Dog Bites

Dog Bite Lawyers in Waldorf

Tireless Advocacy for Severely Injured Victims

Being attacked by a dog is one of the most frightening experiences a person can go through. This is especially true when the victim is a child which, sadly, is often the case. According to a report from DogsBite.org, there were 36 dog bite-related fatalities in the United States in 2018 and 15 of those occurrences involved children under the age of 7. Even when these attacks are not fatal, victims are often left with severe injuries and life-altering emotional trauma.

At Farmer & Klopfer, we believe that negligent dog owners should be held accountable. Our Waldorf dog bite injury lawyers fight to hold dog owners liable for the harm their animals cause, and we are known for being a law firm that doesn’t back down, even in the face of very complex cases. If you, your child, or your loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog, get in touch with our legal team today to learn how we can help.


Call our office at (301) 265-2220 or fill out and submit a free online case evaluation form today. 


Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Maryland

In 2014, Maryland’s dog bite laws underwent significant changes. Notably, dog owners are currently considered strictly liable for injuries and/or harm their dogs cause while running “at large,” meaning when they are off leash, loose, or otherwise unrestrained. A dog bite victim can hold the owner responsible under the strict liability rule if they were attacked by a dog that was running loose.

Victims can also file a claim against a dog owner under Maryland’s general negligence laws. In order to bring a claim for negligence, the victim will need to prove that the owner failed to uphold an owed duty of care and that this led to the victim’s injuries. This type of claim is similar to most other personal injury claims in that negligence is the key factor.

What Is a “Dangerous” Dog?

Maryland law outlines what is considered a “dangerous” dog. Owners of dangerous dogs are subject to strict rules regarding where they must keep their animal and what they must do when taking the dog out into public.

Under Maryland law, a “dangerous” dog is one that:

  • Has previously injured or killed a person without being provoked
  • Was classified as a “potentially dangerous dog” and bit a person, attacked or killed another domestic animal while not on the owner’s property, or attacked without being provoked

Owners of dangerous dogs in Maryland are required to keep their dogs securely on their property at all times except when intentionally taking the dog into public and, when they do take the dog into public, it must be muzzled and restrained. If the owner of a dangerous dog fails to follow all applicable rules, he or she can be held both civilly liable and criminally responsible.

Contact Our Firm for a Free Consultation

At Farmer & Klopfer, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial impact a dog attack or dog bite injury can have. Our Waldorf dog bite attorneys know the law, and we know how to navigate the legal system in order to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. If you were injured or your loved one was killed by a dog, turn to our team for the compassion, advocacy, and justice you deserve.


Get started with a complimentary consultation when you call our office at (301) 265-2220.

The opinions that matter Most

Read our 5-Star Reviews
  • Kind, sympathetic, reassuring and more importantly, very knowledgeable

    “I couldn’t be happier with the service I received from this law firm. I felt comfortable from the minute I first walked through the door. I had less than two weeks before the expiration of my personal injury filing date and was overwhelmed. My first appointment was with Elizabeth who took my huge stack of papers with a smile and said, “Let me take care of this for you.” Although all of the staff that I encountered were wonderful, my main experience was with Mr. Farmer and Elizabeth who were both kind, sympathetic, reassuring and more importantly, very knowledgeable. My case was handled professionally and in a timely fashion. My case was recently concluded and I am very happy with the outcome and would not hesitate to use them again or recommend them to my friends and family in the future. Need a good law firm, no need to look further.”

  • Keeps in touch with you throughout the whole process, and even after your case is over with

    I just recently had James E. Farmer handle my second DUI and I received the best possible outcome I could've wished for. The judge I had could've really laid down the hammer on me but James worked his magic and did an incredible job. He knows what he is talking about and is very humble. He keeps in touch with you throughout the whole process, and even after your case is over with, and he explains everything so you know exactly what is going on. This is my first time hiring James and without a doubt, I would hire him again. He would be the first person I'd call if another legal problem should ever rise-- though I've made a promise to myself to stay away from the law as much as possible. He will be highly recommended to anyone that asks me if I know a great lawyer.

  • Could not have asked for a better group of attorneys to handle our legal problem

    We could not have asked for a better group of attorneys to handle our legal problem. James Farmer and Melvin Allen were very knowledgeable, confident and successful in handling our case. I will definitely be referring this Law Firm to others.

  • Thank you, Mr. Farmer, and may God bless you in your future endeavors.

    “You and your team have given my family our son back. No amount can adequately compensate for that gift! I can only hope our heart-felt thank-you and 'God bless you' will somehow offset the imbalance.”

  • Nothing short of miraculous

    “Mr. Farmer and his associates go the EXTRA mile for all their clients! It's nice to feel safe at the hands of your attorney and get a great outcome! Every experience I've personally had, as well as watched, has been nothing short of miraculous!! Farmer and staff are who you want on your side!!!”

work with the best

  • Committed to Improvement

    We take pride in learning the latest strategies for maximizing damages, preparing our clients for trial & mounting an effective case.

  • A Record of Results

    Our firm has won tens of millions of dollars in financial compensation for individuals & their families.

  • Renowned in Our Field
    We are well-regarded in the legal community & are even known & respected among insurance companies.
  • Fearless Advocacy
    We are not afraid to confront negligent medical professionals, hospitals, nursing homes or their insurance companies.
  • Valuable Insight
    We know how to skillfully navigate government bureaucracies to help our clients obtain workers’ compensation benefits.

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