Maryland Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite happens fast. One moment you are reaching out to say hello. The next, you are hurt and scared. The wound may heal, but the medical bills, missed work, and fear of dogs can stay with you far longer. Castro Law Group has helped injured people across Maryland since 1993.

If a dog hurt you or your child, our personal injury team can help you hold the owner responsible and recover money for what you have been through.

You Should Not Have to Sue a Friend to Get Help

Many people who call us feel torn. The dog belonged to a friend, a neighbor, or a family member. They do not want to cost that person money. Here is what most people do not know. In almost every case, the money comes from the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not their personal savings. You are not trying to hurt a friendship. You are asking an insurance company to cover the bills the bite caused. That is exactly what the policy is for. If you are still unsure, call us and we will walk you through it at no cost.

What Maryland Dog Bite Law Says

Maryland law is stronger for bite victims than many people expect. Under state law, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 3-1901, a dog owner is presumed responsible when their dog injures someone. The owner can try to fight that presumption, but the burden is on them, not on you.

The rule is even stronger when a dog was loose. If a dog was running at large, meaning it was not leashed or fenced in, the owner is strictly liable. That means they are responsible even if the dog never bit anyone before. The old idea that every dog gets one free bite does not protect owners in these cases.

The law also does not care about the breed. Section 3-1901 applies to every dog, without regard to breed or heritage. A recent local change shows how far things have moved. In late 2025, Prince George’s County repealed its long-standing pit bull ban. It replaced the ban with rules based on how a dog behaves, not its breed.

The Limits You Should Know About

There are limits to these rules. An owner may not be responsible if you were trespassing, breaking the law, or provoking the dog when it bit you. Maryland also follows a harsh rule called contributory negligence. If the insurance company can show you were even one percent at fault, you could lose your right to recover anything. Insurers know this rule and use it to deny claims. A skilled lawyer knows how to answer these arguments.

There is also a deadline. Most Maryland injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of the bite. Wait too long and you can lose your case, no matter how strong it is. Some deadlines are different for children, so it is best to ask early.

Injuries a Dog Bite Can Cause

A dog bite is not just a scratch. The force of a large dog can cause deep wounds and lasting harm. Some of the most common injuries we see include:

Puncture wounds that reach muscle and bone

Infections, since a dog’s mouth carries bacteria

Nerve damage that affects feeling or movement

Torn skin that needs stitches or surgery

Scars, especially on the face, hands, and arms

Broken bones from a fall during the attack

Emotional harm, such as fear, nightmares, and anxiety

Children are hurt more often than adults. They are closer to a dog’s height, so bites often land on the face and neck. These wounds can lead to scar repair surgery and years of fear around dogs. We take the full harm into account, not just the first hospital bill.

Who Can Be Held Responsible

The dog’s owner is the most common party in a claim. But they are not always the only one. Depending on what happened, others may share the blame:

A landlord who knew a dangerous dog lived on the property

A dog sitter or walker who had control of the dog at the time

A property owner where the dog was kept

A business that allowed a dog on site

If the owner has no insurance or cannot be found, these other paths may still lead to a recovery. We look at every angle so you are not left paying for someone else’s mistake.

Common Dog Bite Situations We See

Dog bites happen in everyday moments. We have helped people hurt in situations like these:

A delivery driver bitten at a customer’s door

A child bitten while visiting a friend or relative

A neighbor bitten by an off-leash dog on a walk

A guest bitten at a party or cookout

A jogger or cyclist chased and knocked down

A worker bitten while doing a home repair

Each case is different. What they share is a person who was doing nothing wrong and got hurt anyway. That is where we come in.

Proving Who Was at Fault

A dog bite case is won with proof. The more you have, the stronger your claim. Helpful evidence includes the animal control report, photos of your injuries, the names of any witnesses, and your medical records. If a security camera or doorbell camera caught the attack, that video can be powerful.

We also work to show the dog’s history. If the owner knew the dog had bitten or lunged before, that helps your case. Neighbors, past complaints, and animal control records can all tell that story. We gather this proof so the insurance company cannot brush your claim aside.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Maryland

A few steps protect both your health and your case. Get medical care right away, even for a wound that looks small, because dog bites can cause deep infections. Report the bite to your local health department or animal control. Under Maryland law, a dog that bites a person is placed under a 10-day watch for rabies. You can read more about the state’s rabies rules from the Maryland Department of Health. In Prince George’s County, you report the bite to the county police and health department, and animal services handles the quarantine.

Try to identify the dog and the owner. Get names, addresses, and photos if you can. Ask any witnesses for their contact details. Keep your torn clothing and take photos of your wounds as they heal. A bite that happens on someone’s property can overlap with premises liability law. If your case goes to court, it will likely be heard at the circuit court for the county where the bite happened, such as the Charles County Circuit Court in La Plata. Our attorneys know these local courts well.

How a Dog Bite Claim Works

Most people have never filed a claim like this. Here is what to expect when you work with us.

First, we talk. You tell us what happened, and we tell you honestly whether you have a case. This first call is free.

Next, we investigate. We gather medical records, photos, the animal control report, and witness statements. We find out who owns the dog and what insurance covers it.

Then, we make a demand. We contact the insurance company and ask for full payment for your injuries. Most cases settle at this stage. We do not accept lowball offers.

Finally, if the insurer will not be fair, we file suit and take your case to court. Our attorneys are trial lawyers, not just negotiators.

You pay nothing along the way. Our fee comes out of the recovery, and only if we win.

How Insurance Companies Fight Dog Bite Claims

Even with strong laws on your side, the insurance company will look for ways to pay less. Knowing their playbook helps you avoid their traps.

They may argue you provoked the dog. A raised hand or a loud noise can be twisted into provocation. They may argue you were trespassing, even if you had a good reason to be there. They may point to Maryland’s one percent rule and claim you share the blame.

They also move fast. An adjuster may call within days and offer a quick check. That early offer is almost always low. Once you accept it, you cannot ask for more, even if your wound gets worse. They may also ask for a recorded statement and use your own words against you later.

You do not have to talk to them alone. Let us handle the insurance company so you can focus on healing.

What Your Claim Can Cover

A dog bite claim can cover much more than the emergency room visit. Your losses fall into two groups.

The first group is money you can count. This includes your medical bills, future surgery such as scar repair, lost pay, and any therapy you need. Keep every bill and receipt so we can add it all up.

The second group is harder to measure but just as real. This includes your pain, your scars, and the fear that can follow a serious bite. Maryland law caps these non-economic damages, set at $965,000 for injuries in the current period.

In the most tragic cases, a fatal dog attack may lead to a wrongful death claim. We work to recover the full value of your case, not just the easy parts.

Why Time Matters After a Dog Bite

The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Evidence fades fast. Wounds heal, witnesses forget, and cameras record over old footage. Animal control files can close. Getting a lawyer early means we can lock in the proof while it is fresh.

There is also the legal deadline. Most Maryland dog bite claims must be filed within three years. If you wait too long, the court can throw out your case no matter how strong it is. A quick, free call today can protect your right to recover later.

Why Families Trust Castro Law Group

We have handled injury cases in Southern Maryland and the DC area for over 30 years. We know the local courts and the tactics insurance companies use. Castro Law Group is rated 4.9 stars by our clients. When you call, you speak with our team, not a machine. We return calls within 24 hours and offer evening and weekend appointments. And you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Dog Bite Questions We Hear Often

Do I have to sue my friend or neighbor after their dog bit me? Usually not in the way you fear. Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not their personal savings. You are asking the insurance company to cover your bills, which is what the policy is for.

What if the dog owner has no insurance or ran away? You may still have options. We can look into whether a landlord or dog sitter shares responsibility, and we can pursue the owner directly. Call us at (301) 870-1200 and we will review your case at no cost.

Does the dog’s breed matter in a Maryland case? No. Maryland law applies to every dog regardless of breed. In late 2025, Prince George’s County repealed its pit bull ban in favor of rules based on behavior.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Maryland? Most claims must be filed within three years of the date of the bite. Some exceptions apply, especially for children. Do not wait to learn which deadline fits your case.

What if I was partly at fault? Maryland follows contributory negligence, so being even one percent at fault can bar your claim. Insurers use this rule to deny cases. We know how to push back against unfair blame.

What if my child was bitten? A parent can bring a claim on a child’s behalf. Children often suffer facial scars and lasting fear, and the law lets you seek money for both. The filing deadline can also be longer for a child, so speak with us to learn what applies.

How much does a dog bite lawyer cost? Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, so you pay only if we win. The first call is free, so there is no risk in asking.

Talk to a Maryland Dog Bite Lawyer Today

You do not have to sort this out alone. We will review what happened, explain your options, and deal with the insurance company for you. The first call is free, and you owe nothing unless we win. Call Castro Law Group at (301) 870-1200 or fill out our contact form to get started.