Dog Attacks in Waldorf, MD: What to Do?
Victims of dog bites and dog attacks can sue for compensation against the dog owners. Some States are “one-free-bite” States, but not Maryland. In Maryland, There does not have to be any “history” of bad or aggressive behavior by the dog for the owner of the dog to be legally liable for the injuries caused to the victim or victims. Compensation can be obtained for all types of injuries caused, including those caused by being pushed, knocked over, or tripped by a dog who is attacking. Thus, common injuries are compensable such as puncture wounds, tears to the skin and muscles, bruises, crushed and broken bones, etc. But compensation is also available for less common injuries like head injuries if a fall was caused and your head smacks against the floor or a wall. Compensation can also be obtained for saliva-borne dog diseases that can be transmitted to a human, like rabies.
If you have been injured in Charles County or elsewhere in Maryland by a dog attack, call the Dog Bite Lawyers at the Law Office of Robert Castro. Our number is (301)705-5253.
What to Do if Attacked By a Dog in Maryland
There are probably three things that must be done immediately after a dog attack in Waldorf, Maryland:
- Call the police
- Get to the hospital and
- Get photos taken of your injuries
It is important to have the police visit the scene of the dog attack (just like the police come to the scene of a Maryland auto accident). The police will prepare a police report that will provide information like the name of the dog’s owner, where the dog attack happened, time of day, etc.
While the police are conducting their investigation, the victim (or victims) should seek medical care by calling an ambulance and visiting a hospital. Dog bites require visits to the ER if only to ensure the dog does not have rabies.
Further, even though you might be in significant pain, it is important to have someone you know and trust take photos of your injuries. This type of photographic evidence will be important in your insurance claim and your personal injury.
The next step is to accumulate the other types of evidence you will need, such as medical bills, statements from your employer about lost wages, etc. The amount of compensation that can be recovered must be proven. In other words, the medical bills and other documents are the means by which you prove the amount of compensation to which you are entitled under Maryland law.
The next step is to seek a legal consultation with a Maryland Dog Bite Attorney. If you are contacted by the dog owner’s insurance company, you should not talk to them until you have had a legal consultation. Insurance company representatives are in the business of paying as little as they can in compensation.
Contact Waldorf, MD Personal Injury Attorney Robert Castro Today
This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Personal Injury lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD, 20601.
