Dog bites can lead to long-term physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Woodlawn, MD, don’t face these challenges alone.
It’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of Maryland’s dog bite laws, seeing that you get full and fair compensation for your injuries.
At Zirkin & Schmerling, we understand how overwhelming a Woodlawn, MD dog bite injury can be. We are here to help every step of the way.
Our experienced team of lawyers is here to guide you through the process, from gathering evidence (like medical records and police reports) to taking legal action against the negligent party.
Contact our dog bite lawyers today at 410-753-4611 for a free case evaluation with a Maryland personal injury lawyer.
Why Choose a Dog Bite Lawyer for Your Baltimore County Maryland Personal Injury Case
When it comes to handling dog bite cases, having the right dog bite lawyers can make all the difference. Zirkin & Schmerling’s personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of handling personal injury cases in Woodlawn, MD.
Each Zirkin & Schmerling personal injury lawyer knows how to secure maximum compensation, whether it involves:
- A car accident
- An animal attack
- Property damage
- Medical malpractice
- Other personal injuries
Remember, having experienced attorneys on your side increases your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
To get started with your case, call the Zirkin & Schmerling Law Office at 410-753-4611 and schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today.
Workers’ Compensation in a Woodlawn, MD Dog Bite Claim
Dog bites can also occur while you’re on the job. If you were attacked by a dog while performing your duties in Woodlawn, MD, you might be eligible for workers’ comp.
Maryland workers’ comp laws provide coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and costs resulting from work-related injuries.
In some cases, your attorney may also be able to file a personal injury claim against the negligent dog owner.
This can lead to additional compensation, including pain and suffering, medical care, and lost wages, beyond what the workers’ compensation of the insurance company provides.
If you’ve been injured, call a Zirkin & Schmerling personal injury lawyer at 410-753-4611 for a free consultation.
How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated?
Determining the value of a dog bite settlement can be complex, especially when lawyers calculate non-economic damages like the emotional distress that a person suffers.
While medical bills, surgery costs, and lost wages are straightforward, emotional trauma and long-term impacts on your quality of life can be harder to quantify.
Zirkin & Schmerling’s personal injury attorneys know what it takes to gather the right evidence, including medical records, to prove the emotional toll of your injury and fight for a fair settlement.
Contact our dog bite lawyers at 410-753-4611 today for a free consultation and let us help you maximize your settlement.
Woodlawn, MD Dog Bites Laws
Maryland dog bite law uses a hybrid system of negligence and strict liability in determining whether a victim may be compensated. Under strict liability, a victim will be compensated and the wrongdoer, usually the dog owner or harborer, will be held liable for dog bites if, for example, the dog was running at large before attacking. The only exceptions to this are if the dog bite victim was trespassing, tormenting or teasing the dog before it attacked.
Under a theory of negligence, an owner or harborer of a dog may be held liable for a victim’s injuries if they acted unreasonably in controlling their dog or if they had reason to know of their dog’s vicious propensities and failed to control the dog. A Maryland dog bite attorney will be able to help determine liability to make sure you are not held responsible for someone else’s negligence and that you are compensated fairly if you were a victim of a dog bite.
It is important to seek out legal counsel from experienced lawyers. Zirkin & Schmerling personal injury attorneys will help you explore all your options.
Call Zirkin & Schmerling dog bite lawyers today at 410-753-4611 for a free case evaluation and legal guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Dog Bite Cases
What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Your health and safety come first. Seek medical attention from an emergency medical professional or urgent care clinic, even if the bite seems minor when compared to a car accident or fire. Delaying treatment can lead to complications such as infection, coma, or more severe consequences.
After getting the care you need, document the incident by taking photos of your injuries, collecting witness information, and reporting the bite to local authorities.
Finally, contact a skilled dog bite attorney to start the legal process of building your case.
Can I sue if it was my fault?
In Maryland, contributory negligence laws state that if a victim is found to be even 1% at fault for their injuries, their lawyer may be unsuccessful in a personal injury lawsuit. Speak to a lawyer specializing in this dog bite-related practice area to see if you have grounds to sue.
Can I sue if a neighbor’s dog bit me?
Yes, in most cases you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit if you were bitten by a neighbor’s dog, especially if the dog was off-leash or had a known history of aggression.
In Woodlawn, MD, dog owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause under most circumstances just like distracted drivers are responsible when they cause a car accident. Speak with a personal injury lawyer to discuss potential liability related to how you were injured.
What happens if my child was attacked by a dog in Woodlawn, Maryland?
Children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks, and their injuries can be severe. If your child has been bitten, seek medical treatment immediately and then call a lawyer.
Maryland law has a hybrid model of strictly liable (fully responsible) and negligence in proving liability for injuries caused by the attack. Speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to see if you have grounds to sue.
How long do I have to file a dog bite injury lawsuit against a person?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for your lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit, including for dog bites, is three years from the date of the incident.
However, if the victim is under 18, lawyers have until three years after their 18th birthday to file a claim. Don’t wait—talking to a lawyer because filing your claim sooner increases your chances of putting together a successful case.
What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
Just like an uninsured driver in a car accident, a dog owner who lacks insurance maintains liability. Your lawyer may be able to recover compensation. Our lawyers can seek a judgment in Maryland court against personal assets after an animal attack.
Will the dog be put down after the incident?
While personal injury from animal bites can lead to serious legal consequences, personal injury lawsuit focuses on securing compensation for the animal attack victim, not determining the dog’s fate. Those decisions are often left to local Animal Control boards and other authorities.
Contact Zirkin & Schmerling at 410-753-4611 to discuss your Maryland animal attack case.
Contact Dog Bite Lawyers in Woodlawn, MD
You deserve compensation for your dog bite-related injuries, past medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, and suffering and a lawyer can help you get it.
Zirkin & Schmerling’s Maryland dog bite lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
Each lawyer is dedicated to ensuring you receive fair compensation under Maryland law in many practice areas. Many lawyers, including ours, work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay lawyer fees unless we win your case.
Let our lawyers help you recover after a serious dog bite incident in Woodlawn, MD.
Call Zirkin & Schmerling’s dog bite lawyers today at 410-753-4611 for a free initial consultation.