If you’ve been bitten by a dog as a delivery driver in Ohio, you’re probably feeling scared, confused, and worried about medical bills and lost wages.
We understand this can be a stressful situation, and we want to assure you that you have options. This guide will walk you through the steps you should take after a dog bite, including where to report the incident, how to protect your rights, and what compensation you deserve.
If you are a delivery driver who has been injured in a dog attack in Ohio, we encourage you to speak to our dedicated team of dog-bite lawyers. We will review your case for free, and should you choose us to represent you in your dog bite case, we will not charge you anything unless we win. To arrange your free consultation, call Slater & Zurz at 330-762-0700 today.
What Are Ohio’s Dog Bite Laws?
First, the good news: Ohio is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means that the dog owner is generally held responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s bite history.
In other words:
- You don’t have to prove the dog was vicious or aggressive in the past. If you were bitten while making a delivery, the dog owner is likely liable for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- The law applies even if there were “Beware of Dog” signs posted. As a delivery driver, you have a lawful right to be on the property to complete your delivery.
It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to Ohio’s strict liability laws—for example, if you were trespassing on private property or taunting the dog.
However, these exceptions are rare, and the burden of proof typically falls on the dog owner. As long as you did not do anything to provoke the dog and you entered the property solely to deliver mail or packages, you likely have the right to pursue compensation.
Dog Bites Involving Delivery Drivers: What Are Your Legal Options?
I’ve seen firsthand how a dog bite on the job can turn your world upside down. The pain, the fear, the worry about how you’ll pay the bills—it can feel overwhelming. That said, you have options, and understanding your legal rights as a delivery driver after a dog attack can be a big step towards healing and getting back on your feet.
Workers’ compensation
This is likely your first line of defense. Workers’ compensation can help cover your medical bills and offer a portion of your lost wages if the bite prevents you from working.
The key here is to act fast—report the incident to your employer and file a workers’ compensation claim immediately.
Personal injury claim
Workers’ compensation won’t cover everything, and that’s okay. If the dog owner’s negligence played a role in the bite—maybe a broken fence or a missing “Beware of Dog” sign—you might have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Some types of compensation awarded in Ohio dog bite cases include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Ongoing rehabilitation
- Lost earnings
- Diminished earning capacity
- Vehicle and home modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
I know lawsuits can sound scary and drawn-out, but here’s a silver lining: many dog bite claims settle outside of court as they’re often covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. This can be a more straightforward path to getting the compensation you deserve without a lengthy legal battle.
Our team has 30+ years of experience handling dog bite claims in Ohio, and we’re here to help you navigate these challenges. We offer free consultations, and we won’t charge you unless we win compensation for you. Reach out at 330-762-0700 today.
Third-party claims
Let’s say the property owner didn’t secure the premises properly, and that contributed to the attack. In that case, you might have a claim against them as well.
Again, the laws surrounding dog bites can be complex. Many delivery drivers who approach us feel overwhelmed by the potential ramifications of taking legal action. Luckily, with the guidance of our dog bite lawyers, the process can be much less daunting than it appears.
What to Do If You Experience a Dog Attack on the Job
Step 1: Seek medical care
Dog bites can be shocking and scary, especially when you’re just doing your job. Remember: Your health comes first. Don’t wait until your shift ends to get medical attention. Dog bites can turn serious quickly, and delaying treatment can increase your risk of infection and complicate your recovery.
Depending on the severity of your wounds, consider:
- Calling 911. If the bite is serious or you’re bleeding heavily, call 911 immediately for emergency medical attention.
- Go to the ER or urgent care. If the bite seems less severe, head to your local emergency room or urgent care center. A doctor can properly clean and dress the wound, which helps prevent infection. They’ll also assess any deeper tissue damage that might not be immediately apparent.
Even a minor-looking bite can become infected, especially if the dog wasn’t vaccinated. Getting checked by a doctor right away is crucial for your health and well-being.
Step 2: Tell your employer
Let your supervisor or manager know about the incident as soon as possible. Here’s why it’s important:
- Worker’s compensation benefits. Dog bites sustained while on the job are often covered under worker’s compensation. Reporting the incident to your employer ensures you can file a claim and receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages while you recover.
- Documentation. Your employer can document the incident in their records, which can be helpful if you need to file a legal claim later.
- Delivery route safety. Inform your employer about the dog bite and the location of the incident. This can help them assess the safety of future deliveries in that area and potentially take steps to avoid similar situations.
Step 3: Photograph your injuries and document everything
Next, spend some time to gather evidence that’ll support your case:
- Document the bite. Take photos of your wounds as soon as possible, including close-ups and wider shots that show the location of the bite on your body. If there are any other injuries like cuts, scrapes, or bruises, be sure to photograph those as well.
- Capture the scene. If you’re able to do so safely, take pictures of the area where the bite happened. This could include things like the dog itself (if possible, from a safe distance), the property where the incident occurred, and any hazards that might have contributed to the situation (like a broken fence or unsecured gate).
- Witness information. Were there any neighbors or bystanders who saw what happened? If possible, try to get their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be invaluable in building your case.
- Details matter. While the shock might be fresh, try to write down as many details about the incident as you can remember. This could include the time of day, a description of the dog, and anything that might have triggered the attack (like a loud noise or sudden movement). The more details you have, the easier it will be to reconstruct the events for legal purposes.
Step 4: File a police report
Contact your local police department to file a report, which is an official record of the dog attack. This helps establish a timeline of events and demonstrates you took immediate action. You can usually file a report in person, online, or by phone.
Step 5: Report the incident to your local dog warden
Your dog warden is responsible for enforcing animal control laws in your area. Reporting the bite helps them investigate the incident and take appropriate action against the dog owner. Here’s why it’s important:
- Public safety. The dog warden can assess the dog for temperament and ensure it’s properly vaccinated to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases.
- Potential quarantine. Depending on the dog’s vaccination status and the severity of the bite, the dog warden might quarantine the animal to ensure public safety.
- Future incidents. Reporting the bite helps create a record of the dog’s behavior, which can be helpful in preventing future attacks.
Step 6: Speak to a dog bite lawyer
Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at Slater & Zurz has fought for the rights of delivery drivers after a dog attack for over 30 years. We understand the lingering physical toll a dog attack can have on you and the significant mental, emotional, and financial strain a dog bite can cause. Often, the effects of dog attacks can render you physically, mentally, and emotionally unable to perform your job as you once did.
Luckily, you’re not alone in this. We’ll fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation to rebuild your life. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing—and if you need any other type of support, we’re here by your side as well.
Contact one of our personal injury lawyers for a free consultation to learn your rights following a dog attack and begin securing the justice you deserve. We are available anytime, day or night, to offer support from our offices in Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
Reach out online or call 330-762-0700 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a delivery driver sue for a dog bite?
- Yes, a delivery driver can sue for a dog bite to seek compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Make sure to report the incident immediately, seek medical attention, and consult with a personal injury lawyer to explore legal options.
- Who’s liable for dog bites involving delivery drivers?
- Ohio’s strict liability laws mean dog owners are generally responsible for bite injuries, regardless of the dog’s history. This applies even to delivery drivers on the property for lawful deliveries (unless they were trespassing or provoking the dog).
- What is the Amazon delivery dog policy?
- Delivery driver safety is a priority to Amazon. The Flex app allows drivers to report dog safety concerns and avoid deliveries they feel unsafe completing. You can also contact support through the app if a situation arises. Learn more here.
