Boonsboro Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Experienced Attorney for Dog Bite Injuries in Boonsboro, MD

It can be hard to predict when and where an animal might snap. A single dog bite can come with disastrous consequences for your health, carrying the risk of infection, nerve damage, and permanent disability. If you have been attacked by a dog, you may have legal recourse under Maryland's laws of premises liability, which can hold negligent dog owners responsible for injuries inflicted by their pets. The law of premises liability entitles you to fair compensation with a personal injury lawsuit, allowing you to recover various damages related to the bite.

When filing a personal injury claim, it is advantageous to have an attorney at your side who can walk you through the process of obtaining compensation. Attorney Andrew Serafini of Serafini Law has a history of successful case results, including a $50k settlement for a dog bite injury for a past client.

Making a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Bite

To make a successful claim for a dog bite injury in Maryland, you will need to demonstrate that the owner was liable for their animal's actions. In most cases, this is straightforward to prove when a dog attacks unprovoked. However, certain factors may disqualify you from collecting compensation for a dog bite injury, including:

• If you were illegally trespassing on a property, thus the owner owed you no duty of care.
• If you intentionally provoked the dog through torment or teasing.
• If you attempted to commit a crime against another person.

Many people are under the erroneous assumption that Maryland is a "one-bite" state, where an owner cannot be held responsible for the first time a dog bites. However, under Maryland's strict liability laws, an owner can be held responsible even if he or she was not aware of the dog's "dangerous propensities," such as a highly reactive or vicious temperament.

Dealing With Insurance Companies in Dog Bite Cases

Getting compensation for a dog bite requires going through the owner's insurance company, which can be an arduous process. Insurance companies are motivated to pay as little as possible in a claim, if not deny the claim outright. As such, retaining a skilled personal injury attorney is crucial to ensure that you get the most out of a dog bite legal matter.

Before you contact an insurance representative, you should familiarize yourself with Maryland's contributory negligence law, which applies to any personal injury claim. Contributory negligence stipulates that if you were even 1% responsible for an accident resulting in injury, you cannot collect compensation for your damages. For this reason, you should be mindful of how you respond to an insurance company's inquiries, especially any questions about what you could have done differently.

An insurance adjuster may attempt to argue that you somehow provoked the dog or that you were fully aware of the danger that the dog posed. A skilled personal injury lawyer can rebut these claims, aggressively denying any blame on your part.

Speak With a Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Boonsboro, Maryland

Getting attacked by an animal without warning can be traumatizing. If you have been attacked by a dog in Maryland, you have a right to file a personal injury claim for the owner's negligence. Attorney Andrew Serafini proudly represents clients in Boonsboro for instances of dog bites, premises liability, and other injuries resulting from another party's negligence. To schedule a free consultation with Serafini Law, call 240-744-1600 or contact the office online.