Standing Up For Dog Bite Victims And Their Families
Last updated on January 31, 2025
Dog owners have a duty to keep their dogs leashed and under control. When they fall short in this responsibility, it can expose others to significant injuries. Goldberg Law, LLC, is here for individuals who have suffered dog bites in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Experienced Gaithersburg lawyer Kevin Goldberg has a track record of achieving six-figure settlements for dog bite victims. Turn to him when you need a dog bite attorney committed to pursuing justice for you and your family.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Children and adults can suffer a wide range of injuries from dog bites, including:
- Cuts
- Infections
- Broken bones
- Permanent scarring
Psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are also common following dog attacks.
What To Do After A Bite
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, it is important to act quickly:
- Clean and perform first aid on the wound
- Seek medical attention right away
- Document the injuries with photos
- Gather information about the dog and its owner
- Get the contact information of any witnesses
It is also critical to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, like Kevin Goldberg, to understand your legal options.
Legal Rights Of Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims may be able to take legal action to secure compensation for the harm they suffered. Dog bite claims are most often established by proving the owner/landlord was negligent. To establish the negligence of a dog owner/landlord for injuries due to a dog bite, a victim typically must show that:
- The dog owner was under a duty to protect the plaintiff from injury
- The owner breached that duty
- The dog owner’s breach of duty proximately caused the loss or injury suffered by the dog bite victim
- The dog bite victim suffered actual loss or injury
In some states, including Maryland, a dog owner whose dog is running “at large” will be “strictly liable” for injuries caused by the dog. What that means is that there is no need to prove the four elements of negligence if the dog is running around outside without a leash. The bottom line is that a dog owner or landlord who fails to exercise reasonable care in preventing someone else’s injury or fails to properly control the animal can typically be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog.
Owners often attempt to defend dog bite claims by arguing that the victim was contributorily negligent. Another key aspect of whether a dog bite case is viable is whether the dog owner has liability insurance to pay any settlement or verdict (it is very hard to collect against an individual without insurance). Such liability insurance is often contained in homeowner insurance policies. Attorney Goldberg has extensive experience finding liability insurance coverage, overcoming the contributory negligence defense and pursuing justice for bite victims.
Why Hire A Dog Bite Attorney?
Such an advocate can build your case, negotiate with insurance companies and stand up for your rights. Turn to lawyer Goldberg for direct support focused on seeking maximum compensation for you.
Get Help In The Fight For Justice
Kevin Goldberg stands ready to advocate for you and your family after a dog bite incident. Get a free consultation with him by contacting Goldberg Law, LLC, through the firm’s contact form or calling 301-960-8004.