Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Baltimore, MD

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Baltimore, Maryland?

  311 is the non-emergency contact number for the Baltimore Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Baltimore, Maryland?

  You can obtain a copy of the police report related to your case online or request other public police reports through our Community Correspondence Unit of the Baltimore Police Department, located at 242 W. 29th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211. All other incident reports may be requested using a mail-in form or emailing your request to CCU@baltimorepolice.org.

• In what situations does Maryland's strict liability statute not apply to dog owners in Baltimore?

  The strict liability statute of Maryland does not extend to Baltimore's dog owners when they can demonstrate their lack of knowledge or reasonable awareness regarding their dog's dangerous tendencies. Furthermore, dog owners will not be held accountable for injuries suffered by individuals engaged in criminal activities or trespassing.

• Will a dog bite case in Baltimore be covered by local or state law?

  Local regulations and state statutes influence dog bite cases in Baltimore. In the case of dog bite injuries, state laws enable legal action against dog owners and those connected to negligence and strict liability. Additionally, local ordinances might introduce additional rules that the dog owner might have violated. These rules could encompass factors like the breed of the dog, its vaccinations, or other prerequisites as outlined by the local guidelines.

• Is it possible for a Baltimore dog owner to dispute the imposition of strict liability?

  Baltimore residents who own dogs can contest the application of the strict liability rule by claiming and proving their lack of awareness regarding the potential for their dogs to engage in an aggressive act. However, even if dog owners manage to have the strict liability requirement lifted, they remain accountable for any resulting harm. Dog bite victims can still establish liability for dog owners under Maryland’s general negligence laws if they can prove that the owner neglected to exercise reasonable caution while handling their pet.

• How does Maryland’s contributory negligence rule affect a Baltimore dog bite victim’s personal injury claim?

  In Baltimore, Maryland's contributory negligence rule prevents a dog bite victim from obtaining damages from the dog owner, even if the victim bears a small portion of the negligence. Given the difficulty of overcoming this rule, dog bite victims need the services of a skilled personal injury lawyer with a track record of successfully countering a contributory negligence defense.

• What is the statute of limitations for dog bite cases in Baltimore?

  Baltimore follows Maryland's dog bite regulations, which state that individuals bitten by dogs have three years to initiate a personal injury legal case. The countdown formally commences on the day the bite occurs. If the victims do not pursue legal measures and fail to meet the deadline, they forfeit their right to file a personal injury lawsuit, disqualifying themselves from seeking compensation.