From the wrist down: Deliveryman loses hand in dog attack

As the driver was delivering a package during the attack, it is likely a workers' compensation claim will be successful.

Calhoun County Sheriff William Heffington said there was no history of the dogs being violent and they had received no complaints about the dogs in the past. (Credit: SashaS Skvortcova/Shutterstock.com)

One week prior to the launch of the U.S. Postal Service annual national campaign to raise awareness about dog bites, a FedEx delivery driver suffered the loss of his left wrist and hand in a dog attack.

According to authorities, Paul Gmoser was delivering packages on June 4 when he was attacked by two American bulldogs when they broke out of their home. The owners were not present at the time of the attack, which occurred when Gmoser approached the door, and the two lunging dogs broke the screen and attacked him.

Soon after, the homeowners arrived home, found the dogs mauling the driver and called the police. Gmoser was airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis where his left wrist and hand were amputated. He also suffered significant injuries to his right arm and both legs. He has been hospitalized since the attack.

The dogs have been isolated, and the owners have been issued a summons. A judge will soon determine their fate.

Calhoun County Sheriff William Heffington said there was no history of the dogs being violent, and they received no complaints about the dogs in the past.

Because Gmoser was delivering packages for his employer when the dog attack occurred, it is likely that a workers’ compensation claim to cover his injuries will be successful.

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