Dog Bite Lawyer Maryland, MD
You were walking your dog in your neighborhood in Silver Spring when a loose pit bull charged out of a yard and latched onto your leg. Now you have medical bills, missed work, and a scar that isn’t going away. If you have suffered a dog bite injury in Maryland, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents injured individuals in civil claims against the dog’s owner or other responsible parties. We work to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and disruption the attack has caused. To discuss your situation with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Dog Bite Claims in Maryland
Maryland does not have a specific “dog bite statute” that automatically imposes liability on the owner. Instead, injury claims arise under common-law principles of negligence and, in some cases, strict liability if the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous propensities — often referred to as the “one-bite rule.” Our approach begins by identifying every theory of liability the facts will support. We gather witness statements, animal control reports, and photographs of the scene. If there is a history of prior aggression, we pursue it through county records and neighbor interviews. Because Maryland is one of only a few states that apply pure contributory negligence, even a small amount of fault on the part of the injured person can bar all recovery. We therefore build the case with meticulous attention to the claimant’s own actions at the time of the incident.
We evaluate all potential insurance coverage — homeowner’s or renter’s policies, umbrella coverage, and in some circumstances commercial premises policies — so that a settlement or verdict can actually be collected. Many dog bite cases resolve through direct negotiation with the insurer, but if a fair offer is not forthcoming, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to file suit in the appropriate Maryland District Court or Circuit Court and try the case.
What to Expect When You Bring a Dog Bite Claim
Once you reach our firm, we promptly open an investigation and begin communicating with the liable party’s insurance carrier. You should focus on your medical recovery while we handle the paperwork and the back-and-forth. The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling; some claims settle within months, while others proceed through litigation and trial. Under Maryland law, a personal injury claim, including a dog bite, must generally be filed within three years of the date of injury. Acting sooner helps preserve evidence and witness recollections. We do not charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you, and we will explain the fee structure clearly during your initial consultation.
Damages Available in Dog Bite Cases
Maryland law does not impose a general cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. An injured person may recover economic damages — past and future medical bills, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity — as well as non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be available, though they require a higher standard of proof. The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury, the clarity of liability, and the available insurance limits. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate these factors early so you understand the realistic range of possible outcomes. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings extensive trial experience to every client matter. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads a team of seasoned Of Counsel who work collaboratively to prepare each case. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Throughout the process, you will receive clear, straightforward communication about your claim. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland follow the “one-bite” rule?
Yes, Maryland generally follows the one-bite rule, which can allow an owner to avoid liability the first time the dog injures someone if the owner had no reason to know the dog was dangerous. If the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s vicious propensities — for example, if the dog had previously bitten someone or acted actively — strict liability may apply. Even under the one-bite rule, an owner can be held liable under ordinary negligence principles, such as failing to properly restrain the dog in violation of a local leash ordinance. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate and determine which legal theory gives you the strongest path to compensation.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Maryland?
Seek prompt medical care for the wound, report the bite to the local animal control or health department, and collect the dog owner’s contact and insurance information. Photograph your injuries and the location where the attack occurred. Keep all medical records and receipts. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the owner’s insurance company before consulting an attorney, as what you say can later be used to argue comparative fault under Maryland’s strict contributory negligence standard. When you are ready, contact our firm to discuss your options.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Maryland?
Under Maryland law, a personal injury claim arising from a dog bite must generally be filed within three years from the date of the injury. If the claim is not filed within that period, the court will likely dismiss it, barring a narrow exception. Because evidence such as witness memories and physical scars can fade, it is wise to consult an attorney as soon as possible after the bite. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can explain how the deadline applies to your specific circumstances.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the dog bite?
Under Maryland’s pure contributory negligence rule, if the injured person is found even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovering any compensation. This is one of the strictest liability rules in the country. For example, if you were teasing the dog or trespassing at the time of the bite, the owner’s insurance company will raise comparative fault as a complete defense. We thoroughly investigate the facts to counter such claims and, whenever possible, establish that the owner bears 100% of the responsibility. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What does a dog bite lawyer cost?
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle dog bite claims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you. The fee is a percentage of the recovery, and we discuss the exact percentage during your initial consultation. You are not required to pay anything out of pocket for us to begin working on your case. If no recovery is obtained, you do not owe an attorney’s fee. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Where are dog bite cases filed in Maryland?
Dog bite claims are generally filed in the District Court of Maryland for the county where the bite occurred or in the appropriate Circuit Court, depending on the amount in controversy. For example, a bite in Montgomery County would be filed in the District Court of MD for Montgomery County or the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Our firm serves clients across the state and appears in courts throughout Maryland’s 24 counties, including Prince George’s, Howard, Frederick, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore County. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Start Your Dog Bite Claim Today
From the moment you call (888) 437-7747, our team begins working to protect your rights. You can schedule a consultation at our Rockville location — 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 — by appointment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to guide you through the process with straightforward advice and a strategy tailored to the facts of your case. There is no charge for the initial consultation, and you are under no obligation.
For additional information about Maryland personal injury law, visit the authoritative overview on srislawyer.com.
Additional resources:
Montgomery County Personal Injury Lawyer ·
Prince George’s County Personal Injury Lawyer ·
Howard County Personal Injury Lawyer ·
Anne Arundel County Personal Injury Lawyer ·
Frederick County Personal Injury Lawyer
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.