In recent years, Amazon has become the top company in online shopping across the nation. They’ve achieved this by delivering products incredibly fast, sometimes within just a few hours.
What this means if you’re an Amazon delivery driver is that you’re likely to encounter a lot of houses with dogs while making deliveries. This, unfortunately, also brings the possibility of suffering a dog bite.
At Crary and Domanico, P.S., our caring and dedicated team of lawyers in Spokane is here to help you with your dog bite case. We focus on getting you fair compensation for medical expenses and the suffering caused by the dog bite.
If you’re an Amazon delivery driver and have been bitten by a dog, contact us for a free consultation.
How Does Washington Law Handle Dog Bites With Delivery Drivers?
As a delivery driver for Amazon, you likely spend a majority of your work day delivering packages and orders right to doorsteps in Spokane. So, if you’re bitten by a dog while you’re delivering a package, does it matter that you’re on what amounts to private property?
The answer, according to Washington law, is no. There is no distinction in liability in regard to where the bite takes place. Under the state’s “strict liability” approach, a dog’s owner is almost always responsible for covering your injuries and damages from a dog bite.
Damages
What sets a dog bite apart from other accidents is the potential damage it can do to you. This is especially true if you’re a delivery driver. A dog bite in that setting is likely going to have a huge impact on both your work and personal life. That’s why filing an injury claim against the dog’s owner is usually the best path forward to your recovery. In such a claim, you could potentially recover:
- Medical expenses – This covers the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other costs related to treating your injuries.
- Lost wages – If your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your earning capacity, you may receive compensation for the income you’ve lost and potential future earnings.
- Pain and suffering – You can receive damages for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the dog bite.
- Disfigurement and scarring – If the dog bite leaves permanent scars or alters your appearance, you may be eligible for additional compensation to address the impact on your physical appearance and self-esteem.
- Property damage – If the dog damages your belongings during the attack, you may be able to receive compensation for repairs or replacements.
- Punitive damages – In specific cases, the court may grant punitive damages to penalize the dog owner for extreme negligence or intentional harm.
Even with strict liability in place, dog bite cases can sometimes be complex. However, our team of experienced dog bite lawyers can explain your rights and how to best approach your situation. On your end though, it’s important to know what to do right after the dog bites you.
Next Steps After a Spokane Dog Bite
When you get bit by a dog, the immediate aftermath of the incident is very important, both in terms of your health and safety and any potential claim you may have. However, as an Amazon delivery driver, there are a few other points you’ll want to be aware of. That said, here’s what your next steps should be after a dog attack:
- Get medical care right away – If the dog bite is severe, your first priority should be your health and safety. Seek immediate medical attention to assess and treat the injury. Even seemingly minor dog bites can lead to infections, so it’s crucial to get proper medical care.
- Report the incident – Notify your supervisor or the Amazon logistics team about the incident as soon as possible. They may have specific procedures in place for dealing with such incidents. Document the details of the dog bite, including the location, time, and any witnesses.
- Collect information – If possible, gather information about the dog and its owner, including the owner’s name and contact details. This information may be important for potential legal or insurance claims.
- File an incident report – Most companies, including Amazon, require employees to file incident reports for workplace accidents. Ensure you complete this report accurately, providing all necessary details about the dog bite incident.
- Contact animal control – In Spokane, you can contact Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) to report the dog bite incident. They can investigate the situation and may take appropriate actions if the dog poses a danger.
- Workers’ compensation – If you’re an Amazon delivery driver, you may be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Contact your employer’s HR or workers’ compensation department to understand your rights and benefits related to the injury.
- Document your injuries – Keep records of your medical treatment, including bills, prescriptions, and any time taken off work due to the injury. This documentation can be important if you need to make a workers’ compensation claim.
Remember that as an Amazon delivery driver, your safety is a primary concern. When there’s a dog bite, make sure to report the incident to your supervisor to protect other drivers. From there, consider speaking with our team to figure out what you can do legally to help you recover from your injuries.
Legal Process After a Spokane Dog Bite
Your potential damages recoverable in an injury claim after a Spokane dog bite is only one part of the equation. The other is actually going through the legal process. This is where our team of experienced dog bite lawyers can be essential, helping assess your claim and then guiding you through the legal process.
Every dog bite incident is unique, but generally, the legal process will involve:
- Filing an insurance claim with the dog’s owner – Many homeowners’ insurance policies include coverage for dog bite incidents. You can request benefits and support from the dog owner’s insurance provider to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance coverage won’t cover all your injuries or in the unlikely event your claim is denied, you have the option to take legal action against the dog’s owner. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek financial support for injuries, property damage, income loss, and emotional distress resulting from the dog bite by presenting your claim in court, which could even end up before a judge and jury.
No matter what option you choose, our team of dog bite lawyers will be there to support your case. We can help you by:
- Investigating the incident
- Helping you collect and analyze medical records and other documentation
- Interview any witnesses
- Consult medical experts
- Negotiate with insurance company
- If necessary, handling your case through litigation and even a trial
Effective legal assistance following a dog bite in Spokane is crucial. Even when liability is set, navigating dealings with insurance companies can be quite complex. Nevertheless, working with our team of dog bite lawyers at CCD Law can significantly ease the process for you and your loved ones.
Free Consultations for Spokane Dog Bite Victims
When you’re making deliveries as an Amazon driver, you will come across many different homes and dogs in Spokane. If one of these encounters ends up with you being bitten and injured by a dog, CCD Law will be there to help you.
Since 1948, our team of Spokane dog bite lawyers have been helping clients through the legal process following these unfortunate incidents. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
