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.