Dog bite incidents involving delivery drivers are becoming more common as companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other services make millions of stops every day. These cases are often more complicated than standard dog bite claims because they can involve multiple parties and insurance policies.
If you or a loved one was bitten during a delivery in Chicago, IL, it is important to understand how these cases work and what legal options may be available to you going forward. Speak with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer in Chicago for legal guidance and support.
Why Delivery-Related Dog Bites Are Different
In a typical dog bite case, the claim is often made directly against the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy. When a delivery driver is involved, however, other issues come into play. The injured person may be a homeowner, a tenant, a neighbor, or the delivery driver themselves. In each scenario, the facts matter.
Delivery companies often classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification can affect whether the company itself can be held financially responsible for the injuries. In addition, there may be overlapping coverage through homeowners’ insurance, commercial auto policies, and occupational injury coverage for drivers.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Delivery-Related Dog Bite?
Liability in these cases depends on where the attack happened, who controlled the dog, and other factors. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The dog owner for failing to restrain the animal
- A landlord or property manager who knew about a dangerous dog and did nothing
- The delivery driver’s employer in limited situations
- A third party who opened a gate or otherwise created a dangerous condition
Illinois follows a strict liability law for dog bite cases, meaning the victim does not need to prove the dog had a prior history of aggression. As long as the victim was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog, the owner can usually be held responsible.
What To Do After a Dog Bite Involving a Delivery Driver
Taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights. The first thing you should do is seek medical care right away, as dog bites are prone to infection. The incident should also be reported to local animal control so that an official record is created.
If possible, gather evidence such as photographs of your injuries and anything else you can note from the scene. Witness information and delivery records can also become important later on.
How Meyers & Flowers Can Help With a Delivery-Related Dog Bite Case in Chicago
Dog bite claims involving delivery drivers often move quickly into disputes between multiple insurance companies. Our firm can step in to protect your interests from the start. With over $6 billion recovered and more than 100 years of combined experience, we have the resources and trial strength needed for complex injury cases like these.
Our respected personal injury lawyers in Chicago can help by:
- Identifying all of the potentially liable parties
- Securing delivery records and surveillance footage
- Obtaining animal control and medical documentation
- Handling communications with insurers
- Building a strong damages claim
- Filing a lawsuit when a fair settlement is not offered
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only receive attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bite cases involving Amazon, FedEx, and other delivery drivers can raise confusing legal questions about liability. If you are unsure who is responsible or how to move forward, speaking with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Chicago can give you clear direction.
Contact Meyers & Flowers today for a free consultation by calling (630) 232-6333 or reaching out online. We’re confident we can help you recover the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to under the law.Delivery-related dog bites can involve multiple parties and insurance policies. Meyers & Flowers – Chicago personal injury firm explains how liability works in Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other delivery driver dog bite cases and what victims should do next.