Dog Bite Lawyer Towson, MD

When You’ve Been Attacked, Trust Our Towson, MD Dog Bite Lawyer To Help You Get Justice

When Man’s Best Friend turns aggressive and unfriendly, the resulting injuries can leave permanent scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. Many dogs go their entire lives without biting or showing signs of aggression, but even the friendliest-looking animal can snap and attack a vulnerable child, senior, or pet. If a dog has bitten you or someone you love, you have certain rights, including holding the dog’s owner accountable for the harm the dog caused and claiming full compensation for your injuries and other losses. Our Towson, MD dog bite lawyer helps you pursue your claim and provides legal advice and guidance from start to finish.

Getting compensation for a dog bite case can be difficult on your own. You could face victim-blaming or pressure from the dog’s owner and others to “just drop it.” When you work with Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, we shield you from the other party, acting as your main point of contact, and tirelessly work for a fair settlement for your injuries and trauma. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Complex Legal Issues In Dog Bite Claims

We noted that instead of receiving sympathy, some victims are blamed for the attack. It’s common for a dog owner to blame anyone else except their animal for the harm they suffered. However, Maryland law sees it differently. Dog owners are required to have control over their animal at all times when it is off their property and to take appropriate care to ensure that the animal does not harm either person or their pet. If the dog harms someone, the owner is legally liable for compensating the victim for their material and non-material losses. We know your rights, we know the law quite well, and we’re ready to fight hard to protect them.

To win your case, we must prove that the dog’s owner was negligent and that they knew, or reasonably should have known, that the dog was likely to bite or attack. Maryland is a strict liability state for dog bites, which means that even if it’s the first time a dog has injured someone, the owner is legally liable. There is no “one bite” rule in this state (an animal gets one “free” bite before the owner is liable). We pursue full legal action on your behalf.

Compensation Available To You In A Dog Bite Case

You may claim economic compensation for all your out-of-pocket expenses from a dog bite, including surgery, rabies treatment, and lost time at work. You can also claim the cost of psychological therapy that you need to recover. It’s not unusual for dog attack victims to develop phobias, PTSD, and anxiety afterward.

We also seek compensation for your non-economic losses, like the pain and suffering of your injuries, scarring and disfigurement, and pain and suffering. We know you have been through a lot and need time to heal. Our Towson dog bite lawyer handles all the matters necessary to advance your claim, including communicating with the other party, their lawyers, and their insurance company. We’re committed to getting top-dollar for your case. Contact Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC today for a free consultation.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dog bites are a serious public health concern, often resulting in injuries ranging from minor to severe. While dogs are beloved companions, a Towson, MD dog bite lawyer knows their behavior can sometimes become aggressive, leading to bites. Dog bites occur for various reasons. However, a victim may still have grounds to file an injury claim. If you have been bitten, call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC to find out what legal recourse you may have. 

Fear And Anxiety

Dogs, like humans, experience fear and anxiety, which can trigger defensive behaviors, including biting. Fear-induced aggression is one of the most common causes of dog bites. A dog may bite when it feels threatened, cornered, or unable to escape from a situation that causes fear. This can happen in several scenarios:

• Strangers or Unknown Environments: Dogs not accustomed to strangers or unfamiliar situations may react defensively when approached. For example, a dog that is shy or not properly socialized may feel threatened by a new person or environment, leading it to bite as a form of self-defense.
• Loud Noises or Sudden Movements: Dogs with a fearful temperament may be startled by loud noises, quick movements, or unfamiliar sounds. A sudden noise like a door slamming or someone rushing toward the dog may provoke a fearful response, leading to a bite.
• Being Cornered or Trapped: If a dog feels trapped or unable to escape from a situation, it may bite to protect itself. For instance, if a dog is cornered by a person or other animal and feels there is no way out, it may use its teeth as a last resort to protect itself.

Dogs that are frightened often bite as a way to communicate their distress and protect themselves from perceived threats. This is especially common in dogs that have had negative experiences with people or other animals in the past.

Protecting Territory Or Possessions

Dogs are territorial animals by nature, and they can become aggressive when they perceive a threat to their territory, belongings, or family members. This territorial instinct can lead to dog bites in various situations:

• Resource Guarding: Dogs may bite if they feel that their food, toys, or sleeping area is being threatened. This is known as resource guarding, and it can manifest when a person or another animal approaches the dog while it is eating or playing with a toy. In such cases, the dog may growl, snarl, or bite to defend its perceived property.
• Protecting Family Members: Dogs are protective of their family members and can become aggressive if they perceive someone as a threat to their owners. This can occur if a stranger approaches too quickly or acts in a way the dog perceives as threatening. The dog may bite as a protective instinct to safeguard its family in these cases.
• Home and Territory Defense: A dog may bite if it feels it is invaded. This can occur when a stranger enters the dog’s home or when the dog encounters someone on its property. The dog may see the unfamiliar person as a threat and respond aggressively to protect its home.

Territorial behavior is particularly common in certain breeds, such as guarding breeds like German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers. Proper training and socialization can help prevent territorial aggression. In many of these cases, a Towson dog bite lawyer will investigate to see if the dog has a history of aggression. 

Pain Or Injury

Pain is another common reason why dogs bite. Just like humans, dogs may react aggressively when in pain, as they may see handling or touch as a threat. Pain-induced aggression is typically seen in dogs that are hurt, sick, or experiencing discomfort, and it can be triggered by various factors:

• Injury or Illness: If a dog has sustained an injury or is suffering from an illness, it may bite if someone tries to touch or examine the affected area. For instance, a dog with a broken limb or an untreated wound may lash out when touched in an area that causes pain.
• Arthritis or Age-Related Pain: Older dogs or those with chronic pain, such as arthritis, may become irritable or defensive when touched in certain areas. These dogs might bite if startled or if someone unknowingly touches a sensitive or painful spot.
• Vet Visits or Grooming: Some dogs experience fear or anxiety during veterinary visits or grooming sessions, especially if they have had negative experiences. If the dog is already in pain or discomfort due to an illness or injury, it may be more likely to bite when undergoing a medical examination or grooming procedure.

It is important for dog owners to be aware of changes in their pet’s behavior that may indicate pain or illness and to address any medical issues promptly to prevent aggression related to discomfort.

Lack Of Socialization Or Poor Training

Inadequate socialization or poor training is another major factor contributing to dog bites. Dogs that are not properly socialized during their early development stages may struggle to interact appropriately with people or other animals, leading to fear-based or aggressive responses.

• Poor Socialization: Dogs that are not exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments during their early developmental stages may become fearful or aggressive as adults. This can result in dogs that are skittish around strangers, other pets, or new situations, which increases the likelihood of defensive biting.
• Lack of Obedience Training: Dogs that have not been trained to follow basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” or “no” may act impulsively in stressful situations. Without proper training, a dog may react aggressively when faced with an unfamiliar person, animal, or situation, as it has not been taught how to behave appropriately.
• Behavioral Issues: Some dogs may develop behavioral issues due to a lack of structure, consistency, or proper training. Behavioral problems, such as fear, anxiety, or dominance aggression, can make a dog more likely to bite when faced with certain triggers.

Early socialization, positive reinforcement training, and consistent boundaries can help prevent aggressive dog behavior and reduce the risk of bites.

What Legal Options Do You Have?

Dog bites are a serious issue that can occur for various reasons, leaving the victim with serious injuries. If you have been bitten, call a Towson dog bite lawyer to determine your legal options. It is important not to delay since Maryland does have a statute of limitations on personal injury cases. Call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC for a free consultation.