Personal Injury
Dog bites can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. One moment you’re walking through a neighborhood, visiting a friend, or playing in a park—and the next, you’re facing unexpected medical bills, possible scarring, and even lasting psychological effects. In Maryland, victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation, but the legal process can be complicated. That’s where an experienced dog bite injury attorney can make all the difference.
At SG Legal Group, we understand how devastating a dog attack can be. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and pursue full compensation for your injuries.
Strict Liability vs. Negligence
Maryland follows a strict liability standard for dog owners in many dog bite cases. Under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-1901, if a dog bites or attacks someone without provocation while off-leash or running at large, the owner can be held strictly liable for injuries—even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
However, this doesn’t mean every case is straightforward. If the dog was on the owner’s property or leashed, the case may require proof of negligence. In such cases, the victim must show that the dog owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the attack—such as ignoring leash laws, failing to warn about a dangerous dog, or allowing a known aggressive dog to interact with others.
This is why hiring a skilled dog bite injury attorney is critical. We evaluate all potential theories of liability and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case.
Dog attacks can cause more than just puncture wounds. The physical and psychological injuries may be long-lasting, including:
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, therapy, or even reconstructive procedures. A dog bite injury attorney can help ensure that all your current and future medical costs are considered in your compensation demand.
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite can protect your health and legal rights:
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In most cases, the dog owner is primarily responsible. But others may also be liable, such as:
An experienced dog bite injury attorney will investigate all potential avenues of liability to maximize your compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Maryland, you may be entitled to the following damages:
In some cases, punitive damages may be available if the dog owner’s actions were especially reckless or intentional.
Many people mistakenly believe Maryland follows the “one bite rule,” meaning a dog must bite someone once before the owner is liable. This is not entirely true. Maryland law imposes strict liability in many situations where the dog was at large or had known vicious tendencies. Even in negligence-based claims, a prior bite is not always necessary to prove fault.
Dog owners often claim the victim provoked the dog or trespassed on private property. Maryland is also a contributory negligence state, which means if the victim is found even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages. That’s why having an experienced dog bite injury attorney is essential to anticipate and counter these defenses.
Dog Bite Claims and Insurance Coverage
Most dog bite claims are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. However, insurers may try to:
Our attorneys are experienced in negotiating with insurance companies. We’re not afraid to take your case to trial if they refuse to offer fair compensation.
At SG Legal Group, we take a client-centered approach. We know how overwhelming a dog attack can be—especially if the dog belonged to a friend, neighbor, or relative. Our compassionate yet assertive team will:
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the bite. However, it's best to act quickly, as evidence can disappear and witness memories can fade.
What if my child was bitten by a dog?
Children are especially vulnerable in dog attacks and may suffer lifelong effects. Maryland courts recognize this and allow claims for both the child’s injuries and the parent’s financial losses related to medical care.
Can I still sue if I knew the dog owner?
Yes. Many victims are bitten by dogs owned by friends or family. Keep in mind, your claim is usually against their insurance policy, not the individual directly.
Dog bites are painful and scary, but you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Whether the bite happened on a neighbor’s lawn, in a public park, or during a visit to someone’s home, you have legal rights—and we’re here to protect them.
SG Legal Group has helped countless Maryland residents recover after personal injuries, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Call us today at 410-618-1277 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced dog bite injury attorney. Let us fight for the justice—and the compensation—you deserve.
Joshua C. Sussex, Esq.
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