Dog Bites Injuries in Owing Mills: Workers’ Comp Claim or Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Experienced delivery workers are fully aware of the threat posed by aggressive animals. Whether you are a postal worker, an Amazon delivery person, or a UPS trucker, dog bites pose a genuine danger. It is no secret that some workers have been disfigured by animals. Some have lost their lives. Some have even been attacked by animals more times than they can remember. After suffering a dog attack, you might be wondering whether you should sue the owner or file a workers’ compensation claim.

Why Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Makes More Sense 

While you can certainly file a workers’ compensation claim after a dog bite suffered on the job, a personal injury lawsuit often makes much more sense. This is primarily because a personal injury lawsuit has the potential to provide more compensation – especially after a serious, traumatic dog attack.

The problem with workers’ compensation claims is that they can only provide compensation for economic damages. These might include things like missed wages and medical expenses. Even then, a workers’ compensation claim generally only covers a percentage of these damages.

In contrast, a personal injury lawsuit can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are emotional or psychological losses, including PTSD, disfigurement, depression, anxiety, loss of purpose of life, emotional distress, humiliation, and pain & suffering.

All of these non-economic damages can increase your total settlement or award. These damages may be especially important in the aftermath of a dog attack, as these incidents can be highly traumatic. You might suffer from PTSD for years after the attack – or perhaps for the rest of your life. You may need to attend psychological counseling to address these issues – and you may develop a permanent phobia of dogs.

But perhaps the most pressing example of non-economic damage after a dog attack is disfigurement. Some of the most disfiguring scars imaginable may be caused by aggressive dogs. Facial scars can be particularly life-altering, and you may never regain your sense of self-confidence after such an incident.

These factors should clearly establish the importance of considering a personal injury lawsuit after a dog bite as a delivery worker. Remember, dog bite lawsuits are not much more complex or time-consuming compared to workers’ comp claims. In fact, there is no requirement to prove that the dog owner’s negligence led to your accident – as Maryland is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites. In other words, a dog bite lawsuit can be just as easy as a “no-fault” workers’ compensation claim.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Injury Attorney in Owing Mills 

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney, look no further than Furman Honick Law. Over the years, we have helped thousands of injured plaintiffs throughout Maryland – including dog bite victims. We know how serious and life-altering these injuries can be, and we can guide you toward the compensation you need. Call Furman Honick Law today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.

Sources: 

thedailyrecord.com/2023/09/28/md-appellate-court-upholds-132322-dog-bite-award/

cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/amazon-drivers-are-at-risk-of-dog-attacks-theyre-looking-for-answers/