Upper Marlboro Dog Bite Lawyer
Pets are a popular addition to households across the county. Although many people likely feel affection for their pets, sometimes animals are not managed properly, leading to another person getting hurt. If a dog owner is not responsible and do not properly care for, train, or supervise their animal, accidents could happen.
People, especially children, might suffer bites or other injuries from uncontrolled or aggressive canines. If you or your child has been the hurt because of a dog attack, a qualified personal injury attorney could help you pursue monetary damages. An Upper Marlboro dog bite lawyer at Gelb & Gelb could hold the responsible party accountable for the harm they caused.
What to do after an Animal Bites Someone
Canine attacks are often chaotic, especially if the hurt person is a child. It could be challenging to remain calm and proceed thoughtfully after anyone is injured by a pet.
The first thing to do after a canine causes an injury is to ensure the injured person gets immediate medical care. Injuries that do not appear severe could still be significant, and if the animal broke the skin, there is a risk of infection.
The harmed person should describe the events as accurately as possible in response to the medical provider’s questions. A medical record that describes a person’s injuries soon after the incident could be used as evidence later on.
If it is safe to do so, other important steps to take include:
- Collect the name of the dog’s owner and their insurance information
- Get the contact information from any witnesses
- Take pictures of the injuries, the animal, and the scene
- Contact the local Animal Control office
- Consult a qualified attorney
Roger Gelb could help someone in Upper Marlboro take the proper steps following an animal attack to ensure no important evidence or actions are missed.
Liability in Upper Marlboro Canine Attacks
If a dog attack causes injury, several legal avenues are available to seek compensation. If the dog was not on a leash, Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code §3-1901 makes a dog’s owner or handler responsible for injuries a canine inflicts. This statute imposes strict liability, meaning that the injured person need not prove negligence. It is enough to identify the dog, prove it was at large, and document damages.
Sometimes bites happen when a pet is on a leash if the handler cannot control it. In such cases, the injured person might proceed with a negligence theory.
Defenses against a Plaintiff’s Claims
There are several defenses a dog owner could raise to refute a claim for damages, such as contributory negligence. This could include if the claimant was trespassing, attempting to commit a crime, or worsened their injuries.
To counter contributory negligence, an injured person must present proof that they have no responsibility for the incident that harmed them. An Upper Marlboro attorney understands how to present the evidence in an aggressive pet case to give the injured person the best chance of collecting reasonable damages.
Contact a Seasoned Upper Marlboro Dog Bite Attorney Today
Canine bites are traumatic events that could leave lingering physical and emotional scars. Do not add to your stress by trying to handle getting compensation for your injuries on your own.
An Upper Marlboro dog bite lawyer at Gelb & Gelb understands the issues that arise in these cases and is well-prepared to fight for your right to compensation. Schedule a consultation today.