Injuries caused by dogs and other animals are a job hazard for many delivery drivers. In Connecticut, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets.
If the dog bite happens while you are on the job, can you also get workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation and dog bites
Whether you can get workers’ compensation because of a dog bite injury that happened while you were making a delivery depends on who you work for. If you are an employee of a delivery company that must carry workers’ compensation insurance, then you can probably file a workers’ compensation claim and your employer may require you to report the incident. However, if you are an independent contractor, you are not covered by workers’ compensation. However, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the dog owner.
Can I sue the dog owner?
Dog owners are liable for injuries caused by dog bites regardless of whether the owner was negligent. If a dog bites you while making a delivery for an employer who carries workers’ compensation insurance, you can file a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim or both. However, you can not collect the same damages twice. If you receive workers’ compensation and win a personal injury suit, the judge will deduct the amount you received from workers’ compensation for the same damages from your settlement.
Dog owners are liable for injuries when their dogs bite delivery drivers. However, some delivery drivers may also be able to recover damages through workers’ compensation.
