You don’t have to have a job that deals directly with animals to be subject to an animal attack at work. Workers in many professions are vulnerable to animal attacks, either by domestic or wild animals, even if their job has nothing to do with animals. No matter what your job entails, if an animal attacks you while you are at work, then you should be eligible for workers’ compensation.
What Professions Are Most at Risk for Animal Attacks?
Certain job types are much riskier when it comes to animal attacks than others, but even jobs that don’t directly involve animals have certain risks.
People Who Work Directly With Animals
When you work directly with animals, your chances of being the victim of an animal attack — including bites, broken bones, and zoonotic diseases — increases. Examples of such professions include veterinarian, animal groomer, zookeeper, animal trainer, circus/petting zoo worker, dog walker, or lab worker.
People Who Work Around Other People’s Homes and Businesses
If you are involved in a profession where you frequently need to enter other people’s yards, homes, or businesses, then you could be at risk for attacks by pets and guard animals. Examples of these jobs include delivery or mail carriers as well as utility workers.
People Who Work Where Animals Frequently Roam Free
You could be at risk if your work location is in an area with free-roaming animals. Examples include jobs that require you to work on rangeland with free-roaming livestock. You might also be at risk if you work in an office where your boss and coworkers bring their pets and let them roam around unrestrained. Another example is if you work inside someone’s home.
People Who Work Outdoors
If you work outdoors, especially if you work in the wilderness, then any number of wild animals including bears, deer, and bees could attack you. Jobs like landscaper and construction worker put you at risk for swarms of bees that are often disturbed by equipment or building demolition.
What Should Employers Do to Prevent Animal Attacks?
Your employer should make a reasonable attempt to reduce or eliminate potential animal-related injuries and illnesses at work. For example, if you work directly with animals, then you will receive training on correct animal handling. Your employer can also provide you with any necessary medications and vaccinations to reduce your exposure to deadly diseases.
In addition to training and vaccinations, your employer may also provide protection against unintended animal contact. These protections could include setting up adequate barriers and signage to segregate dangerous animals from workers. If you are at risk for bee stings, then you should also receive information about how to avoid disturbing a hive.
What Steps Should Employees Take After an Animal Attack?
If an animal attacks you at work, even if the injury is a minor, then immediately inform your employer in writing and seek medical attention.
If your employer does not already have an injury form to fill out, then document the time, date, and circumstances surrounding your injury. Attach pictures if possible. File a workers’ compensation claim in a timely manner in order to cover any loss or damages from this injury. If you fail to file a claim promptly, then you may lose out on compensation if the injury becomes worse later.
Most employers in New York are required to have workers’ compensation to cover injuries from occupational hazards. You will likely qualify for benefits as long as your injury occurred during your course of work and through no fault of your own. You may also have a case against the animal owner.
If your employer is not accommodating your claim, or you simply need legal assistance through the claims process, then Siben & Siben LLP can help. Contact us to set up an appointment to discuss the specifics of your case.