A viral video showing a Virginia FedEx driver narrowly escaping a dog attack has reignited conversations about the occupational hazards delivery workers face daily.
The incident, which garnered nearly 5 million views on social media, shows the driver sprinting back to his truck with a German Shepherd pursuing him, missing his ankle by mere inches. The driver’s reaction was immediate and unequivocal: “I’m not going back.”
Dog Attacks on Delivery Workers
Dog attacks on delivery drivers are far more common than many people realize.
According to data from the U.S. Postal Service, mail carriers alone suffer more than 5,400 dog bites annually. This figure doesn’t account for the thousands of FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and gig economy drivers who face similar risks every day.
A study by a labor coalition found that dog bites are the third most common injury sustained by delivery workers, behind only slips and falls and muscle strains, but ahead of car accidents.
The severity of these incidents ranges from minor puncture wounds to catastrophic injuries, and in rare cases, death.
In 2022, an Amazon delivery driver in Missouri was found dead in a yard, suspected to have been mauled by dogs, and a Florida mail carrier died after being attacked by five dogs when her truck broke down.
Dog Attacks on Mail Carriers in Virginia
According to U.S. Postal Service data, Virginia experienced at least 158 documented dog attacks on mail carriers in 2024.
The following cities reported the highest number of incidents:
- Hampton – 10 attacks
- Virginia Beach – 10 attacks
- Arlington – 9 attacks
- Alexandria – 9 attacks
- Richmond – 7 attacks
- Roanoke – 7 attacks
- Norfolk – 6 attacks
- Spotsylvania – 3 attacks
- Portsmouth – 3 attacks
- Multiple cities tied with 3 attacks each (Blacksburg, Fairfax, Big Stone Gap, Newport News, Leesburg, Woodbridge).
These numbers are particularly concerning when you consider they represent only USPS mail carriers.
FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and other delivery services don’t publicly report their dog attack statistics, meaning the actual number of attacks on all delivery workers in Virginia is likely several times higher.
Common Dog Attack Injuries
Dog bites can cause nerve damage, severe bacterial infections, and rabies exposure. Facial injuries may require extensive reconstructive surgery. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety that affects their ability to continue working in delivery.
The problem has become so severe that the U.S. Postal Service has suspended mail delivery to entire neighborhoods where unrestrained dogs make the area unsafe.
Our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers Help Delivery Drivers Across the State
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, we understand the unique challenges delivery drivers face when attacked by dogs.
We have successfully represented USPS mail carriers, FedEx drivers, Amazon delivery drivers, food delivery workers, and other delivery drivers who have been injured by someone else’s dog while simply trying to do their job.
Types of Damages We Recover for Delivery Workers
- Medical bills (ER visits, surgery, follow-up care, medications)
- Future medical treatment or corrective procedures
- Lost wages while recovering
- Reduced ability to earn income if you can’t return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Workers’ compensation usually covers only medical costs and part of lost wages. A claim against the dog owner may allow you to recover full compensation, including pain, suffering, and emotional harm.
If you’re a Virginia delivery driver injured in a dog attack, contact our attorneys for a free consultation to explore your legal options.