Dog Bite Lawyer Perry Hall, MD

Dogs are one of our best companions. They can become just like any other member of the family. But when dog owners fail to protect the public from an animal that they know can be aggressive, they may be liable for how the victim suffered. Bite injuries can be severe and result in long-term scarring and disfigurement. You deserve payment for how the dog bite has affected your health and wellbeing. If you or a relative was recently attacked by a canine, we urge you to contact our Perry Hall, MD dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. Our team at Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC have helped dog bite victims receiving the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

Mental And Physical Injuries

Dog bites can be distressing and violent events. If you are the victim of an animal attack, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical treatment and other types of loss. You should not have to pay for the negligence of a dog owner who failed to keep you safe. As loveable as dogs may seem, they require proper training and socializing so they do not jeopardize the safety of the public. What is usually a man’s best friend can quickly turn into a nightmare if they act aggressively unprovoked. As our dedicated dog bite attorney explains, injuries that dog bite victims tend to suffer from include: 

• Soft tissue damage
• Broken bones
• Torn ligaments and muscles
• Cuts, lacerations, bruising
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Risk of infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Mental anguish/fears 

What To Do Now

After being bitten by a dog, it is essential that you get immediate medical attention. Even if the dog bite does appear to be severe, you should get medical care so that all of your injuries receive treatment. Collect information from the dog owner, such as their name, address, phone number, and identification details. Take a picture of the dog and the area in which the incident occurred. Call the police and file a report with your local animal control organization. Then reach out to our team so we can help you get compensation for your bills and monetary losses. 

Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC

Dogs can be a true companion, but they still have the propensity to aggression if they want to bite someone. When a dog bites a person, they can sustain serious injury that requires medical attention. The victim may be at risk of an infection and the bite wound may result in permanent scarring. Our team at Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC have represented victims of all kinds of incidents. We know what your rights and eligibilities are in this situation. You should not have to pay for what another person caused you to endure. If you recently were bitten by a dog unprovoked, please contact our MD dog bite attorney as soon as you can. Let us use our knowledge to get you the most payment possible based on what you went through.

Legal Steps If You Have Suffered A Dog Bite Injury

Pursuing a dog bite claim can be a complex process, but it can also provide the necessary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress resulting from the attack. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, a Perry Hall, MD dog bite lawyer can explain how the legal system works and what steps you need to take to help you navigate the process and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC today to have your case evaluated- free of charge.

Understand The Legal Basis For A Dog Bite Claim

A dog bite claim is typically based on the legal concept of premises liability or negligence. The legal theory behind a dog bite case is that the dog’s owner failed to control the animal and, in doing so, allowed the dog to cause harm to another person. There are two types of liability states that follow: strict liability and the one-bite rule.

Maryland follows the strict liability doctrine. Under this law, the dog owner is automatically liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or whether the owner was negligent. The key factor is whether the victim was lawfully on the property when the attack occurred. States that follow strict liability typically hold the dog owner responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

Document The Incident And Injuries

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, documenting the incident is critical to pursuing a claim. The following steps are crucial and will help your Perry Hall dog bite lawyer in proving your case:

• Report the Incident: The first thing you should do is report the dog bite to local authorities. This creates an official record of the incident, which will help substantiate your claim. In many municipalities, dog bites must be reported to animal control or the police. Reporting the incident also helps ensure the dog is quarantined and tested for rabies if necessary.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, seeking medical attention is important. Dog bites can lead to serious infections, including rabies, and prompt treatment can prevent complications. Keep all records of medical treatment, including hospital visits, doctor consultations, and prescriptions, as this documentation will be crucial for your claim.
• Gather Evidence: Document everything related to the incident. Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and any damage to clothing or personal items. If there were any witnesses, make sure to get their contact information, as their testimony can support your version of events. If the dog has attacked others in the past or if the owner has a history of negligence, this evidence can be important to your case.

Contact A Dog Bite Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer specializing in dog bite claims can help guide you through the legal process. Dog bite claims can be complicated, especially when determining liability and dealing with insurance companies, so having legal representation can ensure that you have the best chance of success. Here’s how an attorney can assist:

• Investigate the Case: A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into the details of the dog bite, including whether the dog had a history of aggression, whether the owner violated leash laws, and whether the victim was lawfully on the property at the time. They can also gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the extent of your injuries.
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Most dog bite claims are settled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurer to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement or if liability is disputed, your lawyer can file a lawsuit against the dog owner. A lawyer will handle all aspects of litigation, including preparing legal documents, filing with the court, and representing you in court if necessary.

Potential Compensation In A Dog Bite Claim

The compensation you may receive from a dog bite claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the extent of the damages, and the laws in your state. Here are the types of damages you may be entitled to:

• Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all medical bills associated with the dog bite, including emergency room visits, surgeries, doctor’s visits, and follow-up care. If you require long-term treatment or physical therapy due to scarring or disfigurement, you can also seek compensation for those future expenses.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income. If the injuries affect your ability to earn a living in the future, this could also factor into your claim.
• Pain and Suffering: Dog bite victims often experience significant physical pain, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological effects. You may be able to seek damages for pain and suffering, including emotional distress, anxiety, and depression resulting from the attack.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the dog owner’s actions were particularly reckless or negligent, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.

Have You Suffered A Dog Bite Injury?

Pursuing a dog bite claim can help you recover the costs associated with the injury and hold the dog owner accountable for their negligence. A Perry Hall dog bite lawyer can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t hesitate to call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC to learn your rights and take the next steps in pursuing your claim.