Online Shopping Causes Increase in Dog Attacks

Online shopping has made it possible for you to get everything from clothes, to groceries, to the latest electronic gadgets and nearly everything in between to be delivered right to your doorstep. This has also led to a humongous boost in business for the delivery industry. The US Postal Service, UPS, and Federal Express have all seen massive growth in their businesses over the last several years.

One unexpected consequence of this has been a sharp rise in dog attack injuries to mail and package carriers. The US Postal Service stated that in 2015 alone the number of dog attacks rose 14% from the year previous.

The US Postal Service has responded to the sudden increase in package delivery business with the release of a new app called “TripHazard,” which is available on all of their handheld delivery devices. This allows postal workers to input hazards, including potentially dangerous dogs, into a database to warn others about the potential dangers along the route.

Why do Dogs Attack Postal Workers?

"Dogs view mailmen as trespassers invading their space. Let's face it: a dog doesn't have much to do all day if the house is empty but to sleep and wait for the mailman who comes around the same time each day,” said postal worker Michael Micali of New Jersey. Indeed many dogs are very territorial, and the presence of an unknown person in what they consider their territory can prompt an aggressive and instinctual behavior, even if they have been trained.

Avoiding a Dog Bite Attack

As a homeowner with a pet (not just a dog, mind you), it is imperative that you restrain or secure your pets at all times to prevent these attacks as part of Florida’s premises liability laws. If your pet attacks someone who enters your property, you likely will be held liable for their injuries and more, even if your animal has never attacked someone before. Postal workers are generally legally afforded “licensee” status, meaning they are not explicitly invited onto your property, but their presence should be expected. As the cost of a dog bite claim has risen 16% over just the past year, this is imperative to avoid a costly lawsuit.

As a postal worker, if you are attacked by a pet, dog or otherwise, it is important to begin pursuing your legal options as soon as possible. You could be entitled to substantial compensation for things including medical bills, mental anguish, lost income from missed work, and much more.