Maryland Dog Bite Law (2026)
Preliminary legal information — researched from cited sources, but not yet reviewed by a licensed attorney. Rules and exceptions may change the result in an individual case.
Quick answer
Maryland is a hybrid-rule state. Hybrid rule: liability depends on the circumstances (statutory strict liability is limited, or applies only to certain damages). Victims generally have 3 years as a general injury-law reference. The actual deadline can differ.
Comparative research source: Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center, 2025 survey. Individual statutory citations control.
Who is liable for a dog bite in Maryland?
Hybrid rule: liability depends on the circumstances (statutory strict liability is limited, or applies only to certain damages).
Deadline to file: 3 years
Maryland's general statute of limitations for injury claims is 3 years. Special rules can extend it for minors — common in dog bite cases, since children are the most frequent victims. See the full Maryland statute of limitations guide.
How fault rules affect your claim
Contributory negligence: even 1% of fault can bar recovery entirely (harsh — talk to a lawyer).
Damage-limit note: For non-medical personal injury causes of action arising from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, Maryland's noneconomic-damages limit is $965,000 under Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 11-108. It rises to $980,000 on October 1, 2026. Different aggregate limits apply to wrongful death and medical malpractice.
Your real case may be worth more.
Bitten in Maryland? Homeowner's insurance usually pays these claims — find out what yours may be worth.
Get a free case reviewEstimate your numbers with the dog bite settlement calculator or see average dog bite settlement amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maryland a strict liability state for dog bites?
Hybrid rule: liability depends on the circumstances (statutory strict liability is limited, or applies only to certain damages).
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Maryland?
Generally 3 years from the date of the bite, with possible extensions for minors. Missing the deadline usually bars the claim entirely.
Who actually pays the settlement?
In most cases the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance — not the owner personally. That's why claims between neighbors or family members are common.
General information, not legal advice. Attorney advertising. Claimelo is not a law firm. This page is a starting point: deadlines, liability rules, exceptions, and available damages depend on the facts and the law in effect when the event occurred. Do not delay or decide not to pursue a claim based only on this website. A licensed attorney can apply the law to your situation.