Dog bite attacks at work are on the rise. In fact, the United States Postal Service (USPS) reports that more than 5,800 postal workers were attacked by a dog in 2020. Other types of workers are also at risk of being bitten by a dog at work. What can you do if this happens to you? Do you qualify for workers’ compensation? Can you seek compensation for your damages through a lawsuit?
Jay Trucks talks about dog bite injuries on the job, including those workers most at risk and what legal options may be available to you.
The qualified attorneys at our law firm have decades of experience. We are ready to determine all possible sources of compensation to help you pay for your medical costs and other damages after a dog bite at work.
Can You Seek Compensation After a Dog Bite at Work?
After suffering an attack from a dangerous dog while working, you may be eligible to seek compensation through one or more types of legal claims, including:
Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Dog Bite Injury
If you are bitten or attacked by a dog at work, you may be eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits. Like all other workers’ comp claims, you do not need to establish fault or negligence to be eligible. However, you do need to prove that you were attacked while in your capacity as an employee. This means you must have been on the clock and performing your job duties.
If eligible, you could recover compensation for:
- All related medical costs, including surgery, emergency care, physical therapy and more
- Wage-lost benefits – 80 percent of the after-tax value of your wages
- Vocational rehabilitation if your injury prevents you from returning to work
- And more
Third-Party Lawsuit
Depending on the circumstances of your dog bite attack, you may also be eligible to seek additional damages from the dog owner’s home insurance. In Michigan, dog owners are subject to the state’s strict liability law for dog bites. What this means is that whether the dog was tied up or never attacked anyone before, the dog owner can be held liable for the damages. Naturally, you must have had a business reason (such as delivering mail) to be on the property.
If eligible, you could qualify for damages that include:
- Medical costs
- Property damages
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Travel to and from medical appointments
- Surgeries you may need
- Prescription costs
- Lost wages
Workers Most At-Risk for a Dog Bite On the Job
Postal employees are not the only workers at risk of being bitten at work. There are many other types of workers who get attacked by dangerous dogs while doing their job, including:
- Postal, mail or package delivery workers
- Home health caregivers
- Plumbers and electricians
- Contractors
- Landscapers
- Utility workers
- Meter readers
- Cable and internet technicians
- Property inspectors
- Food delivery workers
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite at Work
If you encounter a dog that seems threatening while working, you may be able to avoid being attacked. However, if you are bitten on the job, you should take immediate steps to protect your health, any evidence and a potential legal claim, by:
- Putting distance between you and the attacking dog
- Checking your wounds and applying pressure if you are bleeding
- Calling 9-1-1 immediately to get medical help as soon as possible
- Taking photos of your injuries and any evidence you can capture from a safe distance
- Getting examined by a medical doctor right away
- Reporting the injury to your employer without delay
- Completing an accident report as soon as your injury is stabilized
- Saving any receipts, medical invoices and other documents related to the dog bite attack
- Reporting the dog bite to the Kent County Animal Shelter
Getting help from a medical professional is critical after a dog bite wound. Dog bites can cause serious infections, even when the wound seems relatively small. Being examined by a doctor also helps to support your claim of an injury. A diagnosis and other details about your wounds, including how they happened, will all be documented in your medical records. This helps to link your injuries to the dog bite attack.
Attacked by a Dog at Work? Jay Trucks is Ready to Help
Being attacked by a dangerous dog at work can cause serious injuries, as well as an unexpected financial burden. You may need extensive medical care, depending on the extent of your injuries, and you may also lose wages while you recover.
Speak with one of our Grand Rapids dog bite attorneys to learn more. A licensed attorney can help to protect your legal interests throughout the claims process. Our team of legal professionals has extensive experience and a proven track record – we have recovered millions for our clients. This recovery record includes a $98,000 settlement for a five-year-old child who suffered facial injuries from a dog bite.
Jay Trucks is available to take your call 24/7. Get started today by calling to schedule your free case review.
