Seeking Justice For Animal-Related Injuries On Private Property
Maryland property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for visitors, and this duty extends to preventing harm from animals on their property. While dog bites are the most common type of animal-related injury, liability can also extend to injuries caused by exotic pets or even wild animals that property owners negligently attract. If you have been injured by an animal on someone else’s property, have a conversation with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer.
Dog Bites, Exotic Pets, and Premises Liability
State law follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. Under this rule, if a dog attacks someone, the owner is presumed to be liable, regardless of whether the dog had previously displayed aggression. That said, the owner may attempt to argue that the injured person was trespassing or provoking the dog to avoid liability.
Beyond dog bites, Maryland property owners who keep exotic pets, such as snakes, large cats, or primates, can also be held accountable for injuries caused by these animals. Owners of dangerous or non-traditional pets have an even greater responsibility to ensure these animals do not pose a threat to visitors. If an exotic pet escapes or attacks someone, the owner can be found negligent for failing to contain the animal properly. Even when the owner claims they took precautions, courts may still hold them liable if the animal’s presence alone created an unreasonable risk.
Additionally, while a property owner might not be directly responsible for all wildlife that enters their land, they can be liable if their actions attract dangerous wild animals or create an unsafe condition. For example, if a property owner regularly leaves food outside, attracting bears, raccoons, or venomous snakes, they may be held accountable for any resulting injuries. Or if they knowingly allow an aggressive wild animal, such as a deer raised in captivity, to remain on their property and it harms a visitor, liability may arise.
In some cases, landowners have been held responsible for failing to warn guests about known wildlife hazards, such as aggressive geese or wasp nests. If a property owner knew, or if there is evidence that they should have known, about the risk posed by a wild animal and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, they could be found negligent.
Seeking Legal Assistance After an Animal-Related Injury
By holding negligent property owners accountable, victims can recover the financial support they need while also encouraging responsible animal ownership and property management. After a dog attack or other animal-related injury, talk to Baltimore personal injury lawyer to explore your options for justice and compensation. An attorney with premises liability attorney experience can pursue justice on your behalf.
How are you coping with expenses following an animal-related injury? Following animal-related harm on someone else’s property, it is important to understand your legal rights. Share the details of your case with the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.
