Dogs are a favorite pet in the US, and it is not surprising that dog bites happen when you consider the millions of households that are home to these four-legged friends. However, there are other ways canines can cause injuries to victims when they attack. Even when the attacking dog does not bite, a person could suffer serious trauma. If you were hurt in a knockdown dog attack, one fact should be reassuring about your legal rights: Maryland’s dog bite statute covers all injuries caused by dogs, including knockdowns.
Still, the legal process for dog attacks can be challenging, since insurance companies will always try to find loopholes that disqualify your claim. You will need experienced representation to counter the efforts of the insurer’s legal team, so consult with an Owings Mills dog bite and animal attack attorney about your circumstances. Some points about types of injuries and compensation are also important.
Dog Knockdown Injuries: Some larger breeds can weigh up to 120 pounds or more, making them heavier than many victims. This weight, physical stature, and musculature can easily sweep someone off their feet in a knockdown. Keeping dog bites separate, some of the most common injuries in an animal attack include:
- Scrapes, deep lacerations, bruises, and abrasions;
- Broken bones from striking the hard ground after being knocked down;
- Head injuries, such as concussion and TBI; and,
- Spinal cord injuries.
Plus, there is a wide range of injuries that could be indirectly caused by a knockdown, such as a pedestrian accident when a dog attacks and pushes the victim into traffic.
How a Victim’s Conduct Matters: Like many other US states, Maryland has implemented a provision about trespassing into its dog bite laws. If you were trespassing when a dog attacked and knocked you down, you cannot recover any compensation.
However, unlike most other US states, Maryland follows the rule of contributory negligence. If you were at fault in any way, you could be barred from obtaining damages. Examples include provoking the dog while it was on a leash, harassing a dog that is tied up, and related conduct.
Damages for Dog Knockdown Injuries: Compensation is intended to make a victim whole after an animal attack, financially, physically, and emotionally. You can obtain amounts for your medical costs, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and care for psychological disorders. If you miss work, you may be entitled to lost wages.
You may also seek damages for losses that affect quality of life, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring and disfigurement.
Reach Out to a Baltimore Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer Today
Knockdown dog attacks can cause just as serious injuries as dog bites, so it is important to take advantage of all legal remedies. Our team at Furman | Honick Law will be at your side to deal with an insurance company and in court, so please contact us to set up a no-cost case review. You can reach our Baltimore offices by calling 410-844-6000 or going online.
Source:
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=3-1901&enactments=false