When Mail Carriers Are Attacked, Victims Have Legal Rights
In 2024, more than 6,000 postal workers in the United States were attacked by dogs while doing their jobs — an alarming rise over previous years.
According to the U.S. Postal Service, the total number of dog attacks on mail carriers increased by 5% from 2023 and by 15% from 2022, reaching the highest rate in seven years.
This ongoing hazard has prompted the USPS to continue its long-running safety initiative: the 2025 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, which takes place throughout June. This year’s theme, “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track,” is a message every dog owner in Southwest Washington should take seriously, because the risk doesn’t end with mail carriers.
Dog attacks are a public safety issue that affects delivery drivers, utility workers, neighbors, pedestrians, and young children. For personal injury attorney Colin Scott of The Scott Law Firm, PLLC in Vancouver, WA, the legal and medical consequences of a dog owner’s negligence are clear: when animals aren’t properly restrained, people may get hurt, and those injuries may lead to serious claims and costly outcomes.
Dog Ownership Comes with Legal Responsibility
More than one in three U.S. households owns at least one dog. In a region like Southwest Washington, where walkable neighborhoods, mail delivery routes, and active front yards are common, poorly controlled dogs can present a daily hazard for workers and visitors alike.
Under Washington state law, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of the animal’s past behavior. This means a victim does not need to prove that the dog had previously shown aggression; the simple fact that the bite occurred is enough to support a claim in most cases.
Victims of dog attacks may face more than just puncture wounds. Dog bites and attacks have the potential to lead to a range of serious injuries, some of which may require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Some of the common types of injuries reported in dog bite cases across Washington State include:
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Deep bites can tear skin and muscle, sometimes requiring stitches or surgery.
- Infections: Bacteria in a dog’s mouth can lead to serious infections, such as cellulitis or sepsis, if left untreated.
- Broken Bones: Powerful bites or falls caused during an attack can fracture hands, arms, or legs.
- Nerve Damage: Bites to the face, hands, or legs as well as other parts of the body can cause nerve damage, which may result in lasting numbness or loss of function.
- Facial Injuries and Scarring: Particularly common in children, these injuries may require reconstructive surgery.
- Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, and a lasting fear of animals may follow severe or unprovoked attacks.
These injuries can have long-term consequences, both physically and emotionally, as well as financially. For delivery workers, utility employees, pedestrians, and children, the damage can be life-altering. Consulting an attorney after a serious bite can help ensure that victims understand their legal rights and pursue the compensation they may need for recovery.
Mail Carriers Are Among the Most Frequent Victims
Mail carriers are especially vulnerable. They enter properties daily, sometimes with little warning and minimal protection. In Washington and across the country, the frequency of attacks has prompted USPS and other delivery services to offer extensive guidance on how to approach homes with dogs, but those efforts only go so far.
The real burden falls on dog owners. If a delivery person is injured because a homeowner failed to secure a dog, the consequences may include not only a personal injury lawsuit but also criminal citations and restrictions on future pet ownership.
How Dog Owners Can Help Prevent Tragedy
Prevention is always the best defense. While most dog owners may not intend harm, some may underestimate how their dog may react to perceived intruders, such as delivery drivers or strangers. With the rise in dog bite injuries — and growing public attention to the issue — every dog owner should take proactive steps to reduce the risk and protect others.
The following are some essential precautions dog owners in Southwest Washington can take, particularly during peak delivery hours. Responsible dog owner safety tips include:
- Use a Secure, Lockable Gate: Even a fenced yard can pose a danger if gates are left unlatched or broken. Secure all entrances and exits daily.
- Keep Dogs Indoors During Deliveries: If possible, bring the dog inside before expected deliveries. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of bites.
- Install Signage Warning of a Dog on the Premises: A visible “Beware of Dog” or “Dog in Yard” sign can alert visitors and delivery workers to use caution.
- Train for Controlled Greetings: Socialize your dogs with people approaching the property, but never rely solely on training. Use leashes or crates when appropriate to physically prevent incidents.
- Avoid Letting Children Answer the Door When Dogs Are Loose: Kids may unintentionally allow a dog to bolt toward the door when a carrier arrives.
These precautions may not only protect mail carriers but also protect homeowners from potential legal and financial consequences. In cases where a dog does attack, the injured person may be entitled to substantial compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Legal claims can move quickly, and sometimes, it’s not always clear what steps a dog owner must take to respond or defend against a claim.
Know Your Rights After a Dog Bite Injury in Washington
When someone is seriously hurt by a dog, time can be a major factor. Legal deadlines under Washington’s personal injury statutes can limit how long a victim has to file a claim. Worker’s compensation laws also place limits on the amount of time someone has to make a claim following a dog bite or attack. For mail carriers, delivery drivers, pedestrians, or others who have been hurt by a dog in Clark, Cowlitz, or Skamania counties, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, offers free consultations to those injured by dog bites throughout the State of Washington. If an injury occurred because a dog wasn’t secured, there may be legal grounds to pursue compensation. Acting quickly can make all the difference in recovering the full value of a claim. Contact us for a free consultation today.
"I can’t speak highly enough about my experience with The Scott Law Firm. From the very beginning, they were incredibly responsive, answering all my questions quickly and clearly, and keeping me informed every step of the way. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, we achieved a favorable outcome that far exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for a skilled, reliable, and results-driven personal injury attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend Colin Scott." - Batseba J., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐