Hyattsville, MD Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer for Victims of Animal Attacks in Hyattsville, Maryland

While dog bites and other animal attacks can cause serious physical injuries, they can also lead to long-lasting emotional trauma. While dogs are often seen as friendly companions, they can become dangerous if they are not properly trained, restrained, or supervised. Even a dog that had never behaved aggressively can unexpectedly lose control and attack someone.

Dog owners and others who are responsible for the care and control of animals have a legal duty to prevent attacks that may harm others. When they fail to live up to that duty, and someone is injured as a result, the victim may take steps to recover compensation for the harm done to them. However, demonstrating that a dog owner or someone else is responsible for a dog bite or attack is not always easy, and representation from a skilled attorney is crucial in these situations.

At Kisner Law, we work with dog bite victims, helping them to hold negligent dog owners accountable for the injuries inflicted by their animals. Attorney Jason Kisner has the experience needed to advocate for injury victims. Through his aggressive approach and dedicated representation, he will work to make sure victims can recover the financial compensation they need to heal and move forward.

Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites can have effects that may range from minor wounds to severe, life-altering injuries. The physical and psychological impact of an attack may persist for years, especially in cases involving children or older adults. Common injuries that people suffer in dog attacks include:

• Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Deep bites can damage the skin and the underlying nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Stitches or reconstructive surgery may be required.
• Infections: Animals often carry toxic bacteria or viruses, and when bites break the skin, victims can become infected. While some infections may be treated with antibiotics or other medications, others, such as rabies, can be life-threatening.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Injuries to the face, neck, chest, arms, or legs can leave permanent scars that serve as an ongoing reminder of the trauma of an animal attack. Plastic surgery may be required to correct the damage.
• Nerve Damage: Bites that penetrate deeply may cause significant damage that can lead to a loss of sensation in the affected area or restrictions on mobility. Nerve injuries in the arms and hands may affect a person's fine motor skills, leading to limitations on the types of work they can perform and their daily activities.
• Fractures and Crush Injuries: Larger dogs may knock a person to the ground, which can lead to broken bones in parts of the body like the wrists, ankles, or hips. Some dogs that have strong jaws may bite with enough force to break or crush bones.
• Emotional Trauma: Dog bite victims may experience anxiety, nightmares, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fear of animals, which can persist long after their physical wounds have healed.

Maryland Law on Dog Bites and Animal Owner Liability

Maryland law provides protections for people who are injured by dangerous or uncontrolled animals. A dog's owner may be held strictly liable for injuries their dog causes while running at large or attacking without provocation. This means that if a dog injures someone, the owner is presumed to be liable, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before or was believed to be non-aggressive.

Helping Dog Bite Victims Recover Compensation

At Kisner Law, we understand the unique challenges that dog bite victims face. Attorney Kisner provides comprehensive legal support in these cases, working to ensure that victims will be fully compensated for their injuries and damages. He will gather evidence, speak with witnesses, obtain animal control records, and review medical reports to build a clear picture of what happened and establish liability on the part of a dog's owner or another party who was in control of an animal.

By calculating the full value of a claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement or disability damages, Mr. Kisner will fight to maximize the compensation a victim can receive. In situations where a dog's owner is covered by an insurance policy, he will handle all communications with the insurance company, working to negotiate a settlement while standing up to any bully tactics they may use to try to devalue a claim.

Contact Our Hyattsville Dog Bite Lawyer

After a dog bite or animal attack has resulted in an injury, a victim will need to act quickly to protect their rights. At Kisner Law, we can provide the legal help needed to resolve these cases successfully, and we will fight to make sure negligent owners are held accountable for failing to control their animals. Contact our firm at 240-459-0097 to schedule a free consultation.