According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), Chicago ranks third in the nation for the number of reported dog attacks on mail carriers. In 2024, USPS recorded 57 incidents in Chicago, trailing only Houston and Los Angeles. The growing number of attacks highlights a serious public safety concern. It raises questions about workers’ compensation rights, employer protections, and homeowner liability when mail carriers are injured on the job.
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If you’re a postal worker or delivery employee in Chicago who has been bitten or injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. A Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights and file a claim for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. To discuss your case, contact our team at Ankin Law. Call 312-600-0000 for a free initial consultation.
Dog Attacks on Postal Workers Are on the Rise
Every year, thousands of mail carriers and delivery workers across the country suffer dog-related injuries. In 2024, the USPS reported over 6,000 dog attacks nationwide. For urban carriers on foot, the risk of encountering an aggressive or unsupervised dog is a daily reality.
In Chicago, the issue is particularly acute. The city’s dense residential neighborhoods, high number of dog owners, and large volume of deliveries contribute to a higher-than-average risk of dog bite injuries for postal workers. Even with safety protocols in place, such as delivery route adjustments and handheld scanners that warn of known aggressive dogs, postal workers remain vulnerable.
Why Are Mail Carriers Frequent Targets?
Mail carriers are often seen by territorial dogs as intruders. The consistent and repetitive nature of mail delivery—same person, same time, every day—can agitate protective animals. Dog attacks can happen on sidewalks and walkways, porches or steps, inside yards or gates, and even through screen doors or mail slots.
Many attacks occur because owners fail to secure their dogs. In some cases, dogs break through fences or escape from homes. In others, owners are present but lose control of the animal. Regardless of the situation, when a postal worker is injured, the legal and financial consequences can be significant.
USPS Safety Efforts Aren’t Always Enough
The USPS encourages dog owners to keep pets secured during delivery hours. They also provide safety training and use technology to flag dangerous addresses. Still, workers continue to suffer avoidable injuries.
In urban areas like Chicago, where workers frequently walk from house to house, the risks are compounded by tight spaces, gated homes, and limited visibility. When owners ignore leash laws or fail to restrain dogs, injuries are almost inevitable.
Workers’ Compensation for Dog Bites in Illinois
Under Illinois workers’ compensation laws, employees injured while performing work duties are typically entitled to benefits. Those covered under these laws include postal workers, FedEx drivers, Amazon delivery associates, and other logistics employees who suffer dog bites while delivering mail or packages.
What Workers’ Compensation Covers
If you’re bitten or injured by a dog while on your delivery route, workers’ compensation may provide benefits such as:
- Medical treatment (emergency care, surgery, infection control)
- Lost wages (temporary total disability if you can’t return to work right away)
- Permanent disability benefits (if the injury causes long-term impairment)
- Rehabilitation costs
You do not need to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent to receive workers’ comp benefits. Rather, you need only show that the injury occurred while you were performing your job duties.
Third-Party Liability Claims
In some cases, you may also have a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. Known as a third-party claim, this type of action can provide additional compensation, including pain and suffering. Illinois law holds dog owners strictly liable under the Illinois Animal Control Act if their dog attacks without provocation.
An experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate whether a third-party claim is appropriate in addition to your workers’ comp case.
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can cause more than minor scrapes or bruises. Injuries can be severe and may include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Infections, including sepsis or rabies
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD or anxiety
- Broken bones from falls during an attack
Recovery can take weeks or months. In serious cases, mail carriers may require plastic surgery or ongoing therapy—costs that should be covered by workers’ compensation or a third-party claim.
Who Is Liable When a Dog Attacks a Delivery Worker?
Liability can fall on multiple parties depending on the circumstances. Common examples include:
- Dog owners – In Illinois, owners are generally held liable under the state’s strict liability law if their dog attacks a person without provocation.
- Property owners or landlords – If they knew a dangerous dog was on the premises and did nothing to prevent access.
- Employers – While employers are usually protected from lawsuits under workers’ comp laws, they must still provide a safe working environment.
In many cases, homeowner’s insurance will cover damages caused by a dog bite. However, insurers often attempt to deny or limit payouts. A Chicago dog attack lawyer can help push back against those denials.
Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering After a Dog Bite?
Yes. While workers’ compensation covers medical bills and lost wages, it does not pay for pain and suffering. If the dog owner or another third party was negligent, you may have grounds for a separate personal injury lawsuit.
A third-party claim can seek damages for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Combining a workers’ compensation claim with a personal injury lawsuit often results in higher overall compensation, but requires the right legal strategy.
Speak With a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been injured by a dog while delivering mail or packages, you shouldn’t have to handle the consequences alone. Dog attacks can be traumatic, painful, and financially draining. Illinois law protects injured workers. However, getting the compensation you deserve isn’t always straightforward.
An experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and help you pursue additional compensation if a third party is responsible. Whether you’re facing medical bills, time off work, or long-term injuries, legal support can make all the difference. To discuss your options after a dog attack in Chicago, contact our injury lawyers at Ankin Law at 312-600-0000.
