The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg recently created an infographic highlighting the dangers that postal employees face relating to dog bites and animal attacks. While the data is alarming regarding the number of dog bites among postal workers, this infographic outlines ways that USPS workers can stay safe and avoid potentially life-changing injuries. The infographic also clarifies how postal workers may be able to obtain compensation for any dog-bite-related injuries.
Postal workers can face a variety of job-related hazards. However, for many postal employees who spend their days delivering mail and packages, dog bites present some of the highest risks. Each time a USPS worker approaches a home or business to deliver mail, they face a potential risk. And because any breed of dog is capable of attacking a postal employee, it is essential to remain vigilant.
Dog Attacks on Postal Workers
On average, 15 postal workers are bitten or attacked by a dog each day in the United States. In 2020, for example, there were over 5,800 USPS workers who were attacked by dogs. OF course, certain cities present a much higher risk of a USPS dog attack than others. Chicago, for example, was ranked as the second most dangerous city for postal worker dog attacks despite the fact that dog-ownership rates in Illinois are about nine percent lower than in the United States as a whole.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs are, by their very nature, hunters. Thus, any breed of dog is capable of attacking a human. And, due to the fact that USPS workers often find themselves approaching dog owners’ homes countless times throughout the day, postal workers have one of the highest risks of sustaining a dog bite injury.
While dogs don’t always attack for a reason, there are some things that might trigger a dog to attack. The following may all be reasons for a dog attack:
Illness – Dogs that are sick or not feeling well are more likely to attack.
Protection – A dog might see an unfamiliar face approaching its home and take it as a threat to its owner’s safety, prompting the dog to attack.
Fear – Dogs will often initiate an attack if they are suddenly startled.
Play – Dogs may engage in rough play that can quickly escalate, especially if a person runs away, moves suddenly, or pushes the dog away.
Illinois Dog Bite Laws
Illinois lawmakers passed what’s called a strict liability statute when it comes to dog bites. Under this strict liability framework, which is outlined in 510 ILCS 5/16, an animal’s owner is liable for any injuries caused by their animal, even if the owner was not negligent. Because of this, victims do not need to prove that a dog previously attacked another person or that the owner was aware of the danger their dog posed to USPS workers. To boil it down, a postal employee may recover damages after a dog bite if each of the following applies:
• The worker was not provoking the animal immediately before the attack;
• The worker was “peaceably conducting themselves” at the time of the attack; and
• The worker was in a place they were legally permitted to be at the time of the attack.
Of course, postal workers are legally permitted to be on the property of home and business owners, including sidewalks, porches, and exterior stairs, provided they are at the location to deliver mail.
How Can USPS Workers Stay Safe Around Dogs?
The United States Postal Service provides some guidelines on how USPS workers can stay safe when covering their routes:
1. Always carry dog repellant;
2. Update dog warning cards to keep other workers apprised of any dangerous animals along their route;
3. Make notes on the mobile delivery device whenever a worker encounters a vicious dog;
4. Report all incidents, including close calls, to an immediate supervisor.
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is a respected personal injury law firm specializing in dog bite claims. For over 35 years, the personal injury lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg have been advocating on behalf of individuals and families who suffered as a result of others’ negligent actions. Our dog bite lawyers are compassionate, dedicated advocates who can clearly explain your rights and effectively pursue a claim on your behalf to ensure you are fairly compensated for what you’ve been through. We offer free consultations to all dog bite victims and will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg
205 West Randolph St Suite 925
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 222-0010
https://www.briskmanandbriskman.com
175 N Chicago St
Joliet, IL 60432
(312) 222-0010
Two Northfield Plaza Suite 385
Northfield, IL 60093
(312) 222-0010
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