USPS NATIONAL DOG BITE AWARENESS WEEK
Our attorneys have represented many mail carriers who have been bitten by a dog. In most cases, these incidents could have been prevented by the dog owner. Here is a press release from the Postal Service for National Dog Bite Awareness Week:
The number of U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees attacked by dogs nationwide fell to 5,803 in 2019. This is 200 fewer than in 2018 and more than 400 less than 2017. Today, USPS highlights technology that helps reduce potential attacks. In addition, we present our annual list of cities with the most recorded dog attacks. The organization highlights safety initiatives to help protect its employees and offer tips to pet owners. It’s all part of the Postal Service’s National Dog Bite Awareness Week, which runs Sunday, June 14, through Saturday, June 20.
‘Even during these difficult times, it’s important for our customers to understand that letter carriers are still coming to homes daily and need to deliver mail safely,’ said USPS Safety Awareness Program Manager Chris Johnson. ‘We are confident we can keep moving the trends of attacks downward.Ramping up overall awareness for everyone is the best way to do that.’
Tips and Technology To Avoid Dog Bite Attack
The Postal Service offers the following safety tips:
- When a letter carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate glass windows to attack visitors.
- Parents should remind children and other family members not to take mail directly from letter carriers in the presence of the family pet. The dog may view the letter carrier handing mail to a family member as a threatening gesture.
- If a letter carrier feels threatened by a dog, or if a dog is loose or unleashed, the owner may be asked to pick up mail at a Post Office location. This will continue until the letter carrier is assured the pet has been restrained. If the dog is roaming the neighborhood, the pet owner’s neighbors also may be asked to pick up their mail at the area’s Post Office location.
If you are a mail carrier and have been bitten by a dog, call us for a free consultation. Our lawyers will help you get proper compensation from the dog owner’s insurance. Your medical bills will be paid by the post office. In addition, the post office will pay some or all of your time missed from work. However, you may have permanent effects from the dog attack. Our attorneys will make sure you are compensated for that as well.