Were you or a loved one recently attacked by a dog in Prince George’s County, MD? Could the injury have been prevented but for the dog owner’s negligence? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers at (301) 936-0011 for a free consultation.
At our law firm, we have extensive experience handling dog bite cases. Our team has 125 years of combined experience in personal injury, and we’ve recovered over $100,000,000 for our clients.
Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced Prince George’s County dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.
How Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite in Maryland
Dog bites can cause serious injuries and infections. They can also require extensive medical treatment.
If you were bitten by a dog, you shouldn’t have to face your legal claim alone. Our dedicated Prince George’s County personal injury attorneys will handle all aspects of your claim while you focus on your recovery. With decades of experience and a demonstrated track record of success, we are here to help you get justice.
When you hire Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Prince George’s County, Maryland, you can expect us to:
- Guide you through the legal process: We will explain your rights, answer your questions, and develop a strategy for your case.
- Investigate your claim: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the dog attack occurred and whether the owner acted negligently.
- Manage all legal aspects of your claim: We will handle paperwork, ensure deadlines are met, and communicate with all relevant parties.
- Work with leading experts: When needed, we will consult experts in finance and medicine to strengthen your case.
- Negotiate for maximum compensation: We will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Take your case to court in pursuit of justice: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Members of our legal team have been recognized by the American Association for Justice, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the Maryland Association for Justice.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a dog bite, contact our Prince George’s County dog bite attorneys for a free consultation.
An Overview of Dog Bites in Maryland
Every year, approximately 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites across the U.S., and around 1,000 people require emergency treatment for dog-related injuries daily. Maryland has its fair share of these incidents, with hundreds of individuals hospitalized yearly due to severe dog bites.
While any dog can bite, some breeds are more commonly associated with severe attacks, including:
- Pit bulls
- German Shepherds
- Rottweilers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Terriers
If you have been attacked by a dog in Prince George’s County, it is crucial to seek legal guidance immediately. Our legal team can help you hold the negligent party accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Maryland
Dog attacks can cause catastrophic injuries. Injuries often depend on the breed responsible for the attack and the location of the bite. Larger breeds with strong bite force generally do more damage than smaller ones.
Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds: Deep bite wounds can lead to significant tissue damage and infections.
- Nerve damage: A dog’s teeth can penetrate nerves, potentially leading to temporary or permanent damage.
- Facial injuries: Children who are often bitten in the face or head may require reconstructive surgery.
- Broken bones: A large, strong dog can cause fractures by biting or knocking a victim to the ground.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Some dog bites leave permanent scars that require surgery or other medical intervention.
- Infections: Dogs can transmit bacteria that lead to severe infections such as rabies or MRSA.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Many dog bite victims experience lasting emotional distress after an attack.
- Wrongful death: Some dog attacks can even lead to fatal injuries, especially when bites target the neck or throat.
If you have suffered any of these injuries, you may be entitled to compensation from the dog owner. Our dog bite lawyers in Prince George’s County can help you understand your rights.
Maryland Dog Bite Laws
Maryland follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning the owner is presumed responsible for the attack. This law eliminates the “one-bite” rule and holds owners accountable for attacks even if their dog has never shown aggression.
However, dog owners may attempt to avoid liability by arguing:
- The victim was trespassing at the time of the attack.
- The victim provoked the dog.
Maryland’s contributory negligence law is one of the strictest in the nation. If a victim is found partially at fault for the attack, they will be barred from recovering compensation. An experienced lawyer can help you gather evidence showing the dog owner was responsible for your dog bite injuries.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite case is unique. No past settlement or verdict can perfectly predict the value of your case.
However, several factors will influence the value of your claim, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The medical treatment you require (and whether long-term treatment is needed)
- The emotional and psychological impact of the attack
- Whether you have experienced scarring or disfigurement
- Your pain and suffering
- Available insurance coverages
Our experienced attorneys can evaluate your case and determine its potential value. Many dog bite cases involve the dog owner’s home insurance policy, the limits of which can affect your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about the value of your case.
What Types of Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Receive in Prince George’s County?
If you have been bitten by a dog in Maryland, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Economic damages will cover your financial expenses related to the incident. Non-economic damages will cover your personal, non-monetary losses.
These damages include but are not limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our Prince George’s County dog bite lawyers can help you understand all the available damages in your case.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost in Prince George’s County?
Most dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you will not be responsible for upfront fees, retainers, or hourly fees. Rather, you will only pay your lawyer for representation if they recover compensation. If your attorney is successful, they will take a pre-agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or verdict as payment, usually between 33% and 40%. Contingency fees keep representation affordable when you may be experiencing financial strain due to an unexpected injury.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Maryland?
You won’t have unlimited time to file your dog bite lawsuit. Maryland’s statute of limitations restricts your timeline to initiate a lawsuit. Generally, you will have three years from the date of your dog bite to take legal action. If you fail to file a claim within the time limit, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
There are exceptions to the three-year deadline, such as for claims involving children. However, these are limited.
Don’t lose out on compensation due to a technicality. Contact our legal team today to get started. We’ll ensure you comply with all filing deadlines.
Contact a Prince George’s County Dog Bite Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. We have extensive experience helping dog bite victims. We will fight to hold the negligent dog owners accountable for your dog bite injuries.
Call us today for a free consultation with a trusted Prince George’s County dog bite lawyer. We are standing by to assist you.