Dog Bite Injuries: Legal Actions You Can Take
Sometimes, even the most loyal of companions can turn aggressive. Dog bite injuries are more common than you might think and can have severe physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite or need a personal injury lawyer in Baltimore, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the actions you can take to seek compensation. At Murphy, Falcon, & Murphy Law Firm in Baltimore, we can assist you in pursuing the justice you deserve.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Baltimore
In Baltimore, as in many other jurisdictions, dog owners are generally held responsible for the actions of their pets. The primary law governing dog bite injuries in Baltimore is known as the “strict liability” rule. This means that a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or not.
Strict Liability
In Maryland, you do not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent or aware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies to seek compensation for your injuries. Simply being bitten by someone else’s dog is typically enough to establish liability.
Statute of Limitations
Like other personal injury cases, there is a limited timeframe within which you can file a dog bite injury claim. In Baltimore, this statute of limitations typically gives you three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit.
Taking Legal Action
Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at Murphy, Falcon, & Murphy in Baltimore, who can assess the details of your case and guide you through the legal process. Your attorney will typically begin by negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company for a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be necessary to pursue compensation through the court system.
Dog bite injuries can be physically and emotionally traumatic, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Baltimore, Murphy, Falcon, & Murphy is here to help you understand your legal rights and take the appropriate legal actions to seek the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait; reach out to us today to schedule a consultation, and let us advocate for your rights and well-being.