Dog Bites

At The Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, we understand that workplace accidents involving dog bites can have severe physical and emotional consequences for you and, in turn, your family. These incidents are common in Charlotte and can occur at construction sites, warehouses, and delivery routes. If you have been bitten while performing your job duties, our experienced attorneys are here to help.

Our Charlotte workers' compensation lawyers have specific experience handling cases involving dog bites and are prepared to advocate for your right to receive the compensation you deserve. If you have suffered a dog bite injury while on the job in Charlotte, don't hesitate to contact us at 704-405-2580 for a free consultation. Our dedicated legal team will review your case, provide personalized guidance, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Dog bites are a significant concern for many Charlotte workers. In fact, approximately 16,526 dog bites per year are work-related. That’s nearly five percent of all dog bite cases in the United States. These incidents often involve individuals in jobs such as mail delivery, package handling, food delivery, animal care at clinics or shelters, and home repair or installations. Many jobs that may not otherwise be dangerous, such as mail delivery, package handling, and animal care, can become dangerous occupations due to the threat of dog bites.

The prevalence of dog bite injuries extends beyond specific occupations, with the average annual incidence in U.S. emergency departments at 1.1 per 1,000 individuals. North Carolina mirrors this trend closely, with a comparable rate of 1.05 dog bites per 1,000 residents. In 2022 alone, dogs attacked over 5,300 employees engaged in mail delivery duties, according to data from the U.S. Postal Service.

Not every occupation faces the risk of a dog bite. However, in our experience, the following workers are among the most likely to encounter a dangerous or aggressive dog.

Mail carriers and delivery drivers regularly encounter dogs while traversing neighborhoods and delivering packages. Whether it's a friendly household pet or an aggressive canine, the risk of being bitten is a constant concern for these professionals.

Employees working in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or grooming salons interact with animals daily, putting them at risk of dog bites. Despite precautions, unpredictable behavior or stressors can lead to potentially dangerous situations.

Utility workers [link to NEW Utility Workers page] and maintenance personnel often enter private properties to perform essential services such as repairs or installations. In these instances, encounters with unrestrained or aggressive dogs pose significant hazards, potentially resulting in injuries that warrant workers' compensation claims.

Construction sites and landscaping projects may attract curious or territorial dogs, especially in residential areas. Workers engaged in outdoor tasks, such as building maintenance, landscaping, or fence installation, risk encountering aggressive dogs, particularly when working close to residences.

Professionals providing home services, such as plumbers, electricians, or HVAC technicians, frequently enter private residences to perform their duties. Unfortunately, these individuals may encounter unrestrained or aggressive dogs on the property, increasing the likelihood of dog bite incidents.

Employees working in retail establishments or fulfilling delivery orders are exposed to potential dog bite risks, particularly when delivering goods to residential addresses. Even brief interactions with unfamiliar dogs during these duties can lead to serious injuries requiring workers' compensation assistance.

Security guards and patrol officers monitoring private properties or businesses may encounter aggressive dogs while performing their duties. Whether patrolling neighborhoods or responding to security alerts, these professionals face inherent risks associated with dog-related incidents.

Regardless of the occupation, any Charlotte employee who sustains a dog bite injury while performing work-related duties deserves fair compensation for their injuries.

If you were recently attacked by a dog while at work, it is important you take a few minutes to understand your rights under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system. While benefits may be available to you, you shouldn’t rely on your employer to convey this information, as it’s against their interest to do so. At the Olsinski Law Firm, we have decades of experience aggressively pursuing fair benefits awards on behalf of clients who suffered serious work-related dog bite injuries. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 704-405-2850, or connect with us through our secure online contact form.