Justice For Tiffany ValianteThe Latest »

Postal Workers and Dog Bite Injuries

Atlantic City dog bite injury lawyers represent injured victims of dog bites.The United States Postal Service (USPS) reports that last year, more than 6,000 postal workers were attacked by dogs. That averages out to around 17 attacks every day of the year. Dog bites left employees with injuries ranging from cuts and scrapes to deep and painful puncture wounds. While fatalities caused by dog bites are less common, they are still reported.

To prevent these injuries, USPS takes a three-step approach to reduce the risk of dog bite attacks to keep postal employees safe on their routes across the country:

  • Dog bite prevention training: Postal workers learn that dog bites are not breed-specific. Dogs of all breeds and sizes have the potential to attack anyone they perceive to be a nuisance or a threat. Carriers are encouraged to advocate for their own safety and to be cautious even when an owner promises their dog will not bite. Workers can request that dogs be contained during a delivery. They can also ask owners with aggressive or unpredictable pets to pick up their mail at the post office.
  • Education about the risks of canine attacks: USPS hosts an informative YouTube channel that includes a dog bite prevention video. The video reminds consumers to put their dog away before opening the door to accept mail and to refrain from accepting mail in the presence of the family dog. Some dogs view this gesture to be threatening, triggering an attack.
  • Technology to avoid dog bites: USPS employee scanners allow carriers to input information about dogs residing at certain delivery locations and receive notifications about loose dogs in the area. When customers request a pick-up online, they can input information about their pets as well. All this data is especially helpful for temporary workers who may not be familiar with the addresses and residents along on a route.

If a worker perceives a dog in the home to be a threat or when there is a loose dog in the area, consumers may ask to pick up their mail at the nearest post office until the employee safety can be assured.

Dog Bites and Civil Lawsuits in New Jersey

In the state of New Jersey, dog owners are liable in a civil lawsuit if their dog bites someone, provided the victim was on public property or legally on private property at the time of the attack. The owner may be required to pay for damages incurred as a result of their dog attacking and injuring a victim. At the same time, if the victim was trespassing, they may share some blame for their injuries under the state’s comparative negligence rule.

Atlantic City Dog Bite Injury Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Represents Workers Injured by Dog Bites

Because the laws vary depending on the nature of a dog bite or attack, victims should consult an Atlantic City dog bite injury lawyer with experience in different types of claims. The D’Amato Law Firm handles cases involving postal workers and dog bites, accidents caused by negligent dog owners, and owners facing dog bite claims in New Jersey. To get started today, call 609-926-3300 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, we serve clients throughout Atlantic City and South Jersey.