United Parcel Service (UPS) is a nationwide delivery service recognized for its brown delivery trucks. As the holiday season approaches, many packages and deliveries will reach homes throughout Spokane. While package deliveries are convenient, they require a roster full of delivery drivers to meet the demand. While most deliveries go smoothly, some result in dog bites when dropping off a package, leading to medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other damages.
Since 1948, Crary and Domanico P.S. has been dedicated to representing dog bite victims in Spokane, which has frequently included UPS delivery drivers. If you were bitten while trying to deliver a package, our experienced team can help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t need to pay upfront fees. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about how we can assist you.
Liability and Dog Bites To Spokane UPS Delivery Drivers
In the state of Washington, there exists specific legal guidelines as it relates to dog bites and the associated legal responsibility. Washington follows a “strict liability” approach, which means:
- The owner of the dog that caused the injury is held liable, even in cases where the incident was not deliberate.
Washington’s rules on dog bites are different from many other states. While some states have exceptions to strict liability if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog, Washington doesn’t have these exceptions. This means that in Washington, the dog owner is legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, no matter the circumstances.
As a UPS driver, this is a very important distinction. Basically, if you’re bitten by a dog while trying to deliver a package, the dog’s owner is fully responsible for covering your injuries and damages. And in a dog attack, these injuries and damages can result in a wide range of potential issues.
Common Injuries and Damages in a Spokane Dog Bite Claim
Although they can happen quite frequently, especially if you’re a UPS delivery driver, a dog bite can have a wide range of potential injuries depending on the location and severity of the bite. While each dog bite case is unique, they often result in these common injuries:
- Puncture wounds – Dog bites frequently cause puncture wounds, as a dog’s teeth can easily penetrate the skin. These injuries can be quite deep and may require stitches.
- Lacerations – A dog’s teeth can create deep cuts or tears in the skin, which may be challenging to repair and might require surgical intervention.
- Infection – Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, increasing the risk of infection. If left untreated, infections can lead to serious health issues.
- Nerve damage – Injuries to nerves in the affected area can result in numbness, tingling, or loss of function.
- Broken bones – Dog bites can cause bone fractures, especially in the hands and feet.
- Emotional trauma – Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, causing emotional distress and anxiety in the victim.
Possible Damages
Legally speaking, once you’re bitten by a dog in Spokane, you have the right to file a claim for “damages.” These are designed to compensate you for your injuries and other damage you suffered because of the bite. In a typical claim, you could possibly recover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Punitive damages
The claims process can be quite challenging, even in dog bite cases where liability is clear. You’ll still need to navigate interactions with insurance companies, which can be a complex process. This underscores the importance of working with our experienced team of Spokane dog bite lawyers. We are well-versed in handling these cases, including negotiation and dealing with insurance companies and their representatives.
How Can Our Spokane Dog Bite Lawyers Help You?
Although Washington doesn’t mandate the hiring of a lawyer for a car accident claim, having our Spokane dog bite lawyers on your team can make the legal process much easier on you and your family. Our experience has given rise to a proven system that brings advantages to our clients. Here’s what you can expect from our legal support:
- Legal guidance – We have a deep understanding of dog bite laws and regulations in Washington, making sure you receive effective legal guidance.
- Case evaluation – We’ll assess the specifics of your case to determine its strength and potential for a successful outcome.
- Negotiations – Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who can work to secure a fair settlement for your dog bite injuries without going to court.
- Court representation – If necessary, we can provide strong representation in court to fight for your rights and compensation.
- Evidence collection – We’ll gather and present evidence to support your case, including medical records, witness statements, and more.
- Communication with insurance companies – Our team can handle all interactions with insurance companies, ensuring your best interests are protected.
- Fair settlement – We’ll work to maximize your compensation, covering medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering, and more.
- Peace of mind – Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind during a challenging time, knowing that your legal matters are in capable hands.
If you’ve experienced a dog bite in Spokane, our lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Another big part of that, though, is strengthening any potential claim with evidence.
How Can You Strengthen Your Dog Bite Claim as a Spokane UPS Delivery Driver?
On your end, it’s helpful to make sure your claim is as strong as possible before filing one. Even with strict liability in place, a favorable outcome is not guaranteed. However, there are ways that you can strengthen your potential claim:
- Get medical care – If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s essential to get immediate medical care. This not only ensures your well-being but also creates a medical record of the injury.
- Report the incident – Inform your supervisor and the UPS management about the dog bite incident. This ensures that the incident is officially documented.
- Gather evidence – Collect evidence related to the incident, such as photographs of the dog, the location, your injuries, and any damaged parcels. If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their contact information as well.
- Document your injuries – Maintain a detailed record of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses. This will help account for the extent of your damages.
- Preserve your uniform – Keep your UPS uniform and any damaged clothing as evidence of the attack.
- Contact animal control – Report the incident to the local animal control authorities so they can investigate and possibly quarantine the dog.
- Stay off social media – Be cautious about posting any information or statements related to the incident on social media, as this could potentially be used against you.
Remember, these are general tips, and each case is unique. Working with our team can not only make the recovery process simpler, you also need to protect your interests.
Support For UPS Delivery Drivers After a Spokane Dog Bite
A dog bite is a serious matter. When you’re a UPS delivery driver, you’re going to have to work around and interact with numerous dogs on a daily basis. This, unfortunately, leads to significant bite incidents.
In such challenging situations, CCD Law’s team of skilled and caring Spokane dog bite lawyers will be there to assist you in securing the compensation necessary for your recovery. We take care of all the responsibilities relating to your claim, allowing you to concentrate on your healing process. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
