The alarming trend of dog attacks on postal workers has continued into 2023, with over 5,800 postal employees suffering injuries from dog bites last year alone. This disturbing increase from the 5,200 dog bites reported in 2022 emphasizes the severity of the problem. At Joe I. Zaid & Associates, we understand the consequences of these incidents and are committed to supporting victims in pursuing justice and compensation.
The Scope of the Problem
Each year, the United States Postal Service (USPS) undertakes the National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign to highlight this public health issue. The 2024 campaign, running from June 2-9, is themed “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you”. The initiative aims to educate dog owners on ways to protect mail carriers during their rounds and reduce the number of attacks.
Preventive Measures for Dog Owners
There are several simple yet effective strategies that dog owners can adopt to safeguard postal workers:
- If a mail carrier delivers packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close the door before opening the front door. This prevents dogs from bursting through screen doors or windows to attack visitors.
- Parents should instruct their children and other family members not to take mail directly from the carrier in the presence of the dog, as dogs might perceive this as a threatening gesture.
- Sign up for Informed Delivery™, which provides advance notice of parcel deliveries via email and text. This allows dog owners to take preventive measures in keeping their pets restrained.
The Postal Service’s Stance on Safety
The USPS prioritizes the safety of its employees. If a mail carrier feels threatened by a dog or encounters a loose dog, the owner may be required to collect mail from the Post Office until the carrier is assured that the pet has been securely restrained. Additionally, if a dog is roaming the neighborhood, neighbors might also be asked to pick up their mail at the Post Office to ensure everyone’s safety.
A Personal Account
As a letter carrier who experienced a dog bite, I emphasize the real and present danger postal workers face. My incident occurred when the dog’s owners left their front door open while bringing in groceries just as I was delivering the mail. In a flash, the dog was on me, clamping its teeth on my leg. While the outcome could have been more severe, the situation was entirely preventable.
Get Help Today
Joe I. Zaid & Associates is here to ensure that victims of dog bites receive the support and legal representation they deserve. With proper education and preventive measures in place, we can reduce the number of dog bite incidents significantly.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with this year’s USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign and implement the recommended practices to ensure the safety of your local letter carriers. By doing so, you will contribute to a safer environment, allowing postal workers to perform their vital duties without fear of dog attacks. Together, let’s aim to see the number of dog bite cases decrease in the coming years.
For legal advice and representation following a dog bite incident, contact Joe I. Zaid & Associates — your trusted advocates in personal injury law.
