Attacked by a Dog as an Amazon Worker in New Hampshire? Here’s What You Need to Know
Amazon workers have made headlines during the past few months thanks to the company’s alleged ill-treatment of its factory employees. But Amazon’s factory workers aren’t the only employees who face dangerous situations on a daily basis. Delivery workers face a wide range of hazards when they venture onto private properties to deliver parcels. These workers are just trying to do their jobs – but you never quite know what’s going to happen when you set foot on someone else’s property. Dogs represent one of the biggest threats faced by these workers. So what can you do if you were attacked by a dog in New Hampshire?
Workers’ Comp: Is It a Viable Source of Compensation?
As an American worker, you have important rights. One of these rights is access to workers’ comp in the event of an accident. A dog bite certainly classifies as a workplace injury – assuming that you were in the process of your normal employment activities when the attack occurred. But are you really covered under Amazon’s workers’ comp insurance?
This is a difficult question to answer, mostly due to the way Amazon conducts business. While many delivery workers are technically working for Amazon, they might not be classified as employees. Instead, they may fall under the legal classification of “independent contractor,” which means that they cannot access workers’ compensation benefits.
This is really a situation that you need to discuss with a qualified personal injury AND worker’s compensation attorney in New Hampshire. You will need to look into your unique situation and determine whether you classify as an employee. In some cases, Amazon contracts delivery services out to entire companies, and these companies may then hire their own employees. These companies may also be required to obtain workers’ comp insurance – which means you could potentially file a claim through this employer (but not Amazon).
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
You may also have the ability to sue the owner of the dog that attacked you. This may allow you to obtain the compensation you need, especially since dog owners can be held “strictly liable” for the actions of their pets – meaning that the owner is liable for the damages their pet causes, even if they did not know the dog was dangerous or if they were not negligent in letting the dog free. Often, if the dog owner owns their home, there could be a homeowner’s insurance policy that you could make a claim against.
Where Can I Find a Dog Bite Attorney in New Hampshire?
If you’ve been searching for a Manchester dog bite attorney, look no further than the Law Office of Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured victims – including dog bite survivors. We’re willing to fight for your rights as a worker, and there’s no need to simply sit back and accept the financial and psychological costs of your animal attack. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
Sources:
yahoo.com/lifestyle/hampshire-dog-laws-rabies-dog-193041023.html
animallaw.info/statute/nh-dog-bite-chapter-466-dogs-and-cats