Hancock, MD Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Supportive Maryland Lawyer Representing Dog Bite Victims in Hancock

When a dog snaps without warning, people can get hurt. Dog owners may try to avoid responsibility for these incidents, leaving victims without a real remedy for their damages. An experienced Hancock dog bite attorney can help hold negligent pet owners accountable for bites, scratches, and other injuries caused by dogs.

At Serafini Law, we have the resources and experience to help you secure compensation after a dog bite injury. With over a decade of experience behind him, Attorney Andrew Serafini has a comprehensive understanding of personal injury law in Maryland, including the statutes that address dog attacks. When you work with our firm, you will receive personalized legal services from an attorney who cares about your well-being.

Owner Liability for Dog Bite Injuries

Many people assume that Maryland is a "one-bite" state, where an owner cannot be held at fault for the first time a dog injures somebody. This is not true, as the state instead follows the principle of strict liability in cases involving dog bites. This means that a dog's owner did not have to know about their animal's aggressive tendencies, and it will not be necessary to prove that they were negligent.

With strict liability, a dog bite victim can generally hold an owner liable for any injuries inflicted by a dog. Whether an attack took place in a public location or while a person was visiting someone else's private property, they can take steps to hold the dog's owner responsible for the harm they have suffered. A dog bite claim can address multiple types of damages suffered by a victim, including the costs of medical treatment, the income lost while recovering from injuries, and the emotional trauma resulting from the attack.

Exceptions to Liability

Maryland law is generally favorable to dog bite victims, allowing them to recover compensation in most cases. However, there are notable exceptions in which an animal's owner may not be held liable for the damages suffered by dog bite victims. These exceptions are as follows:

• The owner usually will not be liable if a person was injured by a dog while trespassing on private property.
• The owner may argue that they are not liable because a dog bite victim provoked the attack by teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog.
• The owner may not be liable for dog bite injuries if the victim was allegedly committing a crime against another person.

In many cases, dog owners and/or their insurers may assert that an attack was provoked despite clear evidence to the contrary. At Serafini Law, our attorney can refute these counter-claims and keep pressing for your full compensation.

What if My Dog Bite Injury Claim Gets Denied?

If the liable party refuses to pay you what you are owed in a settlement, we can escalate your claim to litigation. Our attorney is prepared to argue fiercely on your behalf, advocating for your rights in front of a judge. We want to make sure that you receive full compensation, which may include payment for your medical bills, lost wages, damage to your income, pain and suffering, and more. We will not rest until you are made whole.

Meet With a Hancock, Maryland Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today

If you have been bitten, scratched, or otherwise hurt by a dog in Maryland, you may be entitled to significant compensation through a settlement or verdict. Our Hancock dog bite and animal attack attorney can help build your case by showing that a dog's owner is responsible for your injuries and working to recover the full compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with Serafini Law, call our offices at 240-744-1600 or contact us online today.