Who is at Risk of a Work Related Dog Bite?
While dog bite incidents can happen anywhere, some professions are more prone to work related dog bites. The following professions are only a few:
- Postal workers
- Delivery drivers
- Animal control officers
- Utility workers
- Veterinarians and vet technicians
- Home service providers
- Construction workers
Following a dog bite incident during work hours, an employee may have inquiries concerning the party responsible for covering their medical expenses. There are legal protections available for attack victims in this circumstance.
More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites. [1]
Who Is Liable for a Work Related Dog Bite?
Your employer has a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment. If the dog bite occurred due to unsafe conditions or if your employer failed to take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents, they may be held liable.
Depending on the circumstances, the owner of the dog could be legally responsible for the injuries caused by their pet. They may be held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the dog bite.
If negligence on the part of the dog owner or your employer caused the dog bite incident, you may have the right to pursue legal action. Consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases to understand your rights, assess your case, and explore possible legal remedies.
Your employer cannot retaliate against you for reporting a dog bite incident or pursuing legal action. If you face any adverse actions, such as termination, demotion, or harassment, as a result of exercising your rights, you may have legal grounds for a retaliation claim.
Eighty percent of bites occurred during mail delivery, vet/kennel work, and personal care work. [2]
Does Workers’ Compensation Apply if Bitten While at Work?
Generally, workers’ compensation covers injuries that occur while an employee is performing their job duties. If a dog bite occurs while an employee is carrying out their work-related responsibilities, they may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that it typically doesn’t matter who was at fault for the incident.
To ensure that workers’ compensation applies in the case of a dog bite, it’s important to report the incident to the employer as soon as possible. This allows for the creation of an official record of the injury, which is a necessary step in filing a workers’ compensation claim.
In many cases, workers’ compensation benefits may cover medical expenses related to the dog bite, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, medications, and follow-up treatments. If the employee is unable to work or experiences a loss of wages due to the bite, workers’ compensation may provide wage replacement benefits.
In situations where a dog bite results in significant physical or psychological harm, an injured employee may also be entitled to additional benefits such as vocational rehabilitation or compensation for permanent disability.
There may be exceptions and limitations to workers’ compensation coverage for dog bites. For example, if the employee intentionally provoked the dog or was engaged in illegal activities at the time of the incident, workers’ compensation benefits may be denied.
If an employee encounters any difficulties or challenges in obtaining workers’ compensation benefits for a dog bite, then it is time for them to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney.
What Kind of Compensation is Available for a Dog Bite?
In addition to medical expenses, workers’ compensation may also provide wage replacement benefits if you are unable to work due to the dog bite.
This can help alleviate the financial burden of lost income during your recovery period. The amount of wage replacement benefits will depend on factors such as your average weekly earnings and the extent of your disability.
In cases where the dog bite results in severe physical or psychological harm, you may be entitled to additional benefits. This could include vocational rehabilitation services to help you transition back into the workforce if you are unable to return to your previous job.
Compensation for permanent disability may also be available, depending on the nature and extent of your injuries.
Dog Bite Treatment
Being a dog bite victim can be a traumatic experience, but knowing the right steps to take can help ensure a smoother recovery process. Here are the important steps to follow after being bitten by a dog on the job.
- Assess the severity of the bite:
If the bite is deep, bleeding profusely, or if you're experiencing severe pain, it's crucial to seek medical help right away. - Clean the wound:
Use warm tap water and mild soap to gently wash the area surrounding the bite. This helps reduce the risk of infection. - Apply a sterile bandage:
Avoid using adhesive bandages directly on the bite wound, as it might stick to the skin and cause additional pain when removed. - Seek medical treatment:
Contact your supervisor or manager to inform them of the incident. They can guide you on the necessary steps to take and may arrange for you to visit an approved medical facility. Watch for signs of infection. - Report the bite:
Provide a detailed account of what transpired, including the date, time, location, and any witness statements. Make sure to retain a copy of the official report for your personal records. - Document your injuries:
Throughout your recovery process, keep detailed records of all medical treatments received, including prescriptions, bills, and invoices.
These documents will help when filing for workers' compensation or dealing with insurance companies. Take photographs of the bite wound during different stages of healing to help establish the extent of your injuries. - Follow the recommended treatment plan:
Adhere to your healthcare provider's instructions and complete the recommended treatment plan. By following your treatment plan diligently, you can promote faster healing and better overall outcomes. - Consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer:
If you encounter any challenges during the workers' compensation process or if your injuries are severe, it may be beneficial to consult with a dog bite lawyer. Legal professionals can navigate the legal issues of your situation, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and any related damages.
Why Should I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Insurance companies can also be a significant challenge to deal with when seeking compensation for your dog bite injuries. They may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether, leaving you without the financial support you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
The right bite injury lawyer can help you understand the true value of your claim. They will assess all the damages you have suffered, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs.
Hiring legal representation provides support and representation when filing a claim for workers’ compensation or other legal action. Dog bite victims have the option to pursue legal action without legal representation, but it is worth considering the benefits of having an experienced dog bite attorney.
Sources
[1] Dog bite prevention. (n.d.). American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention
[2] Dog bite safety at work: An injury prevention perspective on reported occupational dog bites in the UK. (2019, June 7). Dog Bite Safety at Work: An Injury Prevention Perspective on Reported Occupational Dog Bites in the UK – ScienceDirect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.05.034
