The number of letter carriers bitten by dogs has been steadily rising, especially with the increase in online shopping. Nearly 6,000 postal employees were attacked by dogs across the nation in 2020, leading to lost days from work and overwhelming medical bills.
Compensation for Postal Workers After a Dog Attack
The United States Postal Service (USPS) allows letter carriers to judge whether a loose dog is a threat and can hold the mail at the post office until it’s safe to deliver. Unfortunately, not all attacks can be prevented. A homeowner who fails to restrain a dog or allows a nervous dog to run free in the yard can be held liable when their animal attacks.
The right dog bite lawyer can help federal employees get compensation from:
- USPS. Under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, postal employees have the right to collect workers’ compensation for a dog bite that happened on the job. Much like state workers’ compensation statutes, the law prohibits federal workers from filing a personal injury lawsuit against their employer in exchange for payment of medical bills and lost wages. Federal workers’ compensation claims typically provide full lost wages for up to 45 days after the incident and may continue as partial disability payment if the incident has caused long-lasting effects.
- The homeowner. While employees cannot sue their employers for dog bite incidents, they may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent homeowner. All property owners have a responsibility to keep their properties free of hazards that could injure visitors. You may file a claim against the owner, but cases like these are usually covered by the liability portion of homeowners insurance. Coverage for dog bites varies, but generous policies may cover medical bills, plastic surgery, emotional distress, and pain and suffering of the dog bite victim.
For a free legal consultation, call (615) 807 7900
If you were injured by a dog while working, contact the legal team at GriffithLaw today or give us a call at 615-807-7900 to have us fight on your behalf. We explain all costs to you and don’t collect any payment until you receive compensation. Let us work to secure a settlement that will allow you to put the incident behind you.
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