Postal Worker Attacks in New Jersey
Mail carriers have a tough job. They have to get mail delivered to residents’ houses six days a week, through sweltering summer weather, freezing rain, ice, possibly snow, and other adverse conditions.
Postal workers also have to deal with dog attacks. As many dog owners think their dogs are friendly, they may not act that way toward others. Many dogs view mail carriers as threats, barking at them and even biting them.
Surprisingly, thousands of dog attacks happen to postal workers every year. In 2023, the United States Postal Service (USPS) reported more than 5,800 dog attacks on its employees. This led to the 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, which ran from June 2 through June 9.
The campaign aimed at promoting safety during mail delivery. This year’s theme was “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you.” The campaign highlights the daily risks letter carriers face, with a goal of focusing on responsible pet ownership and dog bite prevention.
The campaign hopes to educate dog owners about how they can avoid conflicts between their pets and mail carriers. Some ways include keeping dogs inside and away from the door. When outdoors, dogs should be behind a fence or kept on a leash when carriers are expected, as workers tend to arrive at the same time every day. The Informed Delivery service can help residents predict mail arrival times.
Training for letter carriers includes techniques to mitigate dog attacks, such as making non-threatening noises and using barriers to prevent bites. Tara Snyder, a letter carrier, stresses the unpredictability of dogs, advocating for additional precautions like securing doors to prevent dogs from escaping and attacking.
So how did New Jersey fare in terms of dog attacks on postal workers? In 2023, the state had a total of 135 dog bite incidents involving postal workers. Morristown was not on the list, although some nearby towns were. Parsippany had three dog bite incidents last year. East Hanover had one incident. Most dog attacks were in Elizabeth, with six incidents. Plainfield had five, while several — Newark, Clifton, and Camden — had four each. More than 60 cities had one dog bite incident.
It is important that dog owners do their part to keep workers safe. The financial repercussions of dog attacks are significant, with the average claim costing $64,555. Dog owners may be held legally and financially liable if a postal worker is injured.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Dog bites are nothing to laugh at. Many people have suffered long-term injuries and even death from a dog attack.
Injured? Get the help you need from a Morristown dog bite injury attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We understand the medical expenses, lost income, and the physical and emotional damage a dog attack can cause. Schedule a consultation to learn more. Call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form.
Source:
shorenewsnetwork.com/2024/06/03/here-are-the-cities-where-dogs-bite-postal-workers-most-in-new-jersey/
