Pets are a popular addition to households across the county. Although many people likely feel affection for their pets, sometimes animals are not appropriately managed, leading to another person getting hurt. Accidents could happen if a dog owner is not responsible and needs to correctly care for, train, or supervise their animal.
People, especially children, might suffer bites or other injuries from uncontrolled or aggressive canines. If you or your child has been 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.
Canine attacks are often chaotic, especially if the hurt person is a child. It could be challenging to remain calm and proceed thoughtfully after a pet injures anyone.
After a canine causes an injury, the first thing to do is to ensure the injured person gets immediate medical care. Injuries that do not appear severe could still be significant, and if the animal breaks 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.
If it is safe to do so, other essential steps to take include:
Roger Gelb could help someone in Upper Marlboro take the proper steps following an animal attack to ensure no critical evidence or actions are missed.
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 the injured person must 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.
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 worsening 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.
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.
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