Dog Bite Workers’ Compensation Claims: Rights for Delivery Drivers and Service Workers

Table of Contents show

Picture this: you’re doing your job, delivering packages or reading meters, when suddenly a dog appears out of nowhere and attacks. Your day goes from routine to nightmare in seconds. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone – and more importantly, you’ve got rights.

I’ve been helping injured workers here in Colorado Springs for decades, and let me tell you, dog bite cases are way more common than most people realize. Every week, we see delivery drivers, postal workers, utility technicians, and other service workers who’ve been seriously injured by dogs while just trying to do their jobs.

Here’s what makes me frustrated: too many workers don’t know they’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after a dog bite. They think they have to suffer in silence or go after the dog owner directly. That’s not true, and I want to set the record straight.

Why Dog Bites Are a Bigger Problem Than You Think

Let’s start with some numbers that might surprise you. According to recent data from the U.S. Postal Service, their workers face about 5,800 dog attacks every year. That’s roughly 16 attacks per day. And postal workers aren’t the only ones at risk.

Delivery drivers for companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS face similar dangers. So do utility workers, meter readers, home repair technicians, landscapers, and anyone else whose job takes them onto other people’s property. The rise of online shopping has only made things worse – more deliveries mean more opportunities for these encounters.

What really gets me is how these incidents can change someone’s life in an instant. I’ve represented workers who’ve needed multiple surgeries, months of physical therapy, and psychological counseling after severe dog attacks. Some have permanent scarring or nerve damage. Others develop a fear of dogs that affects their ability to do their job.

Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Worker

Here’s something you need to know right away: if you’re injured by a dog while working, you’re almost certainly covered by workers’ compensation. It doesn’t matter if the dog belonged to a customer, a random homeowner, or even if it was a stray. If you were working when it happened, you’ve got rights.

Workers’ compensation is what we call a “no-fault” system. That means you don’t have to prove anyone was negligent or at fault to get benefits. You just need to show that your injury happened while you were doing your job. Pretty straightforward, right?

What Workers’ Compensation Covers

When you file a workers’ comp claim for a dog bite injury, you’re entitled to several types of benefits:

Medical Benefits: This covers all your medical treatment related to the dog bite. We’re talking emergency room visits, surgery, medications, physical therapy, psychological counseling – everything you need to recover. There’s no deductible, and you don’t pay anything out of pocket.

Wage Replacement: If you can’t work because of your injuries, workers’ comp will pay a portion of your lost wages. In Colorado, it’s typically about two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Not ideal, but it helps keep food on the table while you recover.

Disability Benefits: If you have permanent impairment from your injuries – like scarring, nerve damage, or limited mobility – you may be entitled to disability benefits even after you return to work.

Vocational Rehabilitation: Sometimes dog bite injuries are so severe that you can’t return to your old job. In these cases, workers’ comp may pay for retraining or help finding new employment.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries at Work

Over the years, I’ve seen just about every type of dog bite injury you can imagine. Some are minor, but many are serious enough to require extensive medical treatment and time off work.

Physical Injuries

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: These are the most obvious injuries from dog bites. Depending on the size of the dog and the severity of the attack, these wounds can be superficial or extremely deep, sometimes requiring surgical repair.

Infections: Dog bites are notorious for becoming infected. Dogs’ mouths contain all sorts of bacteria that can cause serious problems if they get into your bloodstream. I’ve seen cases where workers needed to be hospitalized for severe infections.

Nerve Damage: Larger dogs can cause significant nerve damage with their bites. This can lead to permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of function in the affected area.

Fractures: Believe it or not, large dogs can actually break bones with their bite force. This is especially common with hand and wrist injuries when workers try to protect themselves.

Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites often leave permanent scars, especially on visible areas like the face, hands, and arms. This can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.

Psychological Injuries

What many people don’t realize is that dog attacks can cause serious psychological trauma. I’ve represented workers who developed:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Some workers experience flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety after a dog attack. This is a real medical condition that deserves treatment.

Phobias: It’s completely normal to develop a fear of dogs after being attacked. For workers whose jobs require them to encounter dogs regularly, this can be career-ending without proper treatment.

Depression and Anxiety: The combination of physical pain, time off work, and the trauma of the attack can trigger or worsen mental health conditions.

The good news is that workers’ compensation covers psychological injuries too, as long as they’re related to your work injury.

Who’s Most at Risk: High-Risk Occupations

While any worker could potentially be bitten by a dog, some occupations face higher risks than others. If you work in one of these fields, you should be especially aware of your rights.

Delivery Drivers

This is probably the most obvious high-risk group. Whether you’re delivering packages, food, or mail, you’re constantly going onto unfamiliar properties where dogs might be present. The rise of e-commerce has made this problem worse – there are more delivery drivers on the road than ever before.

Amazon drivers are particularly vulnerable because they often deliver to residential areas and may not have the same level of training that traditional postal workers receive. I’ve handled several cases involving Amazon delivery drivers who were severely injured by dogs.

Postal Workers

The U.S. Postal Service has been dealing with dog attacks for decades, and they’ve developed some good training programs for their workers. But training can only do so much when you’re faced with an aggressive dog.

Postal workers are at risk because they visit the same routes regularly, often carrying mail directly to front doors. Dogs see them as intruders in their territory, which can trigger aggressive behavior.

Utility Workers

Gas company employees, electric company workers, and water meter readers often need to access areas of people’s property where dogs might be present. They’re usually focused on their technical work, which can make them vulnerable to surprise attacks.

Home Service Providers

This includes a wide range of workers: HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, cable installers, and appliance repair workers. These folks often need to enter people’s homes or work in their yards, putting them in close contact with family pets.

Landscaping and Lawn Care Workers

Landscapers and lawn care workers are at risk because they spend extended periods on people’s property, often using loud equipment that can agitate dogs. They’re also frequently working alone, which can make a dog attack more dangerous.

Real Estate Professionals

Real estate agents and home inspectors regularly enter unfamiliar properties, sometimes when the owners aren’t present. They may not know that a dog is on the property until it’s too late.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Dog Bite

If you’re bitten by a dog while working, what you do in the first few minutes and hours can make a huge difference in your workers’ compensation claim. Here’s what I tell all my clients:

Get Medical Attention Right Away

I can’t stress this enough: seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites can become infected quickly, and some injuries that don’t look serious at first can actually be quite severe.

Don’t try to tough it out or wait to see if it gets better. Go to the emergency room, an urgent care center, or your doctor right away. Make sure to tell the medical staff that this was a work-related injury.

Report the Incident to Your Employer

Most states, including Colorado, require you to report work injuries within a certain time frame. In Colorado, you generally have four days to report the injury to your employer, but I always recommend doing it as soon as possible.

When you report the injury, be clear that it happened while you were working. Get a copy of the incident report for your records.

Document Everything

Take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and anything else that might be relevant. If there were witnesses, get their contact information. Write down exactly what happened while it’s still fresh in your memory.

Don’t Give Recorded Statements

Your employer or their insurance company might ask you to give a recorded statement about what happened. You have the right to decline, and I usually recommend that you do. These statements can sometimes be used against you later if you’re not careful about what you say.

If you must give a statement, keep it brief and stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about what might have caused the dog to attack or admit any fault.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Look, I know lawyers aren’t everyone’s favorite people, but workers’ compensation cases can get complicated quickly. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay out. Shouldn’t you have someone on your side too?

An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you get all the benefits you’re entitled to. Most of us work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.

The Workers’ Compensation Claims Process

Filing a workers’ compensation claim for a dog bite injury follows the same basic process as any other work injury, but there can be some unique challenges. Let me walk you through what to expect.

Filing Your Claim

Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to file your workers’ compensation claim. In Colorado, this includes Form WC 1 (First Report of Injury) and Form WC 164 (Worker’s Claim for Compensation).

Don’t let your employer tell you that dog bites aren’t covered by workers’ comp – that’s simply not true. If you were working when it happened, you’re covered.

Medical Treatment

Once your claim is accepted, you’ll be entitled to medical treatment for your injuries. However, in most states, you’ll need to see doctors approved by the workers’ compensation insurance company, at least initially.

Make sure all your medical providers know that this is a workers’ compensation case. This affects how they bill for your treatment and what paperwork they need to complete.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

The workers’ compensation insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. This person’s job is to investigate your claim and determine what benefits you’re entitled to.

Remember, the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Be polite and cooperative, but don’t feel like you have to agree to everything they suggest. You have rights, and you should understand them before making any decisions.

Potential Challenges

Dog bite cases can sometimes face unique challenges in the workers’ compensation system:

Coverage Disputes: Occasionally, insurance companies will try to argue that the dog bite wasn’t work-related. This is more likely to happen if you were attacked while on a break or if you deviated from your normal work duties.

Pre-existing Conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that might be affected by the dog bite, the insurance company might try to argue that some of your current problems aren’t related to the work injury.

Psychological Injuries: While psychological injuries are covered by workers’ comp, they can be harder to prove than physical injuries. You’ll likely need treatment from a psychologist or psychiatrist who can document your condition.

What If Your Claim Is Denied?

Sometimes, despite having a legitimate claim, your workers’ compensation benefits might be denied. Don’t panic – this happens more often than you might think, and it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Common Reasons for Denial

Late Reporting: If you didn’t report your injury within the required time frame, your claim might be denied. However, there are sometimes exceptions to this rule, especially if you had a good reason for the delay.

Disputes About Work-Relatedness: The insurance company might argue that your injury didn’t happen while you were working or wasn’t related to your job duties.

Medical Issues: Sometimes claims are denied because the insurance company disputes the severity of your injuries or argues that they’re not related to the dog bite.

The Appeals Process

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. In Colorado, this process starts with requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The appeals process can be complicated, and you’ll definitely want an attorney to help you. We know how to gather the evidence needed to prove your case and how to present it effectively at the hearing.

Don’t Give Up

I’ve seen too many workers give up after their initial claim is denied. That’s a mistake. Many denied claims are eventually approved on appeal, especially when the worker has good legal representation.

Your Rights Beyond Workers’ Compensation

Here’s something that might surprise you: in many cases, you can pursue a workers’ compensation claim and also sue the dog owner directly. This is called a “third-party claim,” and it can potentially provide additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp covers.

When Third-Party Claims Make Sense

Workers’ compensation benefits are limited. They cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, but they don’t compensate you for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or the full amount of your lost wages.

A third-party claim against the dog owner can potentially recover damages for:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Full lost wages
Future medical expenses
Scarring and disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life

Dog Bite Laws Vary by State

Different states have different laws about dog owner liability. Some states have strict liability laws, which means the owner is responsible for injuries their dog causes regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous.

Other states follow the “one bite rule,” which means the owner is only liable if they knew or should have known that their dog was aggressive.

Colorado has a statute that makes dog owners liable for injuries their dogs cause, but only if the victim was lawfully on the property where the attack occurred. Since you were working, you were almost certainly lawfully on the property.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Most dog bite claims against property owners are actually paid by homeowner’s insurance policies. These policies typically cover dog bite injuries, even if the attack happens off the property.

This is good news because it means there’s likely insurance coverage available to pay a judgment or settlement in your third-party case.

Prevention: Protecting Yourself on the Job

While you can’t eliminate the risk of dog attacks entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of being bitten while working.

Know the Warning Signs

Dogs usually give warning signs before they attack. Learning to recognize these signs can help you avoid dangerous situations:

Growling or barking aggressively
Raised hackles (hair standing up on their back)
Stiff, rigid body posture
Direct staring
Showing teeth
Backing away while barking

If you see these signs, don’t approach the dog. Back away slowly and avoid direct eye contact.

Best Practices for Different Situations

Making Deliveries: Before approaching a house, look for signs that a dog might be present – dog toys in the yard, “Beware of Dog” signs, or barking from inside the house. If possible, stay in your vehicle and honk the horn to get the customer’s attention.

Entering Properties: Always ask if there are dogs on the property before entering. If the customer says yes, ask them to secure the dog before you begin work.

If You Encounter a Dog: Don’t run – this can trigger the dog’s chase instinct. Instead, stand still, avoid eye contact, and speak in a calm, low voice. If the dog approaches, give it something to sniff, like the back of your hand.

If a Dog Attacks: Try to put something between you and the dog – your bag, clipboard, or any tool you might be carrying. If you’re knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face and neck.

Employer Responsibilities

Your employer has a responsibility to provide a safe workplace, which includes protecting you from foreseeable hazards like dog attacks. This might include:

Providing training on how to deal with dogs
Supplying protective equipment
Developing policies for handling situations involving aggressive animals
Allowing workers to refuse unsafe deliveries or service calls

If your employer isn’t taking reasonable steps to protect you from dog attacks, this could be a safety violation that you can report to OSHA.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Workers

Different types of workers face unique challenges when it comes to dog bite injuries and workers’ compensation claims.

Independent Contractors vs. Employees

This is a big issue in the gig economy. Many delivery drivers work as independent contractors rather than employees. If you’re classified as an independent contractor, you’re not covered by your company’s workers’ compensation insurance.

However, many workers who are classified as independent contractors should actually be considered employees under the law. If you’re injured and your company claims you’re not covered by workers’ comp because you’re an independent contractor, don’t just accept that. Talk to an attorney who can evaluate whether you’ve been misclassified.

Federal Employees

Postal workers and other federal employees aren’t covered by state workers’ compensation systems. Instead, they’re covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), which is administered by the Department of Labor.

FECA provides similar benefits to state workers’ comp, but the claims process is different. If you’re a federal employee who’s been bitten by a dog, you’ll need to file your claim with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.

Union Members

If you’re a union member, your union representative can be a valuable resource if you’re injured on the job. Many unions have experience dealing with workers’ compensation claims and can help advocate for your rights.

Your union contract might also provide additional benefits beyond what’s required by workers’ compensation law.

The Role of Employer Policies and Training

Smart employers recognize that dog attacks are an occupational hazard for many of their workers and take steps to address this risk.

Training Programs

Some companies provide excellent training on how to deal with dogs. The U.S. Postal Service, for example, has developed comprehensive training materials that teach workers how to recognize aggressive dogs and how to protect themselves.

If your employer doesn’t provide this type of training, you might want to suggest it. Not only will it help protect you and your coworkers, but it can also reduce the company’s workers’ compensation costs.

Safety Equipment

Some employers provide safety equipment that can help protect workers from dog attacks. This might include:

Dog repellent spray
Noise makers to scare away aggressive dogs
Protective clothing
Long-handled tools that can be used to keep dogs at a distance

Policies for Refusing Unsafe Work

You have the right to refuse work that you reasonably believe is unsafe. If you know that a particular customer has an aggressive dog, you should be able to refuse to make deliveries or provide services to that location.

Good employers will have policies that support workers who refuse unsafe assignments. If your employer doesn’t have such policies, or if they retaliate against you for refusing unsafe work, you may have additional legal claims beyond workers’ compensation.

Long-Term Consequences and Ongoing Care

Dog bite injuries can have long-lasting effects that go far beyond the initial wound. It’s important to understand that you may be entitled to ongoing benefits even after you return to work.

Physical Complications

Some dog bite injuries lead to long-term complications that require ongoing medical care:

Chronic Pain: Nerve damage from dog bites can cause chronic pain that lasts for months or even years after the initial injury.

Limited Mobility: Severe injuries to hands, arms, or legs can result in permanent limitations in your ability to move or use the affected body part.

Ongoing Infection Risk: Some dog bite wounds are prone to recurring infections, especially if there was significant tissue damage.

Scarring: While scars might seem like a cosmetic issue, they can actually cause ongoing problems like itching, pain, and limited mobility if they’re over joints.

Psychological Effects

The psychological impact of a dog attack can be just as significant as the physical injuries:

PTSD: Many dog attack victims develop symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety when encountering dogs.

Work-Related Anxiety: Some workers develop anxiety about returning to work, especially if their job requires them to continue going onto properties where dogs might be present.

Social Impact: Fear of dogs can affect your personal life, making it difficult to visit friends or family who have pets, or to enjoy activities like walking in parks where dogs might be present.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job, workers’ compensation may pay for vocational rehabilitation. This could include:

Retraining for a new career
Job placement assistance
Modifications to your current job to accommodate your limitations
Education or certification programs

The goal is to help you return to gainful employment, even if you can’t do the same job you were doing before your injury.

Working with Healthcare Providers

Getting proper medical care is crucial for both your recovery and your workers’ compensation claim. Here are some tips for working effectively with your healthcare providers:

Be Honest About Your Symptoms

Don’t try to minimize your pain or other symptoms. Your doctors need to know exactly how you’re feeling in order to provide appropriate treatment and document your condition for your workers’ comp claim.

This includes psychological symptoms. If you’re having nightmares, anxiety, or depression related to the dog attack, tell your doctor. These are legitimate medical issues that deserve treatment.

Follow Treatment Recommendations

Insurance companies love to deny benefits to workers who don’t follow their doctors’ treatment recommendations. If your doctor prescribes physical therapy, medication, or other treatments, make sure you follow through.

If you can’t follow a treatment recommendation for some reason – maybe you can’t afford a copay or can’t get time off work for appointments – talk to your doctor about alternatives.

Keep Detailed Records

Keep track of all your medical appointments, treatments, and how you’re feeling day to day. This information can be valuable if there are disputes about your claim later.

Many of my clients find it helpful to keep a daily journal documenting their pain levels, activities they can and can’t do, and how their injuries are affecting their daily life.

Get Second Opinions When Necessary

If you’re not getting better with treatment, or if you disagree with your doctor’s assessment of your condition, you may have the right to see another doctor. In workers’ compensation cases, this usually requires approval from the insurance company, but it’s often possible to arrange.

Financial Planning During Recovery

Being injured at work can create significant financial stress, especially if you’re unable to work for an extended period. Here are some strategies for managing your finances during recovery:

Understanding Your Benefits

Workers’ compensation wage replacement benefits typically pay about two-thirds of your average weekly wage. This means you’ll be taking a significant pay cut while you’re unable to work.

Make sure you understand exactly what benefits you’re entitled to and when you can expect to receive them. Benefits don’t always start immediately, so you may need to plan for a gap in income.

Other Sources of Support

Depending on your situation, you might be eligible for other types of assistance:

Short-term Disability: If you have short-term disability insurance through your employer, you might be able to use this to supplement your workers’ compensation benefits.

Social Security Disability: If your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from working for at least a year, you might be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Union Benefits: If you’re a union member, your union might provide additional benefits for injured workers.

Public Assistance: Depending on your income and family situation, you might be eligible for food stamps, Medicaid, or other public assistance programs.

Managing Expenses

While you’re recovering, it’s important to carefully manage your expenses:

Create a bare-bones budget that covers only essential expenses
Contact creditors to explain your situation and ask about payment plans or hardship programs
Look for ways to reduce monthly bills, like switching to cheaper phone or internet plans
Consider asking family or friends for help with expenses like groceries or utilities

Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes

Don’t make these common mistakes that can hurt you financially:

Taking Settlement Offers Too Quickly: Insurance companies sometimes offer quick settlements that seem attractive when you’re facing financial pressure. But these offers are often much less than what your claim is actually worth.

Going Back to Work Too Soon: I understand the pressure to get back to work when money is tight, but returning to work before you’re medically ready can make your injuries worse and hurt your workers’ comp claim.

Not Keeping Track of Expenses: Keep receipts for all expenses related to your injury, including mileage to medical appointments. You may be entitled to reimbursement for these costs.

When to Seek Legal Help

While not every workers’ compensation claim requires an attorney, dog bite cases can be more complex than typical work injuries. Here are some situations where you should definitely consider getting legal help:

Your Claim Is Denied

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you need an attorney. The appeals process is complicated, and insurance companies have experienced lawyers working against you.

You’re Facing Serious Injuries

If your dog bite injuries are severe – requiring surgery, causing permanent disability, or affecting your ability to work – you should have an attorney protecting your interests.

There Are Disputes About Your Medical Care

If the insurance company is refusing to pay for medical treatment that your doctor says you need, an attorney can help fight for proper care.

You’re Being Pressured to Settle

If the insurance company is pressuring you to settle your claim quickly, especially for what seems like a low amount, talk to an attorney before signing anything.

Your Employer Is Retaliating

If your employer is treating you differently because you filed a workers’ compensation claim – reducing your hours, giving you worse assignments, or threatening to fire you – this is illegal retaliation that an attorney can help address.

There’s a Potential Third-Party Claim

If you might have a claim against the dog owner in addition to your workers’ compensation claim, an attorney can help you understand your options and maximize your recovery.

What to Look for in a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you decide you need legal help, here’s what to look for in a workers’ compensation attorney:

Experience with Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation law is specialized, and you want an attorney who focuses on this area. Don’t hire a general practice lawyer or someone who primarily handles other types of cases.

Experience with Dog Bite Cases

While not absolutely necessary, it’s helpful if your attorney has experience with dog bite workers’ compensation cases. These cases can have unique issues that not all workers’ comp attorneys are familiar with.

Good Communication

You want an attorney who will keep you informed about what’s happening with your case and who will return your phone calls promptly. You shouldn’t have to wonder what’s going on with your own case.

Reasonable Fees

Most workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Make sure you understand what percentage of your recovery the attorney will take and what expenses you might be responsible for.

Local Knowledge

Workers’ compensation law varies from state to state, so you want an attorney who is familiar with the laws and procedures in your state. Here in Colorado, for example, we have specific rules about medical treatment, benefit calculations, and appeals procedures that out-of-state attorneys might not understand.

The Bigger Picture: Workplace Safety and Prevention

While individual workers need to know their rights when they’re injured, we also need to think about the bigger picture of preventing these injuries in the first place.

Industry-Wide Solutions

Some industries have made significant progress in reducing dog bite injuries:

The Postal Service has developed comprehensive training programs and has seen a reduction in dog attacks on their workers in recent years.

Some delivery companies are experimenting with technology solutions, like apps that allow customers to indicate whether they have dogs and whether those dogs are aggressive.

Utility companies are working with local animal control agencies to identify properties with aggressive dogs and develop strategies for safely accessing those properties.

The Role of Dog Owners

Dog owners have a responsibility to protect workers who come onto their property. This includes:

Securing dogs when deliveries or service calls are expected
Posting clear warning signs if they have aggressive dogs
Training and socializing their dogs properly
Maintaining secure fencing and gates

Community Education

Many dog attacks could be prevented with better education about dog behavior and responsible pet ownership. Animal control agencies, veterinarians, and community groups all have a role to play in this education.

Looking Forward: Your Recovery and Your Rights

If you’ve been bitten by a dog while working, remember that this isn’t the end of your story. With proper medical care, legal representation, and time, most people are able to recover from their injuries and return to productive lives.

Your workers’ compensation benefits are there to help you through this difficult time. Don’t let anyone – not your employer, not the insurance company, not well-meaning friends or family – convince you that you don’t deserve these benefits or that you should just “tough it out.”

You were injured while doing your job, and you have rights. Those rights exist whether your injuries are physical, psychological, or both. They exist whether your injuries seem minor or severe. And they exist regardless of what anyone else thinks about your situation.

Take Action: Your Next Steps

If you’ve been bitten by a dog while working, here’s what you should do:

Get medical attention immediately if you haven’t already
Report the injury to your employer in writing
Document everything – take photos, get witness information, keep records
File your workers’ compensation claim promptly
Don’t give recorded statements without legal advice
Consider consulting with an attorney, especially if your injuries are serious or if you’re having problems with your claim

Remember, most workers’ compensation attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in getting a professional opinion about your case.