Delivery drivers take on a variety of challenges every day, from weather conditions to heavy traffic and tight delivery windows. One unexpected and often overlooked risk is the threat of being bitten by a dog. Whether you’re dropping off a package, groceries, or food, the simple act of approaching a front door can result in a sudden and painful dog attack.
Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial difficulties. Drivers may find themselves unable to work, facing mounting medical expenses, and unsure about how to proceed, especially if they’re concerned about the dog’s future or have a personal connection with the pet owner. Knowing what steps to take after a bite can make a significant difference in recovery and compensation.
Encounters with dogs are not uncommon for delivery drivers. Many homeowners don’t expect their pets to become aggressive, but dogs are territorial by nature. They may perceive a driver as a threat – even during a brief delivery – and attack.
A dog bite can lead to deep puncture wounds, gashing tears in the skin, nerve damage, muscle damage, infections, and permanent scarring. Depending on the severity, a driver may not be able to return to work right away or at all. This can lead to a loss of income, mounting unpaid bills, and increased emotional stress. Unfortunately, many delivery drivers are not fully aware of their rights or how to respond to a bite injury. In the confusion and pain following an attack, they may fail to document the incident or seek proper follow-up care, which could worsen their recovery and jeopardize their ability to file a claim later.
After a dog bite, time matters. If you don’t take the right steps right away, you may face obstacles later on. Medical care is important not only for your proper physical and mental health, it can serve as a way to have your injuries and treatment properly documented. Without these records, insurance companies and/or juries may question your claim or deny coverage entirely.
Another common concern is the fear of reporting the incident because the dog belongs to someone you know. You may worry that the dog will be taken away or euthanized. In Ohio, however, a dog is not automatically put down after a bite. The law focuses on public safety, not punishment. According to Ohio Revised Code 955.261, dogs involved in a bite incident may be placed under quarantine or designated as dangerous, but that doesn’t mean they will be removed permanently from their home.
Still, if the bite isn’t reported, it becomes much harder to prove what happened or recover any compensation for your injuries. It bears repeating that delaying follow-up medical care can also lead to worsening medical issues or infections.
If you’re bitten by a dog while working as a delivery driver in Ohio, here are steps you may want to take to protect your health, finances, and legal rights:
In Ohio, the dog’s owner is usually held liable for injuries caused by their pet, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. According to Ohio’s liability laws, strict liability applies in most cases. This means the owner may be responsible without you needing to prove negligence. However, exceptions do exist, and a dog bite lawyer can explain how the law applies to your situation.
If you’re a delivery driver working for a company like Amazon, UPS, DoorDash, or Instacart, your employment status may affect your options for compensation. Some drivers are classified as independent contractors and may not be covered by traditional workers’ compensation. Others may be eligible for benefits if they are directly employed.
In some cases, you may be able to seek compensation through the homeowner’s insurance policy. These policies often include coverage for dog bite incidents. However, insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or argue that you were at fault. That’s where working with a dog bite injury attorney may help. An attorney can communicate with insurers on your behalf, gather the needed evidence, and work toward a fair settlement.
If your injury is severe and leaves you unable to work for a long period, you may also want to explore whether you qualify for disability benefits. While not guaranteed, there may be programs or insurance options available depending on your specific situation.
Dog bites are more than just painful; they can interrupt your ability to work, lead to expensive treatments, and place unexpected pressure on your finances. If you’re a delivery driver injured by a dog, you may be able to recover compensation to help cover medical bills, lost income, and other expenses related to the incident.
At Arthur Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a dog bite can be. You may be hesitant to take action, especially if you know the dog’s owner or are worried about the animal’s future. Our team is here to walk you through your options with compassion and professionalism, while protecting your legal rights.
Let us help you get back on your feet. Contact Arthur Law Firm today for a free consultation. Learn how we may be able to help you pursue compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable without adding stress to your recovery.