Denton, MD asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland

Q: Unrestrained dogs got into fight, and then one bit my relative

Both mine and neighbors dogs were unrestrained by leashes or fences when their dog lunged at my dog, and thus, my dog bit their dog. The neighbors dog then proceeded to maul my relative and cause dog bite injuries. If all dogs in question were unrestrained, are all parties responsible for their own bills incurred? This occurred within Caroline County.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: If your relative who was mauled did not own any of the dogs, or have responsibility for them, and did nothing to trigger the attack on themselves, then your relative can file a claim against the owner of the dog who mauled him/her. The dog owner's homeowner's insurer would ordinarily be liable to pay any such claim.

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