Dog attacks can happen in a split second, and not always when the owner is nearby. If you’ve been bitten in Maryland and the dog’s owner wasn’t present, you may still have a valid legal claim.
The attorneys at Troxler & Troxler Law Firm help clients throughout Waldorf and Southern Maryland understand their rights after serious injuries. Founding attorney Patrick D. Troxler is a lifelong Waldorf resident with a law degree from Howard University School of Law and over a decade of legal experience.
His partner, Teneshia M. Troxler, brings courtroom insight from her time as a former Assistant State’s Attorney for Charles County and currently handles many of the firm’s personal injury cases, including dog bites.
Your Legal Rights If the Dog Owner Wasn’t Present
In Maryland, you can still pursue a claim after a dog bite even if the owner wasn’t there. The state’s strict liability rule holds owners responsible if their dog bit someone without provocation when they weren’t properly leashed or contained.
What matters is how the dog behaved and the circumstances of the attack. This applies whether the bite happened in public, at someone’s home, or in a setting where the dog was left with another person.
If the dog had a history of aggression or wasn’t secured, that could strengthen your case. These incidents often result in medical bills, missed work, and lasting trauma, all of which may be factored into your claim.
Who Else May Be Liable?
There may be more than one person responsible for your injuries. For example, if the owner left the dog with a friend, pet sitter, or family member, that person could also share liability, especially if they failed to control the dog.
In some cases, property owners or landlords may be liable if they knew a dangerous dog was on-site and did nothing to prevent a potential attack.
Protect Yourself After a Dog Attack
After a bite, always get medical care right away. If possible, take photos of your injuries, note the location, and gather any witness information. Then, speak with a lawyer who understands local laws and how to protect your claim.
If you’ve been hurt in a dog attack in Waldorf or anywhere in Southern Maryland, call 301-264-6072 to speak with Troxler & Troxler Law Firm about your case.
