Legal Question in Personal Injury in Maryland
Posting a "beware of dog" sign vs. "guard dog on duty" sign?
I am wondering what difference (if any) there may be in the wording of a sign on someone's personal property (residence) to let others know of the presence of a dog (or dogs).
Does "beware of dog" connote any different liability in the eyes of the law than "guard dog on duty"? What precedents have been set?
2 Answers from Attorneys
personal injury and dog warning sign
Your sign should reasonably put a person onnotice of the danger. Is someone suing youfor personal injuries, with the language of thewarning as an issue?
Personal Injury/Dog Warning Sign
Notice to persons entering your property is important if you want to give reasonable noticeto the public. In which state do you reside?The status of the person entering your propertyis also relevant: are they a trespasser? If so, must you notify them of a vicious dog ordangerous condition? If they are entering fora business purpose, then, the land owner isheld to a much higher standard of care to makethe property safe.
General rule in Maryland: The dog gets thefirst bite for free. The person biten mustshow that the dog owner knew of reasonablyshould have known of the animal's dangerouspropensities. Hope that helps.
C. MICHAEL BRADSHAWAttorney at Law
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