Chicago FedEx Driver Dog Bite Lawyer

FedEx drivers are vital in keeping Chicago running, delivering packages to homes and businesses across the city. However, the job comes with a unique set of risks. Every day, delivery drivers encounter unfamiliar pets, and it only takes one moment for a routine drop-off to turn into a serious injury.

Dog bites can be unexpected, traumatic, and unfortunately common, especially for those whose jobs require them to visit residential properties, like FedEx drivers. In Chicago, navigating the aftermath of a dog bite incident can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with medical bills, time off work, and long-term recovery.

If you are a FedEx driver bitten by a dog while on duty, it is crucial to understand your rights and the potential legal options available to you. This guide will help you explore the necessary steps following a dog bite and how a Chicago FedEx driver dog bite lawyer can be your greatest ally. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we help FedEx drivers pursue full and fair compensation for their injuries.

Why Delivery Drivers Face Increased Risks of Dog Attacks in Chicago

Dog bites are a growing concern for delivery drivers. According to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), thousands of mail carriers are bitten by dogs every year. Over 5,800 cases were reported among USPS employees in 2023 alone. While data for specific delivery companies is unavailable, FedEx drivers face similar risks.

In urban areas like Chicago, densely packed neighborhoods and small front yards often bring drivers into close contact with unsecured dogs. USPS ranked Chicago as the third most dangerous city for dog bites nationwide, with 48 incidents recorded in 2023. Illinois came fifth among states overall with 316 dog attacks that year, marking an increase from 245 in 2022.

For FedEx drivers, the risk is compounded by the nature of their work. Unlike utility workers or contractors who may schedule visits in advance, FedEx deliveries are often unannounced. This means property owners may not be expecting anyone, and dogs may react aggressively to a perceived intruder. Common scenarios include:

• Dogs that run out of open doors or gates
• Dogs left unrestrained in front yards or porches
• Dogs that break through screen doors or fences
• Aggressive dogs inside homes lunging during a package handoff

Even usually well-behaved dogs can become territorial when someone approaches their home. In many cases, dog owners fail to control their pets or assume their dogs won’t bite, putting delivery workers at serious risk. Unfortunately, the FedEx delivery driver ends up paying the price.

Are Dog Owners Liable for Dog Bites in Illinois

Under Illinois law, a dog owner is liable for injuries if their dog bites someone who is lawfully on the premises, like a FedEx driver delivering a package. The law operates on a strict liability basis, meaning the victim does not need to prove the dog owner was negligent. Dog owners are fully responsible for damages if their pet dog attacks, tries to attack, or injures someone without any provocation, so long as the person was behaving peaceably and not trespassing on private property.

If a dog bites someone, its owner must report the incident to local authorities within 24 hours. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, the dog owner is also responsible for contacting a licensed veterinarian during this timeframe to have their pet dog examined for signs of rabies over a 10-day period. Dog owners who violate the 24-hour rule for reporting dog bites may face fines.

For FedEx drivers, this implies a clear path to holding dog owners accountable, but there are nuances to consider. For instance, a delivery driver inadvertently provoking a dog may complicate liability. Understanding these subtleties can be daunting without legal guidance. A skilled FedEx driver dog bite attorney can help analyze the incident details, ensuring all legal angles are explored for a favorable outcome.

Common Injuries FedEx Workers Can Sustain From Being Bitten by a Dog

During a 15-year period ending in 2019, pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for 76 percent of fatal dog bites. Attacks are not limited to so-called dangerous dogs, and any dog breed can bite. 

Dog bites can result in much more than a few puncture wounds. Depending on the size of the dog and the nature of the attack, injuries can be extensive and traumatic. Dogs carry bacteria in their mouths, which can cause dangerous infections if wounds are not treated properly. FedEx drivers may suffer:

• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
• Infections such as rabies, cellulitis, or sepsis
• Torn muscles or ligaments
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones from falls during an attack
• Facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery
• Post-traumatic stress or anxiety

Dog bite compensation should account for all injury-related costs, with expenses quickly adding up. Injuries often require emergency care, follow-up visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and time off work. In some cases, the damage is permanent, affecting a person’s ability to return to work. For many FedEx drivers, the financial hit is especially difficult.

Dog Bite Compensation for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Drivers

The type of compensation available to FedEx delivery drivers after a dog bite varies depending on their employment status. In 2023, FedEx announced a multiyear plan to integrate its FedEx Express and FedEx Ground operations into a single unit. While the full effects of the merger are still unfolding, it may lead to changes in how FedEx workers are classified and what benefits they receive.

• FedEx Express: FedEx Express drivers or couriers are typically classified as employees, which means they are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for medical bills, lost wages, and disability if they are injured on the job. A FedEx Express driver who is bitten by a dog while delivering packages may also be able to file a third-party personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. This allows them to recover additional damages not covered by workers’ comp, such as emotional distress or disfigurement.
• FedEx Ground: In contrast, FedEx Ground drivers are often independent contractors or work for other companies that contract with FedEx Ground. As a result, they are usually not eligible for workers’ compensation from FedEx. However, FedEx Ground drivers can pursue a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner to obtain damages for their dog bite-related injuries.

Understanding your employment classification and legal options is key to recovering the compensation you deserve. Whether you are a FedEx Ground contractor or a FedEx Express employee, an experienced dog bite lawyer can help you determine the best path forward after an injury. Below, we dive deeper into each type of claim. In some cases, you may have more than one avenue for pursuing compensation.

Workers’ Compensation for FedEx Delivery Injuries from a Person’s Pet Dog

If you were bitten by a dog while delivering packages as a FedEx employee, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover:

• Medical treatment
• A portion of lost wages while you recover from injuries
• Temporary or permanent disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation if you are unable to return to the same job

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you do not need to prove the dog owner was negligent. However, you can’t recover damages for pain and suffering through workers’ compensation alone.

Third-Party Personal Injury Claim

In many dog bite cases, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim against the dog owner to recover damages that workers’ compensation does not cover. Depending on the circumstances, you may even be able to pursue both types of claims.

Under Illinois law, dog owners are held strictly liable when their dog bites someone who had a legitimate reason to be on their property and did not provoke the dog. FedEx drivers who are independent contractors may pursue a personal injury claim as they are not eligible for workers’ compensation. Along with compensation for medical bills and lost wages, additional damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Loss of future earning capacity

An experienced Chicago FedEx driver dog bite lawyer can evaluate your dog bite case to determine which claims to pursue. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we aim to help you maximize your compensation after a devastating dog bite injury.

5 Steps to Take Following a Chicago FedEx Dog Bite Incident

When faced with a dog bite as a FedEx driver, immediate action is crucial. It’s important to take the following five steps after being bitten by a dog during a FedEx delivery shift:

1. Prioritize your health. Seek medical attention promptly to treat the wound and prevent infections. 
2. Documenting the injury. This is equally important, as is using photos and medical records to build a strong case.
3. Report the incident to local animal control authorities. This not only helps track dangerous animals but also creates an official record of the incident. Gather information from the dog owner, like their contact details and the dog’s vaccination records, which can be vital for your case.
4. Notify your supervisor and FedEx. Letting your employer know about the dog bite as soon as possible to initiate the workers’ compensation process.
5. Consult a FedEx driver dog bite attorney. Before speaking with any insurance companies, it’s best to discuss your unique incident with an experienced Chicago dog bite attorney.

Under Illinois law, dog-bite claims must be filed within two years of the incident. Discussing your case with a lawyer early can help preserve evidence and witness statements. It will also ensure you don’t say anything that could hurt your claim.

Why You Need a FedEx Driver Dog Bite Lawyer

Handling a dog bite claim is rarely straightforward. Beyond the immediate painful injuries, there are potential long-term consequences, including psychological trauma and loss of income due to missed work. A seasoned Chicago FedEx driver dog bite lawyer will meticulously assess your situation, helping quantify damages beyond medical bills to include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical expenses.

Dog bite cases involving delivery drivers can get complicated. Multiple insurance policies may be involved, and liability is not always immediately apparent. Dog owners may deny that their pet was aggressive, or the insurance company may try to downplay the seriousness of your injuries. A knowledgeable attorney can negotiate effectively on your behalf, ensuring that settlements reflect the true extent of your injuries and financial losses. You can focus on recovery, knowing that your legal interests are being vigorously pursued.

A Chicago FedEx driver dog bite lawyer can help demonstrate that the FedEx driver was lawfully performing their duties and not provoking the dog, which is crucial to securing fair compensation. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we have experience handling all kinds of dog bite cases and have the specific knowledge required to achieve a successful outcome. You can expect a personalized approach and clear communication throughout the process. Since we represent clients in both personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, our team knows how to coordinate both to get you the best possible outcome.

Contact the Chicago FedEx Dog Bite Lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg 

If you are a FedEx driver who was attacked by a dog while delivering packages in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois, you don’t have to handle the aftereffects on your own. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is here to help you understand your options and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more. Let us help you take the next step toward healing and recovery. There is no fee unless we win your case.

Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, please contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg directly.