A new ruling in the Maryland Court of Appeals has made it easier for a person attacked by a pit bull – or even a pit bull mix – to take legal action against the owner of the dog. The ruling has declared pit bulls “inherently dangerous” as a breed, and renders the owner of a pit bull strictly liable for any damages resulting from a dog bite. Landlords that rent to pit bull owners are similarly liable.
This is not the first time Maryland has come down harshly against pit bulls and their owners. In Prince George’s County, pit bulls are banned altogether. A 1997 law was passed declaring that residents could not own or harbor pit bulls or pit bull mixes in the county. If you were caught with one, you ran the risk of being arrested and serving six months in prison.
Dog bites can be traumatic events for victims, causing serious injury and disfigurement. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 4.7 million Americans suffer from dog bites every year – many of them children. Depending on the severity of the bite, a dog can damage facial nerves, penetrate bodily organs, or even sever a finger. Dog owners should be held responsible for the financial losses and emotional trauma their pets have inflicted on others.
If you or one of your loved ones has been injured by a dog bite in Maryland, please contact the Yost Legal Group today for a free consultation with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer. As the victim of another person’s negligence, you have a right to compensation for your losses.
