Clean It Up
UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: chrisjohn on March 13, 2011, 09:07:58 am
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Went posting some flyers after job on Friday afternoon.Put flyer through the letterbox,and a dog bit my finger.Blood squirting out everywhere,Owner came to the door,took me inside and put a bandage on.Went straight to hospital thinking,few stitches and home for tea.Sadly the bite went all the way to the bone and i had to be admitted.Couldn't believe it.Had operation on my hand on saturday morning.Not happy,out of action for a week or so.Told by hospital to report in to the police,then contact a solicitor.
Anyone else had this type of thing happen?
Chris
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Its a tricky one because they could argue you were trespassing on their property,plenty of dog bite law websites on the web to find out where you stand
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Hope your back in action soo Chris, never had anything like this happen in 18 years.
Not sure how you stand legally with the dog been on the otherside of the door, dont think the owners can be held liable.
Good Luck
Mark
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Like I said,will contact solicitor on Monday,and find out where I stand.
Chris
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Happened to me a few years ago. http://artofcleanuk.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-day.html
I went back a few days later to confront the owners but by then a postbox apeared on the wall next to the door with a note on the door be ware of the dog.
I now ALWAYS take great care before sticking my hand in a letterbox.
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A customer of mine specialises in dog bites/attacks. Tell him I recommended him and he might do you a good deal ;)
Actually, I'm working at his place tomorrow.....
http://www.hartnell-solicitors.co.uk/
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I'm pretty sure the owner is liable, they need signs 'dont put fingers through or dog will bite' or a cage/box on wall etc, basically the owner has to ensure the dog cannot cause anybody harm.
Plus anybody can deliver leaflets through letterboxes unless again there are signs asking not too.
Rookie error that though putting your fingers all the way through ;D ;D ;D
Hope you're not out too long
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It happened to me several years ago, but there was no one home, and I just bled all the way to my house. was discussing it with a postman a while later, who told me that they are told to push the post in as far as they can without putting any part of their hand inside the letterbox, as it is trespass. Although there is no such crime as trespass (there has to be intent or violence etc added to the charge) any damage you do to the inside of the property you are liable for (does that include poisoning the dog with your flesh?), blood on the carpet etc.
So you may find that you have to chalk it to experience and beware when leafletting in the future.
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I'm pretty sure the owner is liable, they need signs 'dont put fingers through or dog will bite' or a cage/box on wall etc, basically the owner has to ensure the dog cannot cause anybody harm.
Andy if the owner puts a sign up like that, they are advertising that they have a dangerous dog, so if it causes so much as a scratch on someone else it will have to be put down, so you may find that not many beware of the dog signs exist any more.
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I was a postman for 6 years, never heard the trespass thing, we were told that pretty much anybody can post what they want without been done for trespassing. We were also told that all mail had to be pushed fully through because if some scally came along and nicked it then the postie was to blame (if a dog was going mental the mail was to be returned)
If a dog did bite a postie then they got a warning letter and asked to install an outside box or cage.
i don't think you could sue without them first having a warning but any dog owner has a responsibility to ensure there dog can't harm anyone
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I got attacked by a dog the first time I went out leafleting. The dog was outside and it bit my arm and was pulling at my clothes. Thankfully the owners came out in time and I got off quite lightly with just bad bruising. They phoned me the next day to see if I was ok and said they were taking to dog to training classes so I didn't take it any further. I was with Garys daughter at the time and if it was her that got attacked then I would have felt very differently. It has made me very cautious now when out delivering leaflets.
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If it had of been Millie that got attacked I would have felt very differently as well :-X.
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Having read this thread I have made several decisions.
1 Get some leaflets made up
2 Send the missus out to deliver them
3 Tell her to push them right into the house with her head :D
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Awful isnt it happened to me few weeks before xmas and the finger that took the brunt of it (the one next to little finger) still causes me problems now. Even with one finger out of action many tasks become very difficult, had it been index or middle finger i dont think id have been able to work or drive.
When i got back to delivering leaflets i think i had a phobia of letterboxes ;D I tried all manner of homemade devices to get leaflet through without putting my fingers at risk. I was using a DL leaflet ive now changed to a postcard and might try A5, these can easily be rolled in 1 hand (half then half again) as you approach (gives it a bit of body) and pushed most of the way in without risking your fingers.
What these owners need to realise is that could be some child, my step-daughters used to help me and when shes older so will my daughter, or maybe not now.
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I went to do some cleaning in some down stairs maissonettes and was walking across one home's passage way to get to my job when a dog went and bit my ankle the owner walked out of his home to see what his dog was up to and just turned away so with the dog (a jack russell) attached to my foot I booted it up in the air and it landed squealed and ran in, the owner then started giving me grief so I pulled my sock down to reveal the bite marks and I then invited him to put out his foot and see if my wand could make a simular mark on him, he soon
foo pis buggered off.
Shaun
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i got bit two weeks ago by a collie right on the knee cap all i did was ring the door bell luckily just a bruise but could of been nasty cause it came at me again swift boot and jumped in the van waved my white flag and the dog was locked away. no harm done but got a handsome tip for my pains people should be more carefull though if it bit a small child or something like that
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same here shaun i got nipped by a juck russel a few years ago n it bit into my trainer n held on for dear life,thankfully it didnt get through to my skin.
Its a tricky one this chris n am sure one phone call in the morning will sort it and they can tell you if you have a case or not mate.
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How come the first thing people jump to is compensation and liability? I recognise you're out of action, and will need some compensation, but at least the customer brought you in and tried to fix you up. They could have told you to eff off.
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I take it that you do not defacate then Wayne?? ???
Oh yes twice daily.
Sorry if youre a dog lover.I thought dog lovers might take offence
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All turd making machines need a bullet through the head - stupidest animals on the planet.
you never mentioned anything about standing in it....................................... :P
As most people go once a day that makes you twice as likely a turd making machine so...........
up against the wall then...................... ;D
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All turd making machines need a bullet through the head - stupidest animals on the planet.
(http://www.carpetcleaningcompany.co.uk/images/moredog.jpg)
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Same thing happened to me about 2.5 years ago. Not quite so bad but still needed jabs and stitches. I had my camera so tooks pics and I had the record of going to hospital.
I looked into compensation for time off work (about a week) and was told not to bother for such "superficial" injuries. A week's pay and angry customers who I had to let down did not seem superficial to me.
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dont put your hand in people houses, simple,
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The problem these days seems to be that some letter boxes have that many brushes inside them that its impossible to push cards in without putting your fingers in the box.
This also causes the cards to bend and crumple and doesn't look good
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dont put your hand in people houses, simple,
I don't think people put their hands through a letter box when delivering leaflets, that really would be stupid, but there are some dogs who spend their days waiting to charge that slot in the door if even an ant enters.
I have felt the teeth of the incumbant dog on one occassion but was quick enough to pull my hand back super fast. The thing is the owner was in because I heard her shout at the dog. NOW if she is aware that this is happening then she should get a post cage fitted or an external box fitted, the same goes for those who must come home to ripped up post, leaflets and newspapers on the floor. These people must clearly know what the outcome could be for the 'delivery person' and therefore should be held accountable.
We're fortunate that we have never had a dog that did this sort of thing, but if I did then some form of mail cage would be fitted.
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Tough luck just get over it
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and then you moan cos your insurance has gone up. ::) ::) ::)
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I've had a few very close calls with these finger-biting "stealth" dogs... the ones you don't know about until it's too late!
I think the only time you're at risk is, as said above, when the letterbox has a draught excluder in it which means you need to physically push the leaflet through with your fingers. The letterboxes that have nothing in the way are no problem.
The way to handle it is to flap the letterbox and wait a second. Normally the dog will have heard you coming, sat under the letterbox quietly and then will go for the attack as soon as it hears the letterbox. This trick means you can smile smugly to yourself having outwitted him, and just leave the leaflet trapped in the outer flap of the letterbox. ;)
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Why did you put your hand all the way in? I have never drop leaflets for my business before but have done (many years ago) for a charty event and i dont remember my hands going anywhere near the inside of the letter box?!
To be honest, if the guy helped you out once his dog bit you and was very sorry apologising, then i'd feel bad taking him to court! Put yourself in his shoes, no one asked you to stick your hand in there dropping flyers.
On that note tho, i'm not particualy an animal lover and i hope your hand makes a speedy recovery :)
Tony
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I once had my fingers licked whilst posting leaflets.
I still don't know if it was a dog or a freaky householder ;D
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Tough luck just get over it
Many Thanks Tony
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If you are injured , and/or out of pocket , you need to claim , all costs will be borne by the home owners insurance , if they have it. If they do not , then out of goodwill I would not claim from them.
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oh its a sad story, i t doesn't even happen to me and not even wanted to be happen. You can used herbal like garlic to be rub on the bitten area for first aid.
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oh its a sad story, i t doesn't even happen to me and not even wanted to be happen. You can used herbal like garlic to be rub on the bitten area for first aid.
Organic garlic planted during a full moon whilst chanting a Wican healing ritual works best. After applying spin round 3 times and touch your toes.
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I spoke to my client (Solicitor) today who said.... "If the dog is under the dangerous dog category, it's a simple case where the owner will be sued. However, if the dog isn't, a solicitor would need to ascertain whether the dog in question has done something similar in the past!"
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Thanks for the advice Colin,spoke to a couple of Solicitors today,and am waiting to hear back.Wait and see basically.
Chris
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How long you going to be off work mate ???
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Not sure at the moment,gotta go back to see plastic surgeon tomorrow.Hopefully it heals quickly.All jobs shifted 2 weeks ahead in diary.All customers have been fine.
Chris.
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Will has obviously never done any leafleting.
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Claim Claim Claim thats the troble these days it has to be someone elses fault just getting like America where you can't sneeze without someone claiming feel sorry for the dog hope he's had his shot's
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I agree with Tony.
I'd be well fuming if i was the home owner getting a solicitors letter over no fault of my own. If he was out walking the dog and it attacked someone then thats a differnet story! But while he was sat at home minding his own business is not right if you ask me.
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somebody told me to use a ruler ,fold leaflet on it and shove it in that way. ive not tried it though !
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Sorry chrisjohn but calling fellow members is not making you look good,you asked if it had happened to anyone on here if you don't want people to respond then don't post about your woes.Obviously your annoyed about what happened but that's no excuse for attacking fellow long standing members imo
NOTE: Inflammatory posts deleted don't know by who mod or chrisjohn himself
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One of the leaflet distributors that I employed was an ex councellor and had a lot of experience of leafleting.
He swears by a wooden spoon.............. ;D
used in the same way as the ruler previously mentioned but not sharp enough to rip the leaflet.
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My dad used to be a coal merchant, one house he used to deliver to had a dog tied up who used to try and get at my dad while he was carrying coal on his back....he told the owner of this and she replied he wouldn't get off the chain and he wouldn't bite....well he did get off and attatched himself to the back of the old mans achilles tendon, I think you know whats coming! 50 kgs sack of coal dropped on a medium sized dog....but don't worry it was instant :o
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I know a postman who uses this stuff , apparently it works.
http://www.amazon.com/Halt-Dog-Repellent-1-5-118464/dp/B000E4Q7BS
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somebody told me to use a ruler ,fold leaflet on it and shove it in that way. ive not tried it though !
I tried ice scraper, various other pieces of plastic, thick card and allsorts, same method fold over and push. Never had any great success they were all adding time to the delivery. The leaflet was catching on the brushes in alot of letterboxes then getting pulled back out with whatever object i was pushing it in with. Very fiddly aswell
Best way is a5 leaflet half then half again doesnt have to be folded just losely rolled gives it a bit of body and can be done with 1 hand, flys straight in most letterboxes and your fingers go nowhere near.
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My dad used to be a coal merchant, one house he used to deliver to had a dog tied up who used to try and get at my dad while he was carrying coal on his back....he told the owner of this and she replied he wouldn't get off the chain and he wouldn't bite....well he did get off and attatched himself to the back of the old mans achilles tendon, I think you know whats coming! 50 kgs sack of coal dropped on a medium sized dog....but don't worry it was instant :o
That's genius!!!
Love dogs myself got St. Berrnard, and she's beautiful.
Have to admit I do the same. Bitten twice in the past once in the ankle-dog put down because of it and another time in the lip! and before you ask there was no funny business going on ha ha.
Bren.
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My dad used to be a coal merchant, one house he used to deliver to had a dog tied up who used to try and get at my dad while he was carrying coal on his back....he told the owner of this and she replied he wouldn't get off the chain and he wouldn't bite....well he did get off and attatched himself to the back of the old mans achilles tendon, I think you know whats coming! 50 kgs sack of coal dropped on a medium sized dog....but don't worry it was instant :o
Funny it was! I hate dealing with dogs of this size. Really freak me out.
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So whats the latest then with this claim....
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So whats the latest then with this claim....
Clinton
Solicitors have to establish if dog owners have Household insurance,still waiting to hear back.
Chris
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Hi Chris
I find it hard to belive that you even contacted solictors
You of your own acorde went this persons house stuck your hand in there letter box
and got biten by there dog and now its them that have to pay.
after this your looking for money
you can paint it up what ever way you want but its nether the dog or the
owner asked you to put your hand in there letter box.
I would take a chance and say most people on here have been bitten by a dog but just get over it move on.
Davy
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Well said Davy
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Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money.” ;D
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If the dogs owners know that they have a dog with a tendancy to bite as soon as an inocent person puts a finger in a letterbox or even be aggesive as soon as they hear a person near a property, they should have a cage on the box or an outside box.
Personally I'd not have gone to a solicitor Id have gone back and carefully put a nice steak through the box with some rat poison on, in the hope that the dog would be there again and eat the meat.
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Wayne
Excellent,most Excellent!!
Cheers Chris
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Hi Chris
I find it hard to belive that you even contacted solictors
You of your own acorde went this persons house stuck your hand in there letter box
and got biten by there dog and now its them that have to pay.
after this your looking for money
you can paint it up what ever way you want but its nether the dog or the
owner asked you to put your hand in there letter box.
I would take a chance and say most people on here have been bitten by a dog but just get over it move on.
Davy
i am sorry about your injury but i happen to agree with the above.
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They coming to get you
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This is very bad. Dog owners should put some kind of a sign on the door, so that it is clear there is a dog in the house. I think that if there isn't a sign on their door everything is on your side. I suggest you go and make a few photos of the house.
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They coming to get you
Splendid,make sure they bring their Doggy Insurance or your Household Insurance policy. Expensive Summer Holiday here I come.Yippee!!! ;D
Chris
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They coming to get you
Splendid,make sure they bring their Doggy Insurance or your Household Insurance policy. Expensive Summer Holiday here I come.Yippee!!! ;D
Chris
Unfortunately they would lick you to death ;D its the little dogs that are worst jumping up at windows and letterboxes.
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Unfortunately it's your fault for putting your fingers in the dogs house as have already been said - i think your out of order going for a payout, just because a dog outsmarted you ;D
& people wonder why our insurance keeps going up - this country is going like the states - everyone looking for a payout, claim claim claim
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true what steve said its the small dogies that have a quick bite at us ;D
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Indeed! My springer spaniel rolls around in the fields with a HUGE french mastiff, runs rings round rottweilers, gets bowled over by labradors... all perfectly friendly dogs. But the only injury ever done to her has been a snappy little yorkshire terrier in a completely unprovoked attack.
I'd leave a new born baby with a great dane but I wouldn't turn my back on a small dog if a child was in the room!
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A similar case some years ago and the ruling was that, except for anyone delivering on behalf of Royal Mail where there are definite laws about obstructing the passage of the mail, the person delivering anything else is termed as 'intruding' into the property.
Dog signs can be a legal nightmare e.g. "Beware of the dog" is more or less admitting that the dog in question has the potential to do harm or it could be construed that way. If you ever think about putting up a sign seek legal advice as to the wording before you do so.