Dog Bite Liability in Maryland
Whether a dog owner in Maryland is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Modified rule. In a lawsuit against a dog's owner for injury or death caused by the dog, evidence that the dog caused the injury creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious or dangerous propensities. Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1901
| Dog bites | Modified rule. In a lawsuit against a dog's owner for injury or death caused by the dog, evidence that the dog caused the injury creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious or dangerous propensities. The owner is strictly liable for injury caused while the dog is running at large, unless the injured person was trespassing, committing a crime, or teasing, tormenting, abusing or provoking the dog. For non-owners (such as landlords), the common law as of April 1, 2012 applies, without regard to breed. |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | Three years from the date the claim accrues. This is Maryland's general deadline for civil actions unless another law sets a different period. |
More Maryland personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Maryland
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Maryland
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Maryland
- Car Accident Claims in Maryland
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Maryland
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Maryland
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Maryland
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Maryland
- Truck Accident Claims in Maryland
- Construction Site Injuries in Maryland
- All Maryland personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Maryland?
Modified rule. In a lawsuit against a dog's owner for injury or death caused by the dog, evidence that the dog caused the injury creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious or dangerous propensities. The owner is strictly liable for injury caused while the dog is running at large, unless the injured person was trespassing, committing a crime, or teasing, tormenting, abusing or provoking the dog. For non-owners (such as landlords), the common law as of April 1, 2012 applies, without regard to breed.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Maryland?
Three years from the date the claim accrues. This is Maryland's general deadline for civil actions unless another law sets a different period.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.