A dog owner never wants to think the worst of their beloved companion. Unfortunately, even with proper training and a history of good behavior, dogs are still dogs and can be unpredictable.
Recently, an incident occurred in a Hartford County Park where a girl and her family approached a dog owner who had their pet on a leash. They asked if they could pet the dog. The owner consented, but the dog bit the little girl, resulting in a severe injury that required several stitches.
Days later, the dog owner came forward to accept responsibility. This is a prime example of dogs’ unpredictable nature. It is also a situation where you might want to get a Lanham dog bite lawyer involved early on. GDH Law has helped many victims of dog bites get what they are due.
AKC recognizes 200 breeds. Each breed has its own characteristics, and every breed has the propensity to bite. Based on the collected statistics of reported attacks, the following dog breeds cause the most bites:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Chihuahuas
- Bully Breeds, including American Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, English bulldogs, Boxers, Cane Corso, and Mastiffs
- Terriers
- Dalmatians
- Cocker Spaniels
- Tosa Inu
- Dobermans
Maryland Dog Owners’ Legal Responsibility
Maryland lawmakers have enacted several laws to protect the public from dog bites. The laws also ensure that a dog owner is accountable. Here’s how the legal responsibilities break down:
Strict Liability
Under Maryland’s strict liability rule, dog owners are liable for any injuries caused by their dogs.
It doesn’t matter if the dog has a history of prior aggressive behavior. Some states apply the “one-bite” rule. That means the first time a dog bites someone, it is considered unpredictable. In Maryland, the first bite can lead to legal liability.
Leash and Restraint Laws
Dogs need to be on a leash or restrained whenever they are outside of the owner’s property.
That includes walking in your neighborhood on the same block as your home. A dog must also be kept secure inside the property. That means having a reliable fence or other enclosure whenever the dog is outside the house.
Trespassing Exception
Many dog owners use their pets as a form of security. Whether the dog is officially trained as a security canine or just barks when a stranger comes onto the property, it can be a deterrent. If someone is trespassing on the property, the strict liability rule would not apply if the dog bit them.
Homeowner’s Insurance
There is no mandate for a dog owner to carry liability insurance. However, many homeowners’ insurance policies provide coverage to protect dog owners. Unfortunately, many insurance carriers exclude certain breeds of dogs, including the types listed above.
Without insurance in place, the dog owner can be held responsible for reimbursing the victim.
Pursuing a Dog Bite Claim
If a dog has bitten you, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. That includes all the medical expenses related to the injury. It can also include compensation for any emotional trauma you’ve endured as a result of the attack.
As mentioned, if there is no liability insurance in place, you might have to file a civil complaint and take the dog owner to court.
In that scenario, you’ll benefit from talking with the attorneys at GBH Law. We have supported many clients who have been the unfortunate target of a dog bite attack. We understand how traumatic these events can be and how they can negatively impact a person’s relationship with dogs. If a dog has bitten you or someone in your family, we want to answer your questions about what to do next.
Call to schedule a free consultation today.
