The convenience of home deliveries continues to rise, with services like UPS, FedEx, DoorDash, and Instacart catering to our diverse needs. Delivery workers, the backbone of these services, are often exposed to potential dangers, including the threat of dog attacks.
In the hustle and bustle of ensuring timely deliveries, drivers frequently encounter canines that may bark or growl from behind closed doors. However, certain dogs can become fiercely protective, posing a genuine threat to those doing their job.
Millions bit and thousands injured each year
The American Veterinary Medical Association sheds light on the issue of dog bites with some telling numbers:
- The United States is home to approximately 88 million pet dogs.
- Nationally, an estimated 4.5 million dog bites occur each year.
- Of these incidents, 800,000—nearly 20%—necessitate medical attention.
- Specifically, the U.S. postal service reported about 6,000 incidents of their employees suffering from dog attacks in 2020 alone.
These encounters can have serious consequences, potentially causing severe injuries or even life-altering harm to the victims.
The financial burden of canine aggression
Homeowners and tenants bear the responsibility for their dogs’ actions. It’s prudent for those who have dogs to secure insurance coverage to safeguard against the financial fallout if their pet inflicts harm. The Insurance Information Institute provides insight into the economic toll of dog bite incidents:
- In 2022, there were 17,597 claims related to dog bites, culminating in a staggering $1.136 billion in costs to insurers.
- The average cost per claim stood at $64,555.
- Notably, the cost of claims spiked by 32% from the previous year and has skyrocketed by 132% over the past decade.
The physical and emotional aftermath of dog attacks
Victims of dog bites and attacks may endure a range of injuries, such as:
- Lacerations, which can leave lasting scars.
- Potential exposure to rabies.
- Emotional distress following the trauma.
- Fractures or head injuries due to falls during an encounter with an aggressive dog.
These types of injuries can be severe and may require extensive medical treatment. Furthermore, the emotional impact of a dog attack can be profound, leaving victims with psychological scars that may never heal.
Owners are accountable
Delivery driver dog bite victims have rights. Indiana has a one-bite law that allows dogs some grace. Still, victims can seek compensation from the dog owner for the injuries and damages incurred. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, providing much-needed support during recovery.