A study by the U.S. postal service placed Philadelphia in 11th place for U.S. cities with the highest number of dog attacks on postal workers in 2022. Across the country, over 5,400 U.S. workers suffered dog attacks at work last year. This data provides a vivid insight into the growing trend of dog bites on delivery drivers.
The FedEx Dog Bite Policy
As FedEx employees encounter dogs daily during their workday, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight the FedEx dog bite policy and provide delivery drivers the direct steps they can take to recover compensation after a dog bite on their routes.
The dog bite policy set by FedEx states that injured workers must report the dog bite incident to their manager or human resources team as soon as possible. While Fedex is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their delivery drivers, you may not have full coverage under their insurance policy. In addition, the company sets specific deadlines for filing injury claims, and if you miss any of these deadlines, your claim may be at risk of being denied.
Workers with serious dog bite injuries may be unable to meet these filing deadlines, and their claims lapse. They’re then forced to pay for injury care out of pocket and may miss months of employment without income as they recover from the impact of their bite injuries.
The Rising Trend of Dog Bites on Delivery Drivers
Perhaps due to the COVID pandemic or simply because of the way in which technology has evolved to allow for the proliferation of delivery options, dog bites on delivery drivers are rising in number. Data also shows dog bites now among the most common injuries delivery drivers suffer. The evolving trend requires a greater focus on knowing your rights after a dog bite at work, and understanding the steps to take to protect your health and your legal rights to compensation.
Delivery drivers should take the following steps immediately after a dog bite:
Stop Your Route
If you suffer a dog bite injury, regardless of how minor, stop your deliveries for the day.
Inform Your Supervisor
Inform your supervisor about the bite and that you intend to seek medical advice about the next step of the process. You have the legal right to seek medical attention for a dog bite injury.
Get Medical Attention
The steps you take now to get medical attention and undergo injury analysis will play a significant role in the success of any future injury claim. Go to a nearby urgent care provider or hospital to have your dog bite checked and get a rabies vaccine. Proactive medical care will ensure the wound doesn’t get infected and give you the best chance of an effective injury recovery.
Discuss Your Claim with a Dog Bite Attorney Specializing in Workplace Dog Bites
The earlier you get legal advice after a dog bite, the easier it will be for your dog bite attorney to secure compensation for you.
At this stage, your memories of the incident will be fresh, and you’ll have all the information from your medical appointment for your dog bite lawyer to review. You’ll also benefit from having a dog bite attorney handle the communications with the various insurance companies and other stakeholders involved in the claim. The attorney will represent you in all communications and help you complete the required documentation while protecting your right to fair dog bite compensation.
Turn to Jeffrey Penneys for Dog Bites at Work
Jeffrey Penneys has proven experience helping clients recover settlements after dog bites suffered at work. From FedEx drivers to Amazon delivery drivers, he has represented clients across Pennsylvania in their pursuits of dog bite compensation. Don’t settle for a penny less than you deserve in your at-work dog bite case! Call Jeffrey Penneys for a free consultation at 215-771-0430.
“After a horrific dog attack, I hired Mr. Penneys to represent my case. In the days following the attack, Jeff followed up with me daily to check in to see how I was doing both physically and mentally. Throughout the experience, Jeff provided a level of concern and compassion that I would not expect from a personal injury lawyer.
Jeff was able to settle my case with a fantastic outcome without going through an arduous trial- something that I greatly appreciated and need. I would highly recommend Jeff to any attack victim.