Although it may not seem in the same category of seriousness as some other acts of violence, being the victim of a dog bite can be incredibly traumatic. There are many unknown factors and confusion that come with trauma from dog bites.
The recovery process will differ depending on which effects are taking a bigger toll on you, either physically or emotionally. Some emotional consequences of these incidents include increased anxiety or depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Here’s what you need to know if you or someone you love becomes a victim of a dog bite and needs to pursue a dog bite lawsuit.
Introduction to Dog Bite Injury Claim
These injuries are defined as anything sustained through a dog bite. Some serious cases incur trauma that results in lifelong disfigurement or requires surgery. The severity of the bite will be considered during the case; they range from minor to death.
You’ll be able to claim compensation as long as the bite wasn’t your fault. Whether the victim is at fault will depend on if they provoked the animal before the attack.
If you’re a dog owner, the cost can be mitigated through dog owner’s liability insurance, which can fall under your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to make sure the animal doesn’t hurt anyone, or you’ll also be responsible for accompanying medical costs.
Emotional and Psychological Effects of Dog Bite Injuries
The emotional and psychological repercussions of being the victim of a dog bite will be dependent on the severity of the attack. Some noticeable effects of dog-related injuries include:
- Damaged self-esteem because of scars and disfigurement
- Fear of all dogs
- Fear of the outdoors
- Reliving the attack
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
The effects of injuries from dog bites are even more severe for children. Experts urge any parent or guardian of a child who was attacked by a dog to keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Crying
- Fear
- Anger
- Nightmares
- Sleep disturbances
- Bedwetting
- Withdrawal
- Clinging to parents
Symptoms of PTSD After a Dog Bite Injury
Every victim of an animal attack will experience symptoms differently depending on their age and the severity of the bite. In extreme cases, you may find yourself dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Some of the most common of these include:
- Re-experiencing symptoms: Your brain will cause you to relive certain aspects of the event in terms of psychological stress or physical stress as you try to process the attack itself.
- Avoidance symptoms: Your brain will cause you to avoid animals, the outdoors, or just dogs as a way of building a psychological barrier between you and your fears.
- Cognition symptoms: Your brain may repress the memory of the attack or assign blame to yourself. This can result in negative thoughts and depression.
- Hyperarousal symptoms: Through the processing of your attack, your brain may incur serious anxiety or PTSD-related symptoms. These will affect the way you sleep and operate on a day-to-day basis.
These symptoms can occur at any time, but can specifically crop up when faced with a dog or reminders of the incident. The best way to start the transition to healing is to contact a personal injury lawyer and plan the course of action to result in closure.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you might wonder what to do next and where to seek help. Getting answers can be a difficult process, so we strive to make it as simple as possible for you. You can contact our Diamond and Diamond Law dog bite injury lawyers for a free legal consultation at 1-800-567-HURT.
Settlement of a Dog Bite Injury Claim
As a victim of a dog bite injury, you’ll be eligible for compensation due to the pain and suffering caused during the incident. The amount you can receive will depend on the damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or services
- Multiple damages
- Punitive damages
While medical bills can be easily calculated, pain and suffering may be slightly more challenging to prove and quantify in a court of law.
Contact Dog Bite Lawyers from Diamond & Diamond
One of the first steps in pursuing a case is to determine what the damages are. This process is overwhelming, which is why the experts at Diamond & Diamond can help. Call 1-800-567-HURT for a free consultation today!
Pro Tip
“No matter how minor your dog bite injury might be, the owner of the animal is still responsible, and you may bring a lawsuit for damages. You may be able to recover any losses you sustained as a result of a dog bite attack if you file a dog bite lawsuit — that’s why it’s important to obtain as much evidence as you can.”
