What This Page Covers
- How a Maryland lawyer helps injured victims recover compensation
- Dog bite laws in Maryland that determine who may be liable
- Legal options available to victims
Why This Matters
- Dog attacks can leave a person seriously injured with lasting medical and financial consequences
- Maryland law determines when dog owners and other parties may be accountable
Key Actions You Can Take
- Seek medical care if you or a loved one is injured in an attack
- Contact a Maryland lawyer to understand your rights under the law
Dog Bite Cases Results
Zirkin & Schmerling Dog Bite Lawyers has a proven record of recovering significant compensation for victims injured in dog attacks across 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 pit bull 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 serious dog bite injury claims.
Hire a Trusted Maryland Dog Bite Lawyer
While any dog bite can be traumatic, animal attacks involving pit bulls often lead to serious injuries and complex legal claims. An injured person may face extensive medical treatment, financial losses, and difficult questions under the state’s bite laws.
Insurance companies frequently challenge dog bite claims and may seek to minimize the value of injuries, making experienced legal representation important. A pit bull dog bite injury lawyer, Maryland, can help protect your rights and pursue compensation when a dog injures you. Schedule a free consultation with Zirkin & Schmerling Law Office today at (443) 993-5603 and get the legal guidance you need with no fee unless your case is successfully resolved.
Why Pit Bull Attacks Often Cause Severe Injuries
Some pit bulls bite and hold rather than releasing quickly, which can cause deeper tissue damage during an attack. This motion can tear muscle and skin rather than leaving a simple puncture wound. Small children are particularly vulnerable and may suffer facial trauma, extensive scarring, or other serious physical injuries requiring reconstructive surgery.
According to CDC dog bite statistics, about 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, with roughly 800,000 requiring medical attention. Research shows that animal attacks involving pit bull breeds are more likely to result in hospitalization or surgical treatment than incidents involving many other animals and breeds, including German shepherds, highlighting the severe harm caused in these attacks.
Maryland Dog Bite Laws – What Victims Need to Know
Maryland dog bite laws help determine who may be liable after a dog attack.
Strict Liability in Maryland
Under Maryland law, owners may be held liable when their pet bites or injures another person. The law creates a presumption that a dog’s owner is responsible when their dog causes injuries, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Courts may also hold owners accountable if they fail to prevent an unprovoked attack or if the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, the dog had dangerous tendencies.
The “One Bite Rule” Myth
Many people believe owners are only liable after a dog bites someone once. In Maryland, this belief is largely incorrect.
Victims do not always have to prove the owner knew the dog had previously bitten someone. Depending on the circumstances, an owner may still be held liable under strict liability or negligence if their dog causes injuries.
Landlord Liability in Pit Bull Cases
Liability may sometimes extend beyond the dog owner. A landlord or property manager may be held responsible if they knew a tenant’s dog posed a dangerous risk and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others’ personal safety.
This issue often arises in apartment complexes where aggressive dogs are kept despite safety concerns. Local animal control laws and ordinances may also affect whether property owners failed to follow public safety requirements.
CWho Is Liable in a Maryland Pit Bull Attack?
More than one party may be responsible. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Dog owner: Primary responsibility typically falls on the dog’s owner if their dog causes a bite injury.
- Landlord or property manager: A landlord may be liable if the landlord knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and failed to address the risk.
- Dog sitter or caretaker: Someone supervising the dog at the time of the attack may be liable if their negligence contributed to the incident.
- Business owner: If a dog kept on the owner’s property at a business attacks a visitor, customer, or delivery worker, the operator may be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
- Homeowners insurance carrier: Many bite claims are ultimately paid through the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy.
Common Injuries in Pit Bull Dog Bite Cases
Because of the force involved in many attacks, these incidents can cause severe and lasting harm. Common injuries from a person’s dog include the following, though other injuries may also occur depending on the circumstances of the attack:
- Deep bite wounds
- Nerve damage
- Muscle tears
- Fractures
- Facial disfigurement
- Serious infections
- Psychological trauma
Compensation Available After a Pit Bull Attack
When a dog attack causes injuries, an individual may pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for all of the lasting effects of the injuries caused.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Reconstructive surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate an injured person for the personal impact, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Mental anguish
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In certain cases, courts may also award punitive damages when an animal owner knowingly allowed a dangerous situation that led to the attack.
What to Do Immediately After a Pit Bull Bite in Maryland
If you or a loved one has been bitten in a dog attack, taking the following steps can help protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the attack to local animal control
- Document your injuries
- Identify the pet owner
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies alone
- Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Personal Injury Lawyers
Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Maryland Brain Injury Attorneys at 410-753-4611 to set up a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer today.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Pit Bull Claims
Insurance companies often challenge pit bull dog bite claims because these attacks frequently involve higher settlement values.
To reduce payouts, insurers may dispute how serious the injuries are, argue that certain medical treatment was unnecessary, or claim the victim was partially to blame for the attack. Some policies also include breed-related exclusions that companies may use to deny coverage.
Insurance companies may also offer quick settlements before the full extent of medical expenses, lost income, and long-term effects of the injuries are fully known.
Why Hire Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers?
When a pit bull attack causes serious damage, the right legal team can make a meaningful difference in your ability to be fully compensated for the injuries caused.
Zirkin & Schmerling Dog Bite Lawyers have decades of experience representing victims across Maryland. The firm understands Maryland injury law and has a strong record of holding negligent dog owners and other responsible parties accountable.
If insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, our firm is prepared to take the case to trial to pursue the fair compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pit Bull Dog Bite Cases
Are pit bulls illegal in Maryland?
No. Pit bulls are not banned statewide in Maryland, though some counties have local ordinances regulating certain dangerous dog breeds. However, pit bulls owned by residents are still subject to Maryland law, and pet owners may be held liable if their dog causes a bite injury.
Is the owner automatically responsible?
In many cases, the dog owner will be held liable if their dog causes injuries. However, the circumstances of the attack can affect liability.
What if the dog never bit anyone before?
Maryland does not strictly follow a free bite rule. A victim may still file a dog bite claim even if the owner had no prior knowledge of bite history.
Can I sue if the attack happened at a friend’s house?
Yes. A victim can still pursue compensation if the dog bite injury occurred at a friend’s home. In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy may cover the claim.
How long do I have to file a claim in Maryland?
Most dog bite claims must be filed within three years of the incident. Speaking with a dog bite lawyer quickly can help protect your right to seek compensation.
What if my child was bitten?
In Maryland, a parent or legal guardian can file a dog bite injury claim on behalf of a minor. Children may also have additional time to pursue a claim after turning 18.
What if the dog owner has no insurance?
Even without insurance, victims may still have options to recover compensation. Other parties (such as a landlord) may also be held accountable.
