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Home / Blog / Dog attacks in the home / What to Do When You’re Bitten by a Dog as a Delivery Driver in New Jersey

December 30, 2025 - Dog attacks in the home, Dog attacks at work, Dog Bite Law, Dog Bite Settlements

What to Do When You’re Bitten by a Dog as a Delivery Driver in New Jersey

Table of Contents

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  • Find a Safe Location to Assess Injuries
  • Seek Medical Treatment Promptly
  • Report the Bite to Authorities and Your Employer
  • How to Document Your Delivery Dog Bite Incident
  • New Jersey’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law and Delivery Drivers
  • Bitten by a Dog as a Delivery Driver? Book a Free Delivery Driver Dog Bite Consultation with the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer
  • Frequently Asked Delivery Driver Dog Bite Questions
    • What if the dog had never bitten anyone before? Can I still recover?
    • Do delivery drivers count as “lawfully present” on private property?
    • What should I do if the dog owner denies responsibility or refuses to give insurance info?
    • How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
    • Can I recover compensation if the dog didn’t technically “bite” me but knocked me down?
    • What if I were a gig worker bitten by a dog (DoorDash, Uber Eats) rather than an employee?
    • Can I get money for emotional trauma or fear of returning to work?
    • Should I report the incident even if the bite seemed “minor” at first?
    • Are dog bites increasing in parts of New Jersey?
Delivery drivers in New Jersey face a surprisingly common hazard: dog attacks that happen as they approach homes and businesses to deliver mail, packages, groceries, or food orders. The most recent USPS data shows there were almost 200 attacks annually on postal workers alone in New Jersey. With an increased number of Amazon and Uber drivers on the New Jersey roads, the rise in delivery driver dog attacks is part of a broader trend recognized by local carriers and safety advocates.
Following the right steps after a bite ensures you receive proper care, but also preserve your rights to compensation under New Jersey’s strict liability dog bite law and, potentially, workers’ compensation protections
What to do after a delivery driver dog bite
​

Find a Safe Location to Assess Injuries

When a dog bites, your immediate focus must be on your safety. Dogs that attack once can sometimes strike again, especially if they feel cornered or excited. Take the following steps to immediately protect your safety.
  1. Move to a secure location, such as your delivery vehicle or a neighbor’s porch.
  2. Contact local authorities (animal control or police) if the animal remains aggressive or unrestrained.
  3. If there are eyewitnesses, such as neighbors walking their own dogs, pedestrians, or the customer you were delivering to, ask if they will stay and provide their names and contact information. That information often becomes very valuable later when you’re documenting what happened.

Seek Medical Treatment Promptly

Even seemingly minor bites can quickly lead to infection or hidden internal injury. New Jersey healthcare providers treating bite wounds will not only clean and bandage the injury but also evaluate you for tetanus, rabies risk, and nerve or tendon damage.
Immediate medical care also creates a medical record directly linking your injuries to the bite incident, often a core piece of evidence in a compensation claim.
Delaying treatment is one of the most common reasons insurance companies attempt to reduce or deny claims, arguing that the injury might have been caused later or was not serious.

Report the Bite to Authorities and Your Employer

Why Report a Dog Bite in NJ?
Once you are safe and seeking medical attention, report the bite to the local authorities. Reporting the dog bite to the authorities serves multiple purposes:
  • In New Jersey, many municipalities require dog bites to be reported to the police or animal control so the animal can be quarantined and investigated for its vaccination status and aggression risk.
  • Reporting also ensures an official record of the incident, which can be essential in later legal or insurance proceedings.
  • You should also report the incident immediately to your employer, whether you work as a W-2 employee for USPS, FedEx, UPS, or similar services, or as a gig worker for DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart. Timely reporting triggers workers’ compensation protections where applicable and preserves your right to pursue third-party claims against the dog owner.
Our guide to reporting a dog bite in New Jersey reveals more details about the steps in the bite reporting process.

How to Document Your Delivery Dog Bite Incident

Documentation often makes the difference between a successful recovery and a frustrating fight with insurers.
As soon as it is safe, write down the location of the bite, the time of day, what you were doing just before the incident, and how the dog behaved. Take photos of your injuries from multiple angles to showcase the true extent of the wounds. If possible, take photographs of the dog, the yard or street location of the dog attack, and the customer’s property.
Collecting names and phone numbers of witnesses further strengthens your case, especially because dog owners and insurers may dispute your recollection.

New Jersey’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law and Delivery Drivers

New Jersey’s dog bite statute (N.J.S.A. § 4:19-16) is among the most favorable to victims in the country. Under this law, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries their dog causes if the bite occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, such as during a delivery.
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Under New Jersey’s strict liability law, the owner may be responsible for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages even if the dog had no prior history of aggression or the owner had no reason to expect the bite.
Delivery drivers dropping off mail, packages, or food are considered lawfully present when making deliveries, and owners’ defenses are limited. This strict liability standard applies even without proof that the owner was negligent or that they knew the dog might bite.
Insurance, Compensation, and Returning to Your Delivery Route
Most successful dog bite claims are resolved through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance, which typically includes liability coverage for pet-related injuries.
If you are also eligible for workers’ compensation (common for postal workers and other W-2 drivers), that can help cover wages and medical needs while a third-party claim pursues full damages for pain and suffering, scarring, or long-term disability.
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize payouts by questioning the severity of injuries, disputing who was at fault, or highlighting procedural missteps. Delivery drivers benefit from consulting a dog bite lawyer who has significant experience litigating claims under the New Jersey dog bite statutes and delivery-related workplace injury cases.

Bitten by a Dog as a Delivery Driver? Book a Free Delivery Driver Dog Bite Consultation with the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite attorney David Cowhey is the New Jersey dog bite lawyer with the most six-figure settlements of any dog bite lawyer in the state. His work with delivery drivers over 40 years has helped clients secure millions of dollars in dog bite settlements. Don’t wait to schedule a dog bite case consultation with David Cowhey about a dog bite on your delivery route. Your call is free, and David Cowhey is available 24/7 to support your case.

Frequently Asked Delivery Driver Dog Bite Questions

What if the dog had never bitten anyone before? Can I still recover?

Yes. New Jersey’s statute does not require the dog to have shown aggression previously. As long as the bite occurred while you were lawfully present, the owner can be held responsible. This eliminates the so-called “one bite” rule that exists in some states.

Do delivery drivers count as “lawfully present” on private property?

Courts recognize that drivers making deliveries — whether mail, packages, groceries, or prepared meals — are lawfully present doing their job. That legal status activates strict liability and helps prevent owners from claiming you were trespassing.

What should I do if the dog owner denies responsibility or refuses to give insurance info?

You should still report the bite to the police or animal control. Authorities often identify the owner’s name and address during their investigation, which you can then use to subpoena insurance information if necessary. Your lawyer can also issue formal demands to the owner and insurer.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In New Jersey, dog bite injury lawsuits generally must be filed within two years from the date of the incident. If you wait longer, you risk losing the legal right to pursue compensation.

Can I recover compensation if the dog didn’t technically “bite” me but knocked me down?

Strict liability applies specifically to bites. However, you may still have a negligence claim if the dog’s behavior caused you to fall or otherwise be injured. These claims are more complex and usually require guidance from legal counsel.

What if I were a gig worker bitten by a dog (DoorDash, Uber Eats) rather than an employee?

Your workers’ compensation rights may vary depending on your company and employment status. Some platforms now extend certain protections, but many gig workers also pursue third-party claims directly against dog owners and may coordinate recommended claims through the platform’s incident reporting process.

Can I get money for emotional trauma or fear of returning to work?

Compensation often includes emotional distress if the trauma is medically documented and connected to the bite. Psychotherapy bills, PTSD symptoms, and workplace anxiety can factor into total damages.

Should I report the incident even if the bite seemed “minor” at first?

Bacterial infection, hidden tissue damage, and later scarring can emerge later. Early reporting creates a record that protects your ability to pursue full compensation if your medical needs increase.

Are dog bites increasing in parts of New Jersey?

Yes. For example, Ocean County experienced a significant rise in dog bite reports in 2025 compared to prior years, with hundreds of bites reported in the first six months alone. Local health officials have urged residents to take bite prevention seriously.

I’ve been bitten by a dog

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Dave was awesome helping me through the nightmare world of insurance claims after my daughter was attacked by a neighbors dog. Dave is very friendly, always available and extremally knowledgeable and connected to this process. I highly recommend you call him about your case,

John L.

David Cowhey, Esq. did a great job for my daughter, who had been bit by a dog and left with a scar on her leg. He is an extremely competent and responsive attorney. The whole process was very easy and he negotiated a great settlement! We are very happy. Highly recommend his professional services!!

J S

My experience with David Cowhey was amazing, he is a very knowledgeable and helpful lawyer. I got bit by a dog and it left a very noticeable scar on my leg and David was great to have on my side. He’s very easy to work with, would definitely recommend if you’re going through the same thing!

Michaela S.

Dave is so professional. My daughter was 6 when she was attacked by a friend of the family dog. I contacted Dave’s office and spoke with his secretary. She was so friendly and asked questions that made me feel comfortable. I was amazed by how fast the service was and everything was easy to understand. Dave made sure my daughter was compensated for her injuries and along with pain & suffering. There couldn’t be a more perfect choice but that’s because God helped me choose this great lawyer! He did an excellent job!!! She is 7 now and We are now able to move on better because of the help of Dave. Pick this lawyer!! I PROMISE YOU WONT REGRET ANYTHING AT ALL‼️ Thank you Dave!

Nieja M,

My entire experience with Dave and his team was 5 stars. They specialize in one thing, and this experience taught me why you want an attorney who specializes. Dave's knowledge, experience, and confidence is what made things go smoothly and quickly. Professional and quick responses always. If someone was bitten by a dog I recommend this guy, he will get you what you deserve.

Morgan K.

My wife got bit by a dog last spring; she immediately received medical care and we made a police report- all within 2 hours. Shortly thereafter, we decided to choose Attorney David to represent her. He walked us through the process. It is much more comfortable knowing that his practice only involves dog bites. He knows his stuff! We have just received notice that a fair settlement has been reached. If you have been bitten by a dog, my wife and I would highly recommend David Cowhey for an attorney. Thank you to David and his professional staff!

David D.

My 8 year old son was bitten by a neighborhood dog, leaving permanent scars on his abdomen. I immediately contacted David Cowhey. He explained the process very clearly and made it very easy for us to come to a fair settlement for my son. He was a perfect advocate for us, and he is very compassionate for the victim. We are very pleased with the hard work David has done for our son.

Stephanie D.

Lawyer Dave Cowhey (& his office) helped my wife, son and me immensely over the past 15 months. He is tremendously professional, responsive and proactive, as well as being, a great attorney. Thanks to Dave, we are now able to put our 'incident' behind us. I highly recommend his services - he will work hard and long for you to get you the settlement you deserve.

Seth K G

My experience with Dave and his law firm was wonderful. While I was nervous to start the process of something that I knew nothing about, he was extremely helpful and explained everything clearly and concisely. He answered all of my questions - day or night, weekday or weekend, and made sure I was comfortable at each step. I would highly recommend Dave and his firm!

Ariella L.

I absolutely loved my entire time of working with with Dave. He always kept my best interest in mind and made sure that I was taking care of. He was amazing at communicating all steps in the process with me, and never hesitated to answer any of my questions. Would highly recommend!

Amanda G.

Dave was extremely responsive and guided me thru the process with compassion. His specialization in dog bites really helped facilitate the process. He knows all the insurance issues and, despite the backlog of cases due to Covid, was able to settle my claim for more than we anticipated as well as earlier. I would definitely recommend Dave as I felt comfortable that I was getting the best advice every step of the way!

Kristen J.

Dave did extremely well by me and my family. He was nothing short of professional and assisted us through the entire process. I called him the day of the dog bite, and I followed his instructions to the "T". Him, and his staff, were knowledgeable on every step of the process. From medical advise, to advise on setting up our structured settlement for our child. If you need help right away, don't wait.... call him asap!!!

William W.

Dave was amazing, he handled my case with care , answered every question , email and helped me to understand the steps we needed to take. I had never dealt with a lawsuit before so of course I was nervous and thought I was going to get ripped off but nope. He was very professional and attentive. Hope I never need him again but should I ever need a lawyer for a dog bite i'm calling him first!

Neyia W.

Dave Cowhey was amazing during our case which was very personal in the sense that involved family members. He was candid and professional and always gave us his honest opinion to all our questions and concerns. He's a family man and understands how upsetting the situations are at hand. I wish he was a lawyer for everything honestly, he was fantastic! Highly recommended Dave and his team.

Courtney R.

My one year old dog and I were viciously attacked by a pit bull. I didn’t want to file a law suit initially until I realized the severity of the injuries both mentally and physically. Most lawyers are all about the money not for the justice and compassion of the victim. I am blessed to have found David. He was our hero who understood our situation was efficient knowledgeable and above all sincerely compassionate

Karol M.

Dave was hands on and always available. Steered me through the entire process and helped cover my medical costs and compensation for my scar and injury. Went over and Beyond and made me feel at ease and confident in a positive outcome. Would recommend to all.

COACH B

Honest, fast, responsive and professional. Great experience working with Mr. Cowhey and I highly recommend to handle any dog bite case.

Lilian P.

We contacted Dave when our 5 year old son was attacked by our neighbor's dog, resulting in deep wounds (and now scars) on his face and arm. Dave was extremely knowledgeable/helpful from the start, explaining how everything would work, and he was always available via phone/text if we had questions come up throughout the process. He always gave us all of the options/routes we could take and let us decide what was the best move for our family. He advocated for the best outcome for our son and always kept us in the loop. We were able to settle in a friendly hearing with the homeowner-insurance company, which was simple and straightforward, thanks to all of Dave's hard work behind-the-scenes. We definitely could not have navigated this process ourselves and we are very thankful for the help of Dave and his team!

Elisa H.

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