Working as a delivery professional comes with an assortment of risks. Obviously, driving a personal vehicle or delivery fleet vehicle during the busiest times of day can increase a professional’s risk of a crash. They may also have to deal with angry and volatile customers in some cases.
There may be property hazards that they have to avoid as they approach a front door to drop off a package or deliver a hot meal. One of the most frightening hazards delivery workers may encounter is an aggressive dog. Delivery drivers may end up attacked by animals that belong to delivery clients.
How can delivery professionals recoup their losses after getting attacked by an animal on the job?
Employees can qualify for workers’ compensation
Many delivery professionals are direct-hire employees. They work for a business that pays them a salary and provides them with certain benefits. One of those benefits is workers’ compensation coverage. If a delivery professional working for a company gets hurt while on the clock, then they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation program can replace a portion of a professional’s lost wages. They can also receive full coverage for their necessary medical care.
Contractors may have another option
Not all delivery drivers are employees. Those making food deliveries for apps, for example, may be self-employed independent contractors. They aren’t eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim after a dog bite incident. Instead, they may need to hold the animal’s owner accountable. Judicial precedent has helped make owners liable in cases where they know their animals are likely dangerous, such as when they have bitten people before. Owners have a responsibility to train their animals and keep them away from other people.
Typically, both renters insurance and homeowners insurance provide premises liability coverage that can reimburse injured people for dog bite expenses. In many cases, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against the animal’s owner to secure a reasonable settlement from their insurance provider.
Delivery drivers injured by aggressive dogs often need help exploring their personal injury protections after getting hurt. Reviewing employment arrangements and a dog bite incident at length with a skilled legal team can help professionals explore their options for compensation.