Maryland Dog Bite Laws: First "Free Bite" Rule NOW ELIMINATED!

Описание: Maryland Dog Bite Attorney Reveals: Why That $3,200 ER Bill Could Actually Be Worth $50,000+ in Total Compensation! Don't let insurance companies lowball you! That emergency room bill is just the beginning. Maryland dog bite cases often result in settlements 10-20x higher than initial medical costs when you understand the true value of your claim. Former Maryland legislator and 25-year personal injury attorney Bobby Zirkin breaks down exactly what your dog bite case could be worth.

Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Law:
📞 FREE Case Evaluation: (443) 917-3821
🌐 Website: https://www.zirkinandschmerlinglaw.com/
📍 Serving All Maryland: Baltimore, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County

What You'll Learn:
✅ Real Case Values: Why a $2,000 ER visit turned into a $350,000+ settlement
✅ Maryland's Strict Liability Law: How Maryland Code 3-1901 protects bite victims
✅ Pain & Suffering Caps: Current $915,000 limit and how it applies to your case
✅ Permanent Scarring Values: Why facial injuries generate massive settlements
✅ Lost Earning Capacity: How career impact multiplies case value
✅ Age Factor Impact: Why children receive 3-5x higher settlements
✅ Insurance Coverage Limits: Understanding homeowner policy maximums

Key Takeaways:
🔸 Medical Expenses: Past AND future treatment costs are recoverable
🔸 Lost Wages: Complete inability to work PLUS reduced earning capacity
🔸 Pain & Suffering: Often the largest component - no simple calculator exists
🔸 Permanent Disfigurement: Facial scarring dramatically increases settlements
🔸 Psychological Trauma: PTSD and anxiety disorders add substantial value
🔸 Maryland's Hybrid Law: Strict liability + negligence theories available
🔸 Contributory Negligence: Harsh Maryland rule that can bar all recovery

Chapters (Timestamps):
00:00 — Why $3,200 Could Actually Be Worth $50,000+
00:58 — Maryland Dog Bite Law Changes (No More "One Free Bite")
02:17 — Strict Liability vs Negligence Under Maryland Code 3-1901
03:44 — Types of Recoverable Damages (Medical, Wages, Pain & Suffering)
6:38 — Factors That INCREASE Case Value (Age, Location, Scarring)
8:21 — Lost Earning Capacity: Real Case Examples
10:23 — Insurance Coverage Impact on Settlement Values
11:38 — Maryland's Harsh Contributory Negligence Rule
12:54 — Calculating Pain & Suffering Damages
14:23 — Settlement Process Timeline (6 months to 1 year typical)
16:19 — When to Consider Litigation vs Settlement
17:15 — Critical Documentation Requirements
18:22 — Moving Forward: Next Steps for Maximum Recovery

Maryland Dog Bite Law Specifics:
Strict Liability Situations: Dogs "running at large" or bites in public places
Maryland Code 3-1901: Owner liability when dangerous propensities are known
Pain & Suffering Cap: Currently ~$915,000 (increases $15,000 annually)
Statute of Limitations: 3 years from bite date to file lawsuit
Contributory Negligence: Even 1% victim fault can bar ALL recovery
Insurance Coverage: Typically $100,000-$1,000,000 homeowner policies

Real Settlement Examples:
💰 Nerve Damage Case: $2,000 medical bills → $300,000+ total settlement
💰 Facial Scarring (Child): $3,000 medical bills → $400,000 settlement
💰 Dental Hygienist: $12,000 medical bills → $300,000+ for career impact
💰 Toddler Facial Scarring: Modest medical bills → $50,000-$400,000 settlements

Critical Factors That Increase Value:
🔺 Permanent Scarring/Disfigurement (especially facial)
🔺 Young Victim Age (longer life expectancy with scars)
🔺 Bite Location (face, hands generate higher awards)
🔺 Vicious Attack Circumstances (aggressive dog, leash law violations)
🔺 Psychological Impact (PTSD, dog phobias requiring treatment)
🔺 Career Impact (manual dexterity jobs, public-facing roles)
🔺 Multiple Surgeries/Long Recovery (extensive treatment history)

Why Most Victims Undervalue Their Cases:
❌ Focus only on immediate medical bills
❌ Don't consider future medical needs
❌ Ignore lost earning capacity impact
❌ Underestimate pain & suffering value
❌ Miss psychological trauma compensation
❌ Don't understand Maryland's favorable laws
❌ Settle before reaching maximum medical improvement

Important Legal Disclaimer: This video provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Maryland dog bite law is complex with multiple exceptions. Every case is unique. Contact a licensed Maryland dog bite attorney for specific legal guidance about your situation.

Next Video: "What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Maryland" - Critical steps that protect your rights and maximize compensation.

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