Postal Worker Dog Attacks: Protecting the Rights of Delivery Personnel
Being a postal worker or delivery driver can be a dangerous job. One of the biggest hazards is dog bites and attacks. Studies show that postal workers and delivery drivers suffer thousands of dog bites each year while simply doing their jobs. As an employer or employee, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to preventing and dealing with dog attacks.
The Dangers of Dog Bites for Delivery Personnel
Dog bites and attacks pose serious risks for postal workers and delivery drivers. According to the U.S. Postal Service, around 5,800 postal employees are attacked by dogs each year. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that around 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually.
For postal workers and delivery drivers, a dog bite can cause injuries ranging from minor to severe. Bites often lead to wounds, lacerations, scarring, infections, nerve damage, and even dismemberment or death in extreme cases. Attacks may also cause emotional trauma like anxiety, stress, and fear. Beyond the physical and mental impact, dog bites result in many lost workdays and costs for medical treatment and worker’s compensation.
Negligent Dog Owners vs. Responsible Pet Owners
The vast majority of dog owners properly train, restrain, and supervise their pets. However, irresponsible owners allow their dogs to run loose, fail to secure gates or doors, or do not take proper precautions when delivery drivers arrive. Negligent dog owners who fail to control dangerous dogs should be held fully accountable.
On the other hand, responsible pet owners take measures to keep guests safe. They leash or kennel dogs when expecting deliveries. They also post clear signs or warnings about dogs on their property. Responsible owners should not be blamed if a delivery driver enters a fenced yard and is unexpectedly bitten. Distinguishing between negligent and responsible owners is a key issue in dog bite claims involving postal workers and delivery drivers.
Legal Rights of Postal Workers and Delivery Drivers
Postal workers and delivery drivers have specific legal rights and protections when it comes to dog bites and attacks. Key laws include:
- State Dog Bite Statutes – Most states have laws imposing strict liability on dog owners whose pets bite or injure others. This means victims don’t have to prove the owner was negligent.
- Worker’s Compensation – Provides medical and wage benefits to delivery personnel injured on the job, including dog bites.
- Personal Injury Lawsuits – Injured postal and delivery workers can pursue legal action against negligent dog owners to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and emotional distress resulting from a bite or attack.
Preventing Dog Attacks Against Delivery Workers
There are various ways employers and delivery personnel can work to prevent dog bite incidents, including:
- Training – Educate workers on dog bite risks and safety tips like avoiding yards with loose dogs, not reaching over fences, using dog repellent spray if needed, and reporting concerns to managers.
- Warning Signs – Delivery drivers should heed signs about dogs on properties and refrain from entering secured yards.
- Reporting – Workers should promptly report aggressive dogs and negligent owners to supervisors.
- No Access Lists – Employers can compile addresses of properties with dangerous dogs to avoid for deliveries.
- Leashing Laws – Local ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed or fenced can help prevent bites.
- Legal Action – For habitual offenders, fines, animal control interventions, or civil suits may help curtail loose dogs and irresponsible owners.
Justice and Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Postal workers and delivery drivers injured by dog attacks deserve justice. Responsible dog owners also deserve protection from unwarranted blame. Key steps for bite victims include:
- Report the bite to your employer and seek immediate medical care.
- Identify the dog owner through public records if needed.
- Document the incident and your injuries thoroughly including medical reports, bills, photos, veterinary records, etc.
- Consult a qualified dog bite attorney to assist with investigating liability and pursuing damages in a personal injury claim, especially for severe or fatal bites.
Don’t suffer silently if you’ve been attacked by a dog at work. Take action to hold negligent owners accountable while also protecting responsible pet owners. With an experienced attorney, you can recover damages and bring about changes locally to prevent future dog bites.
If you’ve been bitten by an out of control dog, contact us today to see how we can help. We have helped thousands of people obtain compensation due to dog bite injuries. Visit one of our offices at:
- 7176 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31405
- 320 East Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601
- 197 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318
- 110 Traders Cross #226, Okatie, SC 29909
Or call now for a free consultation on (800) 529-1441.
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