Dog Bite Lawyer Utah: What to Do If You’re Bitten While Working
Dog bites are common workplace injuries, especially for contractors, delivery drivers, and postal workers. If you’ve been bitten by a dog while on the job, you may be eligible for compensation through both Workers’ Compensation and third-party claims. A qualified dog bite lawyer in Utah can help you navigate the process and maximize your settlement.
Types of Dog Bite Claims
Understanding the different types of claims is essential to know your rights:
- First-Party Injury Claims: Claims made against your own insurance policy, typically limited in coverage.
- Third-Party Injury Claims: Claims made against the dog owner’s insurance, often through their homeowner’s or commercial liability policy.
In dog bite cases, you’ll typically file a third-party claim against the dog owner’s insurance company for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries at Work?
If you’re bitten by a dog while working, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy is typically responsible for your damages. If you’re actively on the job at the time of the attack, you can also file a Workers’ Compensation claim.
Here’s the difference between the two options:
- Workers’ Compensation: Pays limited benefits for medical bills and lost wages but often restricts non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering).
- Third-Party Insurance Claims: Allows you to seek broader compensation, including non-economic damages like pain and emotional distress.
Workers’ Compensation Liens in Dog Bite Cases
If your employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier pays your medical bills or lost wages, they will place a lien on your settlement. This means you must repay the benefits paid by Workers’ Compensation, though usually at a reduced rate.
Lien Reduction Example:
Imagine you’re a pizza delivery driver in Provo, Utah, attacked by a dog at a customer’s door. Your Workers’ Compensation pays $4,500 in emergency room bills, but your lawyer negotiates the lien down to $3,500.
- Total Settlement: $15,000
- Attorney Fees: $5,000
- Case Costs: $375
- Lien Reduction Payment: $3,500 (from $4,500)
- Net Settlement: $6,125
A dog bite lawyer in Utah can negotiate lien reductions, ensuring you keep more of your settlement.
Common Workers at Risk of Dog Bites
Certain professions face a higher risk of dog bites while on the job, including:
- Delivery drivers (e.g., DoorDash, Amazon, pizza delivery)
- Postal workers
- Contractors (e.g., plumbers, HVAC technicians)
- Construction workers
Who Actually Pays in Dog Bite Claims?
It’s a myth that filing a claim will ruin the dog owner financially. Dog bite cases are typically covered by:
- Homeowners’ Insurance Policies
- Commercial Premises Liability Insurance
These policies are designed to cover dog bite injuries, so you’re not targeting the dog owner’s personal assets.
Is Filing a Dog Bite Insurance Claim the Same as Filing a Lawsuit?
No. Filing an insurance claim is a private matter handled directly with the dog owner’s insurance company. Filing a lawsuit, however, involves public legal proceedings and may require going to court.
A lawsuit is only necessary if the insurance company refuses to provide fair compensation. In many cases, a dog bite lawyer in Utah can help you settle without filing a lawsuit.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Utah Can Help
If you’ve been injured by a dog while working, a dog bite lawyer in Utah can help by:
- Filing your Workers’ Compensation claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies for third-party claims
- Reducing Workers’ Compensation liens
- Pursuing full and fair compensation for your injuries
Call Jake Gunter – Your Trusted Dog Bite Lawyer in Utah
Have you been injured by a dog bite while on the job? Call or text Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345 for a free consultation. With extensive experience in handling dog bite cases, Jake Gunter can guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Learn More About Utah Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter 
For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:
- Meet Jake Gunter – Learn more about Jake Gunter’s background, experience, and dedication to helping clients throughout Utah.
- How to Choose a Utah Personal Injury Attorney – This video offers guidance on selecting the right personal injury attorney to ensure you receive effective representation.
- What Jake Gunter Does and Who He Represents – Discover the types of cases Jake Gunter handles and how he advocates for the rights of injured individuals statewide.
These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.