Washington, D.C., has laws that hold homeowners responsible for any injury caused by a dog bite to another person, including delivery people. Homeowners are liable if the animal has a history of aggressive behavior or is known to be dangerous even when not provoked.
Types of Delivery People
Delivery people, such as mail carriers, UPS and FedEx employees, food delivery drivers, ride-share drivers, and door-to-door salesmen can all file a claim as well as others performing their job if they have been attacked by a dog while making a delivery. They may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, or scarring caused by the attack.
What to Do If A Dog Injures You
If you have been attacked by a dog while making a delivery or in any other situation, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible after the attack. Once your health has been assessed, it is wise to contact an experienced injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and pursue a claim for damages.
Evidence to Support a Dog Bite Claim
If a dog has attacked you or your loved one, it is important to know your rights in order to protect yourself and seek compensation. To prove that the homeowner or keeper of the animal was liable for the attack, you must demonstrate that they were negligent in controlling the dog. In these cases, the animal could have been running loose, off leash or even on the homeowner’s property. Contacting DC Animal Control is important also to help document your injury. Washington, D.C. has a one-bite rule, which means that the owner must have known or should have known about their pet’s dangerous behavior because it had been exhibited before.
Below are some key pieces of evidence that can help to prove a dog bite claim:
- Witnesses who saw the attack and could testify as to what happened
- Photographs or videos of the incident
- Medical records documenting the extent of injuries sustained by the victim
- Expert testimony from certified trainers regarding behavior patterns of the breed
- Documentation that the homeowner or keeper knew of their animal’s tendencies to bite
- Reports from animal control officers who have been called to respond to prior incidents involving the same dog.
An injury lawyer can help you determine who is liable for the dog bite and hold them accountable. They will also be able to assist with insurance claims, medical bills, lost wages or other damages resulting from the incident. By engaging an experienced attorney, you stand a better chance of receiving full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Roeser Law Firm: Help When A Dog Has Injured You
At Roeser Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience with dog bite cases and can help you understand your rights as a delivery or salesperson. If you have been attacked by a dog in Washington, D.C., contact us today at (202) 660-4070 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help. We can also be reached online.
