Dog bites occur almost every day in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. California paid out the most in dog bite-related injury settlements in 2012. Often, our postal workers are most at risk for dog bites and indeed, Los Angeles tops the country when it comes to dog attacks on postal workers.
Given available training methods for dogs, particularly for breeds known to be more aggressive, as well as public awareness about dog bites and the serious injuries they can cause, one might think that dog bite attacks might be on the decline. Unfortunately, the reverse is true and each day about 1,000 dog bite victims require emergency care treatment for serious dog bite injuries and about 9,500 citizens are hospitalized each year due to dog bite injuries and dog bites are the fifth most frequent cause of Emergency Room visits for children.
What’s more, dog attacks on postal workers increased in 2016 to the highest levels in the last three decades. Officials believe that the rise in internet shopping and consumer expectations for 24/7 package delivery may have contributed this increase.
Increase in Mail Carrier Dog Bites
When a dog bites a postman, all of us are affected. According to the USPS, medical and expenses and workers’ compensation cost the federal agency millions of dollars each year. Postal workers are not alone — UPS said its deliverers suffered about 900 dog bites last year. FedEx doesn’t collect numbers on dog attacks.
What Can Homeowners Do?
California is a one bite, strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means if you or a loved one is attacked by a dog, the owner is liable, even if the dog has not show any previous signs of aggression. Whether you are a dog owner or not, there are several steps homeowners can take to prevent their beloved pets from attacking or going after anyone, including package deliverers or mail carriers.
To start, if a delivery person drops off mail or packages to your front door, put your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Dogs have been known to burst through plate glass windows or even screen doors to attack visitors. It is important that dog owners keep their pets secured.
If you have been injured by a vicious dog in California, know that the law is on your side, and so are our experienced dog bite attorneys. For a free consultation about your potential case, contact Woodland Hills attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
