What This Page Covers
- How a Maryland dog bite lawyer can help victims pursue compensation after an attack
- Maryland laws that determine when dog owners may be liable
- Common personal injuries caused by German Shepherd attacks
- Legal options available to victims and their families
Why This Matters
- German Shepherd attacks can cause catastrophic injuries
- Victims may face medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress
- Insurance companies often dispute liability or attempt to minimize claims
- Early legal guidance can help protect your ability to recover compensation
Key Actions You Can Take
- Seek medical care immediately
- Report the dog attack to local animal control
- Document injuries and identify the dog’s owner
- Contact a dog bite lawyer to understand your legal options
Dog Bite Cases Results
Our Zirkin & Schmerling Dog Bite Lawyers have recovered substantial compensation for victims injured in dog attacks throughout Maryland. Recent results include:
- $300,000 – Young babysitter attacked by a family’s dog in Southern Maryland
- $200,000 – Cyclist attacked by two dogs running loose
- $150,000 – Child attacked by a dog despite disputed liability
- $103,000 – Mail carrier bitten while delivering mail; initial $15,000 offer increased after litigation
These results reflect our firm’s experience handling complex claims and negotiating with insurance companies.
Hire a Trusted Maryland Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog attack can leave victims facing medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about what steps come next. Understanding your legal rights after a serious dog bite can be critical to protecting your financial recovery.
Zirkin & Schmerling Law Firm represents individuals and families across Maryland who have been injured in dog attacks. A German shepherd dog bite injury lawyer, Maryland, will work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify responsible parties, and pursue compensation for the damages you suffer.
Schedule a free consultation with Zirkin & Schmerling Law Firm today at (443) 993-5603. There is no fee unless your case is successfully resolved.
Why German Shepherd Attacks Often Cause Severe Injuries
German Shepherds were originally bred as herding and protection dogs and are widely used in police and security work because of their intelligence, strength, and protective instincts. While many are properly socialized family companions, they are among several dog breeds capable of causing serious harm during an attack. Like other powerful dogs, including pit bulls and certain mixed-breed animals, their size and guarding instincts can contribute to significant injuries during aggressive encounters.
Dog bite statistics show that attacks involving larger or more aggressive dogs are more likely to result in severe injuries than those involving smaller or less powerful breeds, such as a typical Labrador retriever.
As a result, victims of German Shepherd attacks may suffer deep bite wounds, nerve damage, fractures, and permanent scarring. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and, in some cases, long-term care.
Common Injuries in German Shepherd Dog Bite Cases
While other injuries may occur, dog bite victims often suffer the following:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Muscle and nerve damage
- Facial injuries, particularly in children
- Fractures from knockdown attacks
- Serious infections
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Due to the force involved in many attacks, German Shepherd bites can cause injuries similar to those seen with other strong breeds, including pit bulls. Such cases often require reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term medical care.
What To Do Immediately After a German Shepherd Bite in Maryland
Taking the right steps after an animal attack can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
If a dangerous animal bites you or a loved one, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even minor dog bites can cause infections, deep tissue damage, or nerve injuries. Medical records can also serve as important evidence in a claim.
- Identify the dog and its owner: Obtain the owner’s name, contact information, and any available vaccination records for the dog.
- Report the attack to local animal control authorities: An official report documents the incident and allows authorities to investigate whether the dog or other animal poses an ongoing risk.
- Take photos of injuries and the location of the incident: Photographs of bite wounds, torn clothing, and the scene can help document how the attack occurred.
- Preserve torn clothing or other evidence: Damaged clothing may help demonstrate the force of the bite and support a claim.
- Contact a Maryland dog bite attorney before speaking with insurance companies: A personal injury attorney can protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and help you schedule a free consultation.
Early documentation and legal guidance can play an important role in building a strong dog bite lawsuit and pursuing compensation for damages such as medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Maryland Brain Injury Attorneys at 410-753-4611to set up a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer today.
Maryland Dog Bite Law – What You Need to Know
State laws determine who may be liable when a dog bite occurs and injuries result.
Owner Responsibility Under Maryland Law
Maryland law creates a presumption that a dog’s owner may be held liable when their dog causes serious injuries, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
This means victims may not always have to prove that the dog previously showed aggressive behavior. However, liability can still depend on the circumstances of the incident, including whether the dog was acting in self-defense or if another factor contributed to the attack.
Liability May Extend Beyond the Dog Owner
In certain situations, other parties may also be held responsible if they contributed to the circumstances that allowed the attack to occur.
For example, landlords or property owners may be liable if they knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others.
Homeowners insurance policies often cover bite claims, though insurance companies frequently dispute liability or reduce payouts.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Depending on the circumstances of the incident, more than one party may be held liable when a person is bitten by a dog.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Dog owner: The owner is typically responsible for injuries. Under Maryland law, an owner may be legally liable when that person’s dog bites someone, particularly if the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies.
- Property owner or landlord: A landlord may be liable if they knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on the property and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others.
- Business owner: If the attack occurred on commercial property, the business operator may be responsible for failing to maintain a safe environment for visitors or customers.
- Dog sitter or handler: Someone supervising the dog at the time of the dog bite may share liability if negligence, poor training, or improper control contributed to the attack.
- Security company: In rare cases involving trained security dogs, a company responsible for the animal may be liable if the dog was improperly handled or deployed.
Maryland dog bite laws can operate similarly to strict liability in some situations. Strict liability means victims may not always have to prove prior attacks. However, liability can still depend on the specific facts of the case, including how the dog was controlled and whether certain breeds or prior behavior suggested a risk of harm.
Identifying all potentially responsible parties can be important when pursuing full compensation after a dog bite injury.
Compensation Available in a German Shepherd Dog Bite Case
Victims may pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for the full impact of their physical injuries and the lasting effects the attack may have on their lives.
Compensation may include:
Economic Damages
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery
- Future medical treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In certain circumstances, courts may also award additional damages if an owner knowingly allowed a dangerous situation that placed others’ personal safety at risk and led to the attack.
German Shepherd Attacks on Children in Maryland
Children are particularly vulnerable in dog attacks because of their height and physical size. When a child is bitten by a dog, injuries often occur to the face, head, or neck.
These incidents may lead to:
- Facial trauma and permanent scarring
- Long-term reconstructive procedures
- Emotional trauma or fear of animals
- Psychological counseling needs
Beyond the immediate physical pain, these injuries can have long-term effects on a child’s confidence, development, and overall well-being. Because these impacts may persist for years, cases involving children (especially those involving disfigurement) often result in higher compensation.
Insurance Companies Fight Hard in German Shepherd Cases
Insurance companies frequently challenge serious bite claims to reduce the amount they pay. In many cases, adjusters attempt to shift blame onto the victim, argue that injuries are less severe than reported, or dispute the necessity of medical treatment. They may also offer quick settlements before the full extent of the injuries and long-term impact is known.
Experienced law firms can help protect victims from these tactics by ensuring claims are fully evaluated and supported with proper documentation. When insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, legal action may be necessary to pursue the full value of the claim.
Why Hire Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers?
Zirkin & Schmerling Law Office has decades of experience representing injured victims across Maryland and pursuing compensation in serious personal injury cases.
Our firm’s attorneys are prepared to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and take cases to trial when necessary to pursue fair compensation. With no legal fees unless a case is successfully resolved, you can focus on recovery while our legal team protects your rights. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options here.
German Shepherd Dog Bite Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a German Shepherd dog bite case worth in Maryland?
The value of a dog bite injury claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the medical treatment required, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.
Personal injury cases involving permanent scarring or injuries to children may result in higher compensation. An experienced law firm can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the attack and estimate potential damages.
Can I sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Maryland law creates a presumption that a dog’s owner may be responsible when their dog causes injuries, even if the dog has never bitten someone before. This principle can operate similarly to strict liability in certain situations.
What if the attack happened at a friend’s house?
You may still pursue compensation. In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy covers injuries caused by the dog, so the insurance company typically handles the claim. However, insurers often attempt to limit payouts, so having a lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure the full value of your claim is considered.
How long do I have to file a claim in Maryland?
Most dog bite claims must be filed within three years of the incident. Acting in a timely manner and speaking with an experienced law firm can help protect your legal rights.
What if my child was bitten?
In Maryland, a parent or legal guardian can file a dog bite claim on behalf of a minor. Children may also have additional time to pursue a claim after turning 18.
Does homeowners insurance cover German Shepherd attacks?
Many homeowners’ insurance policies provide coverage for dog bite injuries, though some include dog breed-specific exclusions. An attorney can help determine whether the dog owner’s insurance company provides coverage and whether the amount is fair.
