Dogs are popular pets, but they can be dangerous. While they can be rewarding and loyal pets, they also pose unique dangers. Many dog owners are startled to find out that the “dog bites postal worker” trope isn’t just a trope. Every year, thousands of postal carriers are attacked by dogs on the job.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, on the job or otherwise, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and related expenses. Here’s what dog bite victims need to know.

Dog bites and postal workers

Last summer, a 61-year-old mail carrier was killed after five dogs attacked her when her vehicle broke down in rural Florida. In 2021, 5,400 postal workers were attacked across the United States—and Ohio is one of the top five states with the highest rates of attacks on mail carriers.

Although dogs are often protective of their owners and home, that territorial behavior can be deadly. If a postal carrier is perceived as a threat, dogs are more likely to attack unprovoked. The USPS recommends “keeping dogs inside the house, behind a fence, away from the door or on a leash when postal workers drop off mail. The postal service also recommends that children do not take mail directly from the postal carrier as dogs could view the carrier as a threat.”

Ohio dog bite laws

Postal workers aren’t the only people at risk of unprovoked dog attacks. Every year, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, ranging from minor nips to serious or even fatal injuries. About 800,000 of those bites require medical care. Severe injuries can result in long-term disability, lost wages, emotional distress and other expenses: a financial blow on top of painful physical damages.

Ohio has a one-bite dog law, in which any dog who has bitten or attacked another person must be registered as a “dangerous dog.” Owners are legally liable when their dog bites someone—even if they’ve never bitten anyone before. Furthermore, dangerous dogs are subject to additional restrictions, including tags, staying in locked yards or crates, wearing identifying tags and more.

Typically, dog bites are covered under homeowners’ insurance. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Ohio, the Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you recover compensation for your injuries and related expenses.

Call an Ohio personal injury attorney today

The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your dog bite claim. If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.