Maryland Dog Bite Laws

Maryland’s dog bite statute, Code of Maryland § 3-1901, imposes strict liability upon dog owners under certain circumstances. Under the statute, owners can be held strictly liable for injuries or losses caused by their dog while it is running at large. There are certain exceptions under which the owner would not be held liable, including situations where the victim (1) was provoking the dog; (2) was committing or attempting to commit a trespass or other crime on the owner’s property; or (3) was committing or attempting to commit a crime against any person. Once the victim establishes these elements, it creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous propensities. This presumption allows victims to more easily pursue dog bite claims in Maryland. Additionally, the state allows victims to recover for both personal injuries and property damage, and for injuries resulting from dog attacks more generally (for example, lacerations from scratches).