Dog Attacks Mail Carrier

The number of postal workers who have been attacked by dogs nationwide significantly increased in 2016, according to data released by the U.S. Postal Service. The federal agency said there were 6,755 dog attacks involving mail carriers in 2016, about 200 more than the year before. Dog bite prevention training and continuing education are crucial when it comes to preventing these types of incidents, officials said. Dog bite incidents are on the rise and can lead to a Rhode Island dog bite lawsuit.

Why The Spike In Dog Attacks On Mail Carriers?

Mail CarrierDog attacks are more frequent when the post office’s package business is booming. Recently, they have seen double-digit increases in the package deliveries. Thanks to agreements reached with Amazon in 2013 and 2014, postal carriers are visiting homes more frequently and at all times of the day. United Parcel Service said its 66,000 deliverers suffered about 900 dog bites last year, a percentage that has remained fairly stable.

Understanding Dog Bite Incidents

dog in owner's houseAccording to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, about 36 percent of U.S. households own a dog, with an average of 1.6 dogs per household. While mail carriers do routinely encounter dogs as part of their job, they do not suffer the most dog bites. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children are most likely to be bitten. The rate is highest among children between the ages of 5 and 9. Among adults, men are more likely to be bitten than women, according to the CDC. About 4.5 million people suffer from dog bite injuries each year in the United States and one in five dog bites gets infected.

What Precautions Can I Take To Prevent My Dog From Attacking?

There are several steps homeowners can take to prevent their pets from attacking postal workers and those delivering packages:

    dog in pen

  • Never let your dog roam loose.
  • Keep your pet restrained when letter carriers and others who are not familiar with your dog come to your home.
  • If you open your door to sign for an item or receive a package, put your dog in another room and close the door.
  • Do not take your mail or package directly from the person delivering it in front of your dog. Dogs may interpret this as a threat.
  • Obedience training can teach a dog to behave properly and help owners better control them.
  • Spay or neuter your dogs. This makes them less likely to roam.
  • Dogs that get little attention or are left tied up for long periods of time often turn into biters.

RI Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog attack lawyer meeting injured clientsIf you have been injured in a dog attack on the job, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits from your employer. In addition, you may also be able to file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company. If you have been injured in a dog attack, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Rhode Island dog bite lawyer, who can help you better understand your legal rights and options. For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, call our toll free number at 1-800-992-6878.

Author Photo

Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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