Delivery drivers are in vulnerable positions when it comes to the risk of dog attacks. Delivery personnel spend all day entering the private properties of mail recipients. In the wrong circumstances, this could trigger a dog attack.
In 2023, there were 5,800 reported dog attacks on Postal Service employees. In a situation involving a dog injuring a delivery person in Texas, state law can make the injured person eligible for financial compensation with the help of a dog bite attorney in Dallas.
What Are Texas’s Dog Bite Laws?
In Texas, a law known as the “one-bite rule” determines liability, or legal responsibility, for dog bite injuries. This law states that an injured victim can hold a pet owner liable for damage caused by the dog only if the owner knew or had reason to know of the dog’s vicious tendencies; in other words, the dog had bitten someone previously or had a history of aggressive behaviors.
In addition to the one-bite rule, Texas allows injured dog bite victims to file claims under the legal doctrine of negligence. With this type of claim, the injured delivery driver must show that the pet owner did not act with reasonable care in controlling the dog or preventing the attack. This can include allowing a dog to run at large in public or failing to secure the dog on private property.
Liability for Delivery Driver Dog Bite Injuries
Delivery drivers face unique risks of dog attacks due to their jobs. Every day comes with potential encounters with pets. Even dogs that are usually friendly can become aggressive, territorial or protective when a stranger approaches their home. Unfortunately, this can result in serious injuries if the dog decides to attack the delivery person.
In Texas, injured delivery drivers have legal recourse after harmful dog attacks. The one-bite rule can enable the delivery driver to file a claim directly against the pet owner in pursuit of compensation for related damages. In addition, the delivery driver may have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit against the delivery company for employer negligence.
If a delivery company failed to adequately protect or train a worker, for example, a claim may be brought against the employer following a dog bite incident. If the employee is eligible for workers’ compensation insurance coverage, financial benefits can be awarded through this system without the worker having to prove employer negligence.
What to Do if You Get Bitten by a Dog While Delivering Packages in Texas
If you are injured by a dog while providing delivery services in Texas, protect yourself by getting medical care. Do not delay going to the hospital. Professional medical treatment is necessary to prevent infection and other long-term health complications associated with dog bite injuries.
Once you’ve assessed your injuries, take the following actions:
- Get the pet owner’s information. The owner’s contact details will be critical if you need to file a dog bite insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Report the bite. Tell your employer about the attack. You should also report it to local animal control authorities to create a record of the incident.
- File a workers’ compensation claim. If desired, tell your employer that you wish to file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits to cover your medical care and partial lost wages.
Finally, contact an attorney who specializes in dog bite injury claims in Texas. A knowledgeable dog bite injury attorney can take care of the legal process involved in filing a claim on your behalf. You can trust your personal injury attorney in San Antonio to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests as an injured delivery driver.