Working as a FEDEX delivery person in California can be a tough job. You are constantly working against the clock to make your deliveries on time regardless of the traffic hassles and delays you face. Then there are the climate issues that can range from excessive heat to a steady and drenching rain that lasts all day. And if that is not enough, there are the hazards of dogs that can come bolting out the door or from another part of the yard as you make your way to the front door to deliver a package. In most cases, you only have to keep an eye on the dog and listen to the barking. However, at some point, your luck will run out, and you will be the victim of a dog bite. And that is when you need to know whom to count on for expert legal advice.
The staff at Normandie Law Firm is available 24/7 to answer your questions and schedule a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer to explain your rights. They will also suggest how best to move forward to ensure you get the full and fair compensation owed to you for your injuries. So before you agree to accept some cash for your injuries or sign any document related to your future right to seek compensation, contact Normandie Law Firm for a free consultation and expert legal advice.
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The Worst Case Scenario Of Any Dog Bite Injury
If you have been attacked by a huge dog that left a gaping wound, you clearly need to seek emergency medical care. However, even if the dog bite appears minor, with just a tiny puncture wound or laceration, you still need to seek medical treatment for the injury. Sadly, most dog bite victims are unaware that a life-threatening infection is one of the most severe results of a dog bite.
While dogs are considered man’s best friend, they should also be recognized as ones with a superior immune system. The germs and bacteria in a dog’s mouth never cause them any harm but can be lethal when they enter the bloodstream or body of a human. These germs can result in staph, strep, blood, bone infection, and cellulitis. And these infections can happen when you are bit by a dog that is in perfect health, goes to the vet regularly, and has all its shots and vaccines.
So any time you suffer a dog bite while working as a FEDEX delivery person, seek medical attention immediately. Proper cleaning and disinfecting of the wound site can help avoid a painful infection, surgery, and many other unpleasant events due to a dog bite infection.
Who Is Responsible For Your Dog Bite Injury?
California is a strict liability state, so the owner of the dog that bit you is responsible for the expenses and losses you suffer due to the injury. This rule applies to dogs on public or private property, so there are no concerns about it applying. The only common reasons for strict liability to be denied are if the dog bite victim is illegally on the property or the bite victim was injuring or abusing the dog. As a FEDEX delivery person, you are on the property legally, and of course, you must not be attacking the dog when it bites you. You will want to be sure to gather all the contact information for the dog’s owner and the vet who treats the dog. Then seek a medical evaluation for the dog bite.
Who Is Responsible If The Dog Is A Stray?
Ideally, you can knock on the door and speak to the dog owner after a dog bite incident, or the owner hears the commotion and comes to the door. However, many FEDEX delivery persons want to know who is responsible for their injuries and medical expenses if the dog is a stray or they cannot find the dog’s owner. In these cases, the dog bite victim will often turn to the worker’s compensation insurance policy held by their employer for assistance.
In California, all employers must have worker’s comp insurance to protect themselves and their employees in the event of an accident. The policy provides funds to cover all medical care for almost any injury while the employee is on the clock. In addition, the benefits could provide partial compensation for lost wages if you cannot immediately return to work.
More Details On Worker’s Comp Claims
Your employer should open the claim on your behalf when you notify them of the dog bite injury. However, you can also open the claim if your employer does not begin the process. But it is vital to have the claim open within 30 days of the dog bite incident. If you wait longer than 30 days, the claim and benefits will be denied.
A typical worker’s comp claim will include the payment of all medical bills, in most cases, directly to the medical care provider. You just need to tell the medical staff that the injury is work-related and will be paid by worker’s comp, and they will bill directly to them. The benefits also pay a percentage of your lost wages if you are off work for an extended time. Finally, there are longer-term benefits if the dog bite injury results in partial or complete disability.
How Long Do I Have To File A Civil Dog Bite Lawsuit
The Statute of Limitations on a personal injury case in California is two years from the date of the injury. Therefore, if you do not have the lawsuit filed with the court system I that time, you will forfeit your right to seek compensation for the injuries and losses related to the dog bite incident. However, you do not need to wait to begin working with the Normandie Law Firm to prepare your case or file it with the court system. Your legal team will help you understand what must happen and the best time to file your claim. In most cases, the victim is eager to file the claim to ensure they get the compensation they need as rapidly as possible.
What Is The Value Of A Dog Bite Case?
Your civil lawsuit against the dog owner will include all the expenses you incurred due to the dog bite. Some of the specific items that can be included in a typical claim are:
- Medical bills related to the dog bite injuries
- Any lost wages if you could not return to work immediately or for work hours missed for medical treatment or appointments
- Your legal fees
In some cases, you can also include a dollar amount to represent your pain and suffering due to the dog bite injury.
Can I File Two Claims?
Because you were working as a FEDEX delivery person at the time of your dog bite injury, it is possible to file a worker’s comp claim and a civil lawsuit against the dog owner. However, you can only be compensated once for each expense you incur. For example, you could have worker’s comp pay for your medical bills and part of your lost wages. In addition, you could sue the dog owner for the remaining lost wages that were not covered by worker’s comp. Your civil case could also include the cost of your legal fees and possibly even a dollar amount for your pain and suffering. Your Normandie Law Firm legal staff can help you determine what to include in your civil case to ensure that all your losses and expenses are fully covered.
Why Select Normandie Law Firm As Your FEDEX Delivery Dog Bite Lawyer
The team at Normandie Law Firm is dedicated to seeing that justice prevails for every personal injury victim. We understand the challenges and frustrations you face after suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence. And we will strive to ensure you are not forced to pay for their mistakes and suffer long-term financial difficulties. Finally, our legal team is proud to get to know each client and be 100% invested in assisting them to recover their normal life. We hope that you appreciate the personal level of service we deliver and our dedication to winning the compensation you deserve.
We Are Willing To Work For Free
You might find it hard to believe, but we are genuinely willing to work for free if we fail to secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. We tell every client that we do not get paid until after they get paid. And if we do not win their case, they owe us nothing. And that is the truth. However, we also have complete confidence in our lawyers to win every matter we handle for our clients. So we are not worried that we will end up working for free. But rest assured, if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. That is our pledge to each client.
So when you suffer a dog bite injury as a FEDEX delivery person, please get in touch with Normandie Law Firm immediately. We are here 24/7 to explain your rights and ensure that you are prepared to make the best decisions about your medical care and financial future.
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