Pennsylvania Mail Carriers Bit Over 300 Times in 2024
In 2024, Pennsylvania postal workers were involved in 316 dog-related incidents, ranking PA 6th nationally, according to the U.S. Postal Service. And, Pennsylvania is the 6th most populous state in the US, so the number of incidents is proportionate to PA’s population size.
A slight decline in PA. While there were 18 fewer incidents than in 2023, it remains higher than 2020–2022. So the decline is not significant.
PA City Rankings
Pittsburgh ranks as the 68th most populous city in the United States. But in terms of canine incidents on USPS workers, it had the 19th highest number of incidents in 2023 (17 incidents).
Philadelphia fared slightly better. Philly is the sixth-largest city in the United States by population. But in terms of canine incidents on USPS workers, it had the 10th highest number of incidents in 2023.
The USPS releases these stats annually ahead of its National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign (click here), themed “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track.”
Nationally, canine attacks on mail carriers rose to 6,000!
Safety Tips for Dog Owners
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Secure your animal inside a home or on a leash away from the door during mail delivery.
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Never accept mail directly from a carrier in your animal’s presence.
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Teach children not to take mail from carriers when a dog is nearby.
Carrier Safety & Service Suspension
If a carrier feels unsafe, mail service can be suspended until the issue is resolved. Owners may need to pick up mail at the Post Office or rent a P.O. box.
Digital Mail Preview
USPS encourages canine owners to sign up for Informed Delivery (informeddelivery.usps.com) to preview incoming mail and help prevent dangerous encounters.
Cost of Canine Incidents:
Canine owners may be liable for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages if their pet injures a postal worker.
Let’s Get Started!
Contact our legal specialists for free to learn more about your rights to compensation following an injury.
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