A sharp rise in the number of postal workers attacked by dogs has been reported
We specialise in helping postal workers who have been attacked by dogs. The Royal Mail Dog Attack Compensation Scheme only covers limited lost earnings, so to recover the full amount of compensation you are entitled to, contact our free legal helpline on freephone 0333 888 0435 or email [email protected]
Royal Mail has released statistics showing a shocking increase in postal workers attacked by dogs in the year 2022 to 2023.
Despite growing awareness of dog attacks on postal workers and delivery drivers, these latest figures reveal a worrying rise in the number of workers being bitten. This trend is also supported by the volume of enquiries to our free legal helpline from people seeking legal guidance on claiming compensation.
The Communications Workers Union has provided the following statistics:
- Over 30,000 postal workers have been attacked by dogs in the last decade;
- 80% of postal workers were attacked at the front door of the property they were delivering to;
- On average, six attacks happen every day, equating to over 2,000-3,000 each year; and
- 1,000 postal workers have had a finger bitten off or been seriously injured while inserting post through a letter box.
Royal Mail confirms that 1,916 dog attack incidents were reported to them by postal workers last year, an increase from 1,673 for the year 2021/2022.
Tunbridge Wells leads the table of places in the UK where most postal worker dog attacks occur. The Top 10 dangerous hotspots for postal workers being attacked by dogs are:
- Tunbridge Wells – 48% increase from last year
- Belfast – 12% increase from last year
- Sheffield – 2% decrease from last year
- Portsmouth – 44% increase from last year
- Bristol – 56% increase from last year
- Swansea – 11% increase from last year
- Exeter – 19% increase from last year
- Nottingham – same level as last year
- (Jointly placed) Brighton and Oxford – 8% and 3% decrease from last year
If you are attacked by a dog while delivering and suffer injury, you could be able to claim compensation. It’s important to speak to a member of our specialist legal team as soon as possible, but our recommendation for the initial steps you should take are as follows:
- Ensure that you reach a place of safety;
- If you are able to do so safely, report the incident to the householder;
- Report the incident to your employer who should be able to notify the householder of the incident;
- Take a photograph of the property showing any ‘Beware of the Dog’ signs, or the lack of signage, and note the address of the property;
- Photograph your injury;
- Seek medical attention – either at your local hospital or GP. Dog saliva contains harmful bacteria and it is important that you ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations;
- Report the incident to the police; and
- Contact our free legal helpline for specialist advice.
Our specialist team have expert knowledge of the law surrounding these claims and offer assistance under a no win, no fee agreement. Although cases involving postal workers attacked by dogs can often be similar, the injuries differ greatly, and no two claims are the same. It is important to seek assistance from a specialist lawyer who will be able to ensure that you will be compensated to the fullest for your injury as well as any financial losses you incur.