An Oregon postal worker recently filed a lawsuit against the owner of an abnormally dangerous dog after the canine attacked her, causing serious facial injuries. More than 5,000 postal workers are attacked by dogs every year in the United States, posing a significant risk to hard-working employees. Dog bite attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm recommend a few ways dog owners can help prevent serious incidents like this.
Dog attacks are a nationwide issue, not just for postal workers but for anyone in the vicinity of a dangerous or loose dog – nearly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and half of these incidents involve children. According to the CDC, about one in five dog bites result in injuries that require medical attention.
The Oregon case involves a postal worker who was delivering mail in a neighborhood in Eugene when she was attacked by a Siberian Husky. The dog was on a leash, but had escaped the grasp of its owner. As stated, the woman suffered serious injuries to her face and is now seeking over $180,000 in damages related to the medical care she required.
Large dogs like Siberian Husky, Rottweilers and German Shepherds are not inherently more likely to bite or attack people than any other breed – but if they do, they cause significantly more harm than smaller breeds purely because of their size and power.
Any type of dog has the potential to bite if they feel they or their property or family are threatened. Bites and attacks are largely preventable, however, if owners took the necessary steps. Here are a few tips for owners to prevent dog bites and attacks:
- Work with a veterinarian and trainer when you first bring a new dog into your household
- Be sensitive to cues that a child is apprehensive about a dog, or visa versa
- Spay/neuter your dog to reduce aggressive tendencies, and do not play aggressively with it
- NEVER leave young children alone with any dog
- Properly socialize and train your dog, and seek professional advice about undesirable behavior
- Teach children basic safety tips about unfamiliar dogs or how to properly act around them
- Immediately report stray dogs
For a free legal consultation, call 800-934-6555
In the instance of postal workers, dogs can often perceive them as a threat because they are entering their territory. Dog owners are urged to keep their dog inside, away from the door, and in another room when a postal worker arrives. It is important to note, however, that dogs that receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods frequently turn into aggressive dogs.
The top five cities where postal workers are most likely to suffer a dog bite or attack are: Los Angeles, San Antonio, Seattle, Chicago, and San Francisco. A full list of the city rankings can be found here, on the USPS website.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured by a dog, contact our dog bite attorneysimmediately. We have been working with victims of dog attacks for nearly three decades, and can help guide you and your family through the process of filing a legal claim and paying off your medical bills. We provide free, confidential, no-obligation legal consultations to potential clients nationwide.
Call or text 800-934-6555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form