Southern California Cities Lead in Dog Attacks Involving Mail Carriers
San Diego is tied for second place when it comes to dogs attacking mail carriers with Los Angeles in fourth place, according to a report released by the U.S. Postal Service.
According to USPS, 58 letter carriers were attacked by dogs in San Diego in 2015, up from 47 the previous year. The city is tied for second place with Cleveland, which also saw 58 attacks, up from 37 in 2014. Houston, Texas topped the list while Chicago and Dallas tied for third place with 57 attacks and Los Angeles ranked fourth with 56 attacks.
A number of other California cities were also featured on this dubious list including Long Beach, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fresno and Stockton.
Potential Improvements
While trying to educate the public about this serious problem, USPS officials are also doing their part by taking a few steps to improve safety for their employees. Beginning this week, customers who go online to schedule a package pickup at their homes will be asked to indicate if there is a dog at the home so carriers can be aware if an animal is present at the home. Later this spring, postal carriers will also use their Mobile Delivery Devices to note addresses where dogs are present. The ranking of dog attacks were released in conjunction with National Dog Bite Prevention Week.
Tips for Owners
Here are a few steps dog owners can take to prevent these horrific attacks on mail carriers. Place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door for your letter carrier. Owners should keep their dogs secured. Parents should remind their children not to take mail directly from letter carriers when the dog is present because the dog may view this act as a threatening gesture. If your dog has attacked a visitor to your home before, always keep the animal restrained or in an enclosed area where it cannot attack anyone.
Compensation for Injured Dog Bite Victims
Mail carriers who have been injured on the job can seek workers’ compensation benefits from their employer. In addition, they may also be able to hold the dog owner and/or property owner financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused.
Injured victims may be entitled to seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of cosmetic surgery, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and mental anguish. An experienced California dog bite attorney can help injured victims and their families seek maximum compensation for their losses.