Few Americans encounter dangerous dogs as often as our mail carriers. According to a press release from the United States Postal Service, nearly 6,000 mail carriers suffered dog bite injuries in 2012 alone. This is a relatively big chunk of the approximately 4.7 million people who are involved in dog attacks every year in the United States.
In recognition of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, the USPS is hoping to draw attention to some of the ways that Floridians can avoid dog attacks while walking near another person’s property. These tips remind us not to leave children unattended with dogs, not to run near a strange dog, and to treat unknown animals with caution – even if they seem friendly from a distance.
Even when people observe these safety rules, dog bites occur on a regular basis. Floridians who suffer injuries in an attack may be able to hold multiple parties accountable. In addition to the dog’s owner, victims might have a premises liability claim against the person on whose land the dog should have been confined. More simply, if someone other than the dog’s owner was responsible for keeping an eye on the animal, he or she might be also be responsible for compensating a victim.
Source: USPS.gov, “Postal Service Releases Top Dog Attack City Rankings,” May 15, 2013
