As a FedEx delivery driver in Spokane, you often have tight schedules and numerous stops at houses–particularly during peak hours of the holiday season. At many of these stops, you’ll likely come across dogs. While the majority of dogs are friendly, especially if you see them every day, there’s always the chance that you could get bitten.
Following a dog bite, acting swiftly is crucial. Understanding your legal rights and what you can do is extremely important to your overall recovery.
At Crary and Domanico, P.S., we understand that being a FedEx delivery driver sometimes leads to dog bites. Our team of experienced Spokane dog bite lawyers is committed to safeguarding your legal rights and making sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Is a Spokane Homeowner Responsible For Your Injuries After a Dog Bite?
In Spokane, dog bites are classified as “strict liability” cases. This legal framework holds that the dog’s owner is:
- Responsible for the harm, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression or the owner didn’t know the dog was aggressive.
Therefore, it’s likely that if you’re bitten by a dog while trying to deliver your FedEx package, the homeowner will be responsible for covering your injuries and other damages. That said, if the dog is a stray or owned by someone else at the residence, the dog’s “keeper” will be responsible for your injuries. Under Washington law, a “keeper” is anyone that:
- Has assumed responsibility for the dog, even if they are not the legal owner.
Damages From Dog Bites
A Spokane dog bite is unique not only in terms of liability, but also in the potential damage they can cause. Depending on the circumstances, this harm can include:
- Physical injuries – the most pressing issue after a dog bite are physical injuries, which can vary in severity from things like puncture wounds, tissue damage, broken bones, and nerve injuries. Puncture wounds can be misleading and risk infection due to hidden tissue damage. Tissue damage can affect muscles and mobility, with severe bites potentially breaking bones, necessitating surgery. Nerve damage may result in pain, numbness, or reduced sensation.
- Emotional and psychological impact – Dog bites often lead to substantial emotional distress, particularly if they happen to you at work as a FedEx driver. You may develop a fear of dogs or experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the incident.
- Infection risk – Dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to the bacteria found in a dog’s mouth. This makes infections such as rabies, tetanus, and other bacterial illnesses a significant concern following a dog bite.
- Loss of income – Dog bites frequently result in time off work due to recovery, medical appointments, or disability resulting from the incident. This can result in lost income or a loss of your position entirely, which can hurt both your professional prospects and your personal life.
What Do You Need to Do as a FedEx Delivery Driver After a Spokane Dog Bite?
As a FedEx delivery driver who has been bitten by a dog while on the job, it’s crucial to act promptly and responsibly to ensure your well-being and protect your rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Get to safety – If the dog is still aggressive or poses a threat, move to a safe location to avoid further harm.
- Find and receive medical care – Regardless of the bite’s severity, get medical help promptly. Dog bites can lead to infections and complications, so it’s important to have a healthcare professional examine the wound.
- Report the incident – Inform your supervisor and the FedEx management about the dog bite incident. They need to be aware of the situation and may take measures to ensure your safety in the future. Make sure to document this report.
- Find the dog’s owner – If possible, try to find out who the dog’s owner is. Their information may be necessary for reporting the incident and for potential compensation, such as medical expenses.
- Collect witness information – If there were witnesses to the incident, obtain their contact information. They may provide valuable testimony if needed later.
- Document the incident – Take photos of the dog bite and any injuries you sustained. Also, make a detailed note of the time, location, and circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Report to animal control – Report the dog bite to local animal control or authorities. They can investigate the situation, check the dog’s vaccination records, and take actions to ensure public safety.
Remember, taking these steps not only safeguards your health but also provides crucial information for potential legal or insurance claims. Once you’re able to take care of your health and safety, consider speaking with our team of experienced dog bite lawyers. We can help you figure out the next steps.
Legal Process After a Spokane Dog Bite Incident
In a Spokane dog bite claim, there are typically two avenues for seeking damages: filing an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. In both scenarios, you can legally seek compensation for various types of damages. These typically include:
- Medical expenses – This encompasses costs related to emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and any other medical expenses associated with your injuries.
- Lost wages – If your injuries led to work absences or reduced earning capacity, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings.
- Pain and suffering – Damages can be recovered for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the dog bite incident.
- Disfigurement and scarring – If the dog bite resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
- Property damage – If the dog damaged your personal property during the attack, you have the option to seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
- Punitive damages – In extreme cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, the court may award punitive damages to hold the dog owner accountable.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
In Washington, you don’t have to hire a lawyer for a dog bite case, but if you want help, our team can assist. With our wealth of experience, we’ve developed a proven track record in handling such claims. Should you opt to work with our team, we offer the following services:
- Investigate the dog bite thoroughly, including on-site inspections, talking to witnesses, reviewing video footage, and collecting necessary documents.
- Work to prove the dog owner’s responsibility for the attack and your lawful presence on the premises.
- Help gather medical records and assess your damages, such as medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term effects.
- Communicate and negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement, drawing on our expertise with these types of claims.
- Start legal proceedings and represent you in court if negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement, standing up for your rights and presenting your case to a judge and jury.
- Ensure your claim is filed within Washington’s three-year statute of limitations to protect your right to seek compensation.
Navigating the claims process in Washington, even in clear dog bite cases, can be challenging. Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, and that’s why having our experienced team on your side is so important. We know the best strategies for handling these cases, and can put you in the best position to succeed in your claim.
Turn To Our Spokane Dog Bite Lawyers
When a dog bite happens to you, it can be an extremely distressing experience. This is especially true if you’re a FedEx delivery driver and are simply trying to do your job. Although liability in these cases is clear, the claims process can still be challenging.
At CCD Law, we have helped Spokane dog bite victims through the recovery process since 1948. Our team of experienced and dedicated lawyers will be there to explain your legal rights and help you navigate the claims process to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, contact us today to set up a free consultation.
