About six months my dog bite the mailman. It did not draw blood but did leave a slight puncture wound on his leg. (small dog about 16 lbs)It was so fast my rooommate did not see what exactly happened but the mail man said nothing about being bit simply said "ouch" and walked away. 30 mins later employees from USPS come to take a report. My dog was up tothe date with all his shots so they employee did not have to go tothe hospital for a rabies shot and the employee finished his route and still deliveres mail to my house. I just received a letter about possibly being sued. I have no assets and only rent a room in the house I live in (am not on the lease) but am employeed. How do I proceed? And how much can I be sued for?
I do not see much value in the case. If he was not hurt bad, you are on the hook for any bills and pain and suffering. I would talk to an attorney who can try to deal with it for you. If they have renters or homeowners insurance, they should notify the insurance company.
If you have renter's insurance, you can tender the claim to your insurance carrier.
Otherwise, you can try to settle the claim by first asking for the medical bills the letter carrier allegedly incurred. Without knowing the nature and extent of the injuries, it is difficult for you to settle (or for any attorney to advise you how much to settle for).
As the owner of the dog, you are on the hook for your dog biting another person. Now, because you do not own the property or may not have significant assets, that goes to whether or not you are the most likely candidate worth pursuing.
The plaintiff is ultimately interested in the money, and may not care where it is coming from, i.e. whether from you or your insurance OR from the property owner or his insurance.
Regardless, if plaintiff is going to file a lawsuit, your name, as owner of the dog, will be included.
It may be a form letter sent to you by workers compensation or by the government as he is a federal employee. Not sure if its something to be concerned about. Need more information about it.
Lars A. LundeenPersonal Injury LawyerRutland, VT ·
If you do not have Renters insurance, you will need to handle this claim on your own, paying for any legal defense and paying for any proved damages. If you have no insurance or assets, you may wish to respond to the letter and tell them as much. For the future, purchase renters insurance.
Legal Disclaimer:
If this information has been helpful, please indicate below.
Mr. Lundeen is licensed to practice law in Florida and Vermont. The response herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. The response is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter within the question. Oftentimes the question does not include significant and important facts and timelines that, if known, could significantly change the reply and make it unsuitable. Mr. Lundeen strongly advises the questioner to confer with an attorney in your state in order to ensure proper advice is received.
Laura Mcfarland-TaylorTrademark Application AttorneyBolingbrook, IL ·
It might just be a fishing expedition to see if you have any insurance that will reimburse the employer's health insurance carrier for any money it paid to the mailman for the injury. I suggest you speak with a local attorney for guidance. The State Bar of California can give you a referral: ww.calbar.ca.gov
