Who Can Sue for Dog Attacks in Maryland?
If you were injured by a dog in Maryland, you might be wondering whether you can sue. This makes sense, especially when you consider the damages associated with the average dog attack. These might include extensive medical bills as you attempt to treat bites, scrapes, puncture wounds, lacerations, head injuries, and disfigurements. You might also be forced to miss time from work after the attack. Finally, a dog attack can be highly distressing – potentially leading to PTSD and other mental health issues. Who is allowed to sue after a dog attack in Maryland?
Children
Children are perhaps the most vulnerable to dog attacks due to their small stature and natural curiosity. Many children assume that all dogs are friendly, and this leads them to approach animals without any sense of caution. Even the smallest dogs can cause serious harm to small children. With all that said, children under 18 cannot file lawsuits against dog owners on their own. Instead, parents must take legal action on their behalf. In addition, parents may struggle to recover certain damages associated with child dog bites, such as missed wages.
Workers
Many workers face heightened risks from dogs due to the nature of their employment. Any worker who must venture onto private property as part of their normal duties could be attacked by a dog. These workers include:
- Amazon delivery workers
- United States Postal Service workers
- UPS delivery workers
- FedEx delivery workers
- DHL delivery workers
- Food delivery workers
- Police Officers
- Home renovation workers
The list goes on. The most important thing to remember about dog attacks on workers is that both personal injury lawsuits and workers’ compensation claims are possible. However, a workers’ compensation claim cannot provide compensation for non-economic damages like disfigurement, PTSD, depression, pain & suffering, and so on. This means that exploring options for personal injury lawsuits against the dog owner may be advantageous even if you expect to receive compensation through workers’ comp.
Tenants
Tenants may also file injury claims for dog attacks. For example, the tenant may live in a basement suite owned by a landlord who lives upstairs. The landlord may have a dog that they allow to roam the backyard freely. If the tenant is attacked by the dog when entering or leaving their unit, this can easily lead to an injury claim.
Passers By
Finally, average people passing by homes may file injury claims after being attacked by dogs. Often, owners fail to secure their dogs properly. This may allow the dog to run onto the street and attack random people. It is important to note that if you were trespassing on someone else’s property at the time of the attack, you may lose the opportunity to sue.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Dog Bite Attorney in Baltimore?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified Baltimore dog bite attorney, look no further than Furman Honick Law. We understand that the average dog attack in Baltimore can cause a range of different damages that leave families reeling. To pursue compensation for these damages, it makes sense to get started with an effective action plan as soon as possible. Call our award-winning attorneys today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.
Sources:
theguardian.com/technology/2023/sep/28/dog-bites-amazon-delivery-drivers
forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/banned-dog-breed-lists/
