The Chicago, Illinois personal injury lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg recently created a helpful video discussing the increasing number of Instacart dog bite cases. This video can help delivery drivers identify some easy things they can do to protect themselves and how they may be able to obtain compensation for any dog-bite-related injuries.
Food delivery is a rapidly growing business in Illinois. Instacart is one of the largest grocery delivery services, with a strong presence in Chicago. Not only does Instacart provide a valuable service to customers, but it also gives drivers the opportunity to earn an income, either as a primary or secondary job. However, being an Instacart driver is not without its risks. Perhaps the most serious hazard of working for Instacart is encountering a vicious dog that a customer failed to restrain.
Dog bites are incredibly common in the United States, and Chicago is no exception. For example, there are an estimated 4.5 million dog attacks each year in the United States. And, in 2019, out of all the cities in the country, Chicago was ranked as the third worst city for delivery-related dog bites. Part of the reason why dog bites are increasing is related to the recent boom in e-commerce.
Illinois’ dog bite laws rely on a strict liability framework. Under a strict liability analysis, a dog owner is liable for any injuries inflicted by their animal regardless, even if the owner was not negligent. Thus, there is no requirement to prove that a dog has bitten someone else in the past or has previously been deemed a danger. Put more simply, a dog’s owner is liable for any injuries caused by their pet if attacked or attempted to attack a victim who:
• Was not provoking the animal at the time of the attack;
• Was “peaceably conducting themselves” when they were attacked; and
• Was in a place they were legally permitted to be at the time they were attacked.
Dog bite injuries can be severe and often impact the lives of victims for years to come. For example, some of the most common dog bite injuries include damage to the skin, muscles, nerves and other tissue, lingering pain that persists over a long period of time, severe scarring, infections, and emotional trauma.
Instacart drivers who are attacked by a dog often end up facing astronomical medical expenses, and because Instacart drivers are considered independent contractors, they are not provided health insurance benefits by the company. Thus, Instacart drivers must secure health insurance on their own or will be forced to pay out-of-pocket for their medical expenses. However, Instacart drivers who were bitten by a dog may be entitled to financial compensation through a Chicago dog bite lawsuit. Successfully bringing a dog bite claim will ensure that an Instacart driver isn’t left with the bill after being attacked by a dog.
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is a respected personal injury law firm specializing in dog bite claims. For over 35 years, the personal injury lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg have been advocating on behalf of individuals and families who suffered as a result of others’ negligent actions. Our dog bite lawyers are compassionate, dedicated advocates who can clearly explain your rights and effectively pursue a claim on your behalf to ensure you are fairly compensated for what you’ve been through. We offer free consultations to all dog bite victims and will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.
For details visit: https://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/practice-areas/chicago-dog-bite-lawyer/instacart-dog-bite-lawyers/