Delivery Workers Attacked by Dogs

The Hidden Danger on Doorsteps Across Tennessee

Delivery workers have become an essential part of daily life in today’s world. Whether delivering groceries, meals, packages, or prescriptions, these workers travel neighborhood by neighborhood to ensure services are completed on time. Unfortunately, as the number of delivery jobs increases, so does the risk of being attacked by dogs. Every day, delivery professionals—many employed by Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Instacart, DoorDash, or similar companies—are unexpectedly bitten or injured while approaching homes and businesses.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we represent delivery workers who have been harmed by dangerous dogs in Brentwood, Nashville, Murfreesboro, and surrounding communities. Our firm is here to help victims navigate their legal rights after these traumatic incidents. If you or a loved one has been attacked while delivering a product or service, you may have the right to pursue financial recovery against the dog’s owner and potentially other responsible parties.

Tennessee Law and the Rights of Delivery Workers

Tennessee law provides clear protections for those who are injured by dogs while lawfully on someone’s property. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413, a dog owner may be held strictly liable when their animal injures someone who is on public property or is legally present on private property. Delivery workers—such as those dropping off packages or food—are not trespassers. They are legally permitted to approach a customer’s residence or place of business for the purpose of completing a delivery.

Strict liability means that the dog owner does not have to be shown to have acted negligently. Instead, if the delivery worker was behaving peaceably and had a lawful right to be on the premises, and the dog was not provoked, the owner can be held responsible for injuries. However, this statute does include exceptions. When an injury takes place on private, residential property and the dog was properly confined, a victim may instead need to pursue a claim under the legal theory of negligence.

Even when strict liability does not apply, Tennessee law allows a claim based on the failure of the dog owner to use reasonable care. If the dog had previously acted aggressively, escaped from its enclosure, or shown signs of hostility, the owner may still be liable for failing to take steps to prevent foreseeable harm. Failing to keep a gate secured, leaving a dog off leash, or ignoring warnings from animal control could all be considered breaches of duty.

The Unique Challenges Faced by Delivery Professionals

Delivery workers are placed in vulnerable situations. Their jobs often require them to approach unfamiliar homes, walk up driveways, navigate porches, and leave items at doorsteps. Many homeowners keep dogs in fenced yards or inside the home but underestimate how quickly a dog can escape, lunge through a screen, or bolt through a door. Some deliveries are made at night or during busy hours when a customer may not be paying close attention to their pet. In many cases, the worker is caught off guard and has no time to react before an attack occurs.

Injuries sustained during these attacks are often serious. Delivery workers may suffer deep bite wounds, torn skin, tendon damage, infections, nerve injury, and broken bones from being knocked down. These injuries can result in extended recovery time, missed income, medical expenses, and permanent scarring or impairment. Beyond physical harm, victims often experience emotional trauma, anxiety, and a lingering fear of returning to work.

When the victim’s job depends on being able to walk long distances, lift packages, or work under pressure, a dog attack can have long-lasting consequences. Some individuals are never able to return to the same line of work. Others are forced to reduce their hours or accept lower-paying roles. The psychological burden, especially when paired with financial stress, can be overwhelming.

Navigating Compensation and Workers’ Rights

In many dog bite cases involving delivery workers, the injured person may be eligible for more than one form of compensation. If the worker is classified as an employee of a company like FedEx or UPS, they may have access to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can cover medical bills, lost wages, and disability, regardless of who was at fault for the injury.

However, workers’ compensation benefits are limited. They typically do not account for pain and suffering, long-term loss of enjoyment of life, or future disfigurement. For that reason, it is often crucial to explore a separate claim against the dog’s owner. This is known as a third-party personal injury claim and can be pursued in addition to workers’ compensation.

In some cases, the delivery worker may be classified as an independent contractor. This is often true for gig workers such as Instacart shoppers, Amazon Flex drivers, or DoorDash couriers. These individuals may not have access to traditional workers’ compensation and must rely entirely on legal action against the person responsible for the dog. Regardless of employment classification, Tennessee law allows for direct claims against dog owners whose negligence led to the attack.

In certain situations, additional parties may also be held liable. If a property owner failed to maintain a fence or knowingly allowed a dangerous dog to roam freely, they may bear responsibility. If a dog attack occurred in an apartment complex or gated community and the landlord ignored warnings about an aggressive animal, liability may extend to the landlord or property management company. At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we conduct a thorough investigation of every case to determine all potentially responsible parties.

Real-World Examples of Legal Accountability

We have represented delivery workers who were attacked while simply trying to do their job. In one case, a food courier was bitten while handing off an order to a customer who opened the door without securing their dog. The animal lunged through the opening and bit the worker on the hand and forearm. Through legal investigation, we discovered the dog had previously snapped at other delivery people and that the customer had ignored repeated safety notices from the delivery platform. We recovered compensation that covered the worker’s surgeries, time off work, and emotional distress.

In another case, a package delivery driver was attacked in a driveway by a dog that had escaped through a damaged side gate. Although the homeowner claimed the dog had never bitten anyone before, animal control records showed the dog had a prior bite incident that had gone unreported. We held the owner accountable and pursued damages that included pain and suffering as well as the long-term impact of nerve damage to the worker’s arm.

These cases highlight how vital it is to act quickly and preserve evidence. Prompt reporting to animal control, documentation of the scene, and access to veterinary or medical records can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim.

Building a Strong Case for Damages

Our firm works with victims to document every aspect of their injury and recovery. Medical records are only part of the picture. We take the time to understand how the injury affects the person’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, interact with others, and engage in physical activity. We also explore the emotional effects—especially when a victim experiences ongoing fear, sleep disturbances, or trauma.

Delivery workers may recover damages for hospital bills, follow-up visits, medications, physical therapy, transportation costs for medical care, and future treatment needs. Compensation may also be awarded for lost earnings, diminished earning potential, and the impact of being unable to return to previous work.

In cases involving permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability, we often consult specialists in plastic surgery, vocational rehabilitation, and mental health to support the full scope of damages. If the dog owner acted recklessly or with clear disregard for safety, punitive damages may be awarded as well.

Why Legal Help Makes a Difference

Navigating the legal system alone can be overwhelming, especially for workers trying to heal and stay afloat financially. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize claims, argue that the worker provoked the dog, or offer quick settlements that do not reflect the full value of the injury. These tactics are particularly common when the victim works as a contractor and lacks employer support.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we manage every aspect of the legal process—from investigating the attack and filing claims, to negotiating with insurers and, when necessary, taking cases to court. Our attorneys are recognized statewide for our experience in dog bite litigation and our commitment to securing results for injured workers. We understand that no two cases are alike, and we tailor our strategy to the individual needs of each client.

We also understand the urgency of these situations. The longer a worker is unable to earn an income, the greater the strain on their family and finances. Our goal is to pursue justice efficiently, compassionately, and with full attention to the details that make your experience unique.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you are a delivery worker who has been bitten or attacked by a dog while on the job, your next steps matter. Seek medical attention right away and report the incident to both your employer and animal control. Document the injuries, preserve any physical evidence, and contact a qualified attorney who can help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. is here to help. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we serve victims throughout Davidson County and across Middle Tennessee. There is no cost to speak with us, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call us today at (615) 742-4880 to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Let our team fight for your recovery while you focus on healing.