltimore County and is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather crucial evidence, and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Towson, Baltimore, or throughout Maryland, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Hardball Law to schedule a free consultation with an experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney who is committed to your physical and financial recovery. We are here to provide compassionate support and aggressive representation to help you recover and move forward with your life.