A Conversation with a Delivery Driver Turns to the Danger of Dogs and Dog Bites

Our office recently sat down to have a conversation with a Fed-Ex driver from the San Antonio area. We talked about how busy they were on their route. We talked about Amazon Prime and the boxes upon boxes that are showing up outside the doorsteps of  houses and apartments all over America. The topic of conversation turned to some of the dangers that delivery drivers face when they do their job each day. One major danger that was discussed was being bitten by a dog during a delivery. And, nearly 1 in 5 people in bitten by a dog require medical attention according to the CDC.

The Fed-Ex driver had been bitten numerous times as he attempted to leave packages on customers doorsteps. He was also not alone as he discussed how this was a common occurrence among the other drivers. He had delivered in many areas throughout Texas–some of the areas much more rural than San Antonio. This interesting conversation revealed that those in delivery professions (or delivery gigs in our new gig economy) may face a serious danger of being seriously injured from a canine attack.

Mans Best Friend

Americans love dogs and properly trained dogs can bring a lifetime of companionship and love from that relationship. According to the CDC, over 36% of American households own a dog. Professionally trained dogs can even assist the blind, sniff out bombs in our military, and aid police officers as they go about enforcing the law.

But, as lovable and helpful as dogs can be, they are still animals and any dog can bite. It is not the breed of the dog that determines solely whether they bite, but rather the individual dogs history and behavior. However, there are many dog owners out there that choose to keep dangerous or vicious breed dogs that pose a serious danger to those that come into contact with those near wild animals.

Dangerous Breed Dogs

Insurance companies that write homeowners or renters policies are very familiar with dog bite claims. Accordingly, there are many dogs that they will provide coverage for (or special premiums will apply to have that breed covered on the policy). According to Psychology Today, the top 14 breeds that are considered dangerous breeds are as follows:

• Pit Bull Terriers
• Staffordshire Terriers
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Presa Canarios
• Chows Chows
• Doberman Pinschers
• Akitas
• Wolf-hybrids
• Mastiffs
• Cane Corsos
• Great Danes
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Siberian Huskies

Dog Bite Severity

Dog bites can be minor. Many people have experienced a dog nip at them without any serious consequence. But, dog bites can also be serious and lead to severe pain, blood loss, nerve damage or even death. Serious dog bites may require years of treatment and reconstructive surgery that can be extremely expensive. Many of the companies in the gig economy utilize independent contractors as delivery drivers–so that means that there may not be any workers compensation or any type of occupational injury insurance available to them if there is an on the job injury like a dog bite. However, the difference with a dog bite is that the dog owner is a responsible third party that may have homeowners or renters insurance to cover the occurrence of a dog bite.

Techniques to Prevent Being Bitten

The CDC has published some techniques to employ to prevent becoming a victim of a dog bite and what to do if you are attacked:

Do:

• Always ask if it is okay to pet someone else’s dog before reaching out to pet the dog.
• When approached by an unfamiliar dog, remain motionless (“be still like a tree”).
• If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball with your head tucked and your hands over your ears and neck.
• Immediately let an adult know about any stray dogs or dogs that are behaving strangely.

Don’t:

• Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Don’t run from a dog.
• Don’t panic or make loud noises.
• Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Don’t pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• Don’t encourage your dog to play aggressively.
• Don’t let small children play with a dog unsupervised.

If approached by an unfamiliar dog that you do not want to interact with:

• Stop! Stay still and be calm.
• Do not panic or make loud noises.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the dog.
• Say “No” or “Go Home” in a firm, deep voice.
• Stand with the side of your body facing the dog. Facing a dog directly can appear aggressive to the dog. Instead, keep your body turned partially or completely to the side.
• Slowly raise your hands to your neck, with your elbows in.
• Wait for the dog to pass or slowly back away.

What to Do If You Are Attacked

Despite your efforts to prevent a dog attack there may be instances when those efforts are not enough. If you are attacked by a dog, the first thing that you need to do is work to protect yourself. According to the CDC, you can do this by trying to place an object like a jacket or purse between you and the dog, and if you are knocked down, curl into a ball with your head tucked in and your hands over your ears and neck.

Advice on Treatment of the dog bite from the CDC: 

When you get to a safe place, immediately wash wounds with soap and water. Seek medical attention, especially:

• For minor wounds:
  • Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Apply an antibiotic cream.
  • Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
  • See a healthcare provider if the wound becomes red, painful, warm, or swollen; if you develop a fever; or if the dog that bit you was acting strangely.
• For deep wounds:
  • Apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding.
  • If you cannot stop the bleeding or you feel faint or weak, call 911 or your local emergency medical services immediately.
  • See a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• See a healthcare provider:
  • If the wound is serious (uncontrolled bleeding, loss of function, extreme pain, muscle or bone exposure, etc.).
  • If the wound becomes red, painful, warm, or swollen, or if you develop a fever.
  • If you don’t know if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.
  • If it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot and the bite is deep.