Dog ownership is common in Maryland, but not every dog is properly trained or restrained. When someone is bitten or seriously hurt by a dog, they may have a legal claim against the owner—or in some cases, against someone else who should have been responsible for controlling the animal.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Dog Bite in Maryland

Getting bitten by a dog is tough. It hurts, it’s scary, and you probably don’t know what to do next. In Maryland, dog owners are usually responsible if their dog bites someone, especially if the dog wasn’t on a leash or under control. What you do right after getting bitten matters—for your health and if you want to get compensated for your injuries: Here’s what you should do.

1. Get Medical Help Right Away

Even if the bite looks small, you shouldn’t ignore it. Dog bites can get infected fast or cause serious diseases like rabies or tetanus. Clean it with soap and water, but don’t stop there. Go see a doctor. They’ll check the wound, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and decide if you need stitches or a rabies shot. You’ll also get medical records, which matter later if you file a claim. If you delay treatment, the wound could get worse, and the insurance company may question your injuries.

2. Try to Find the Dog’s Owner

If the dog’s owner is nearby, ask for their name, contact information, and whether the dog has had its shots. This helps you avoid unnecessary treatments like post-exposure rabies shots. If you can’t find the owner or the dog runs off, call animal control right away. If it’s a stray, there’s no way to confirm vaccinations, which puts you at greater risk for disease.

3. Report the Bite to the Authorities

Always report the incident. In Maryland, you can file a report with Baltimore animal control or your local health department. This creates an official record, which helps back up your story if the dog owner denies anything later. Authorities might investigate, quarantine the dog, or follow up if it’s a repeat issue.

4. Write Down What Happened

Details fade quickly. As soon as you can, write down everything you remember: where it happened, what the dog looked like, how the bite happened, and what you were doing just before. Take photos of the bite, your torn clothes, or anything else that shows what happened. If someone saw it, ask for their name and number. Save any receipts, prescriptions, and notes from your doctor. It all matters later.

6. Talk to a Lawyer

Dog bite claims can get complicated, especially if the owner argues you provoked the dog or that you were trespassing. Experienced Baltimore dog bite lawyer John Leppler knows Maryland dog bite law and can walk you through your options, explain the legal rules, and help you gather strong evidence. John Leppler will also know how to deal with insurance companies that try to downplay your injuries or shift blame.

7. Keep Track of Your Healing

Take care of your injury and document how it affects you. Go to follow-up appointments, take pictures as your wound heals (or worsens), and write down any pain, emotional stress, or problems with daily activities. If the bite causes permanent scarring or trauma, that needs to be part of your case too.

8. Don’t Wait Too Long

Maryland gives you three years to file a lawsuit. It might seem like a long time, but evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. Medical records, photos, and even your own memory are strongest right after the bite. If you’re thinking about taking legal action, don’t wait to get advice.

Dog bites are serious. They leave physical and emotional scars, and the impact can last a long time. But you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’re injured by someone else’s dog, following these steps can help protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover money for what you’ve been through.

Dog Bite Laws in Maryland

In Maryland, if someone’s dog bites or injures you, the law generally puts responsibility on the dog’s owner. The state follows a strict liability rule, which means that in most situations, the owner is on the hook for the damage their dog causes—even if the dog never acted aggressively before. But it’s not automatic in every case. The circumstances matter, and the law includes a few key exceptions you should understand before deciding what to do next.

Maryland’s Strict Liability Rule

Under Maryland Code §3–1901, dog owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior. This applies whether the injury is from a bite or from something else, like a dog knocking someone over. Victims can seek payment for medical treatment, lost wages, and other effects, like ongoing pain or emotional stress.

Strict liability helps make the process of recovering damages more straightforward, but there are still defenses an owner can use. If you were trespassing, provoking the dog, or doing something unlawful at the time, those details could hurt your case. That’s why even though the law favors victims, it’s important to understand how it works in practice.

For example, if a dog lunges unexpectedly and causes someone to fall down a flight of stairs, the law treats that just like a bite. The key question is whether the owner failed to control the animal or allowed it to be in a situation where it could hurt someone.

Exceptions to Owner Liability

Not every incident leads to a successful claim. Maryland law lists a few situations where a dog owner may not be responsible:

If the injured person was trespassing on private property.
If the person was committing a crime when they were bitten.
If the dog was being provoked, harassed, or harmed.

Maryland also follows the legal rule of contributory negligence. This is important. If you’re found even slightly at fault for what happened, you may not be able to recover anything. Say you ignored a “Beware of Dog” sign or reached out to pet a dog that was clearly scared or cornered. That could be enough to prevent a payout. The exception here is for children under five—state law says they can’t be found negligent due to their age.

The Pit Bull Controversy

In 2012, Maryland’s highest court ruled in the case of Tracey v. Solesky that pit bulls and pit bull mixes were “inherently dangerous.” This meant that owners—and even landlords—could automatically be held liable if one of these dogs hurt someone. The decision sparked a strong public reaction. Critics said it unfairly singled out one breed without real proof and ignored the fact that many well-trained pit bulls never show aggression.

In 2014, Maryland lawmakers reversed the decision. Today, pit bulls are treated like any other breed. The same liability rules apply across the board, no matter the dog’s breed.

Still, in practice, pit bull cases can raise more questions. Owners of these dogs may need to show that their dog had no history of aggression, especially if a claim goes to court. Some insurers may also place extra requirements or deny coverage altogether. And in certain areas, local ordinances still apply. For instance, Prince George’s County continues to ban pit bulls that are more than 50% bull terrier. Owning one there could lead to penalties or seizure of the dog.

Why These Laws Matter

Maryland’s dog bite laws are meant to balance public safety with fairness. They help people recover money after serious injuries but also recognize that every case has its own facts. If you’re bitten or injured by a dog in Maryland, you may have a strong claim—but don’t assume it’s automatic.

Even if the law seems to support your side, proving a claim takes more than just showing you were hurt. A lawyer who regularly handles dog bite cases can walk you through your options, explain what to expect, and help you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your case. Before making any decisions, talk to someone who knows how to protect your rights and get you the help you need.

Experienced Baltimore Dog Bite Lawyer

If you were bitten by a dog in Baltimore, Leppler Injury Law can help you understand your rights and take the next steps. Attorney John Leppler handles dog bite cases with care, making sure injured clients get the support and compensation they need. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or lasting pain, John will walk you through the legal process and hold the dog’s owner accountable if they were negligent. Contact Leppler Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation and get trusted legal guidance.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Maryland