Dog bites are considered a serious public health problem throughout California and the country because of the risk of severe injury involved. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that almost 900,000 people in the United States require medical treatment for dog bite-related injuries each year. What’s more, approximately 27,000 of those victims suffer disfiguring injuries.
Along with physical injuries, dog bites can result in long term emotional pain and suffering. It’s true that these emotional scars can have a powerfully disabling effect on victims and last longer than many types of physical pain. Children are victims of almost half of the dog bites that take place across the country, and can be particularly susceptible to emotional trauma.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Dog Bite Victims
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after an individual suffers actual physical harm or the threat of physical harm. PTSD can be debilitating and is a very common emotional consequence suffered by dog bite victims.
Symptoms of PTSD from dog bites include:
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Depression, guilt, anxiety, or withdrawal
While the above symptoms may be experienced of PTSD sufferers of any age, children may develop additional troubling signs and symptoms of PTSD, including:
- Shutting down, not speaking
- Bedwetting (after they had been toilet-trained)
- Extreme clinging to parents
- Becoming disruptive, destructive, or disrespectful at home or school
- Fear of Dogs
This list is not exhaustive. Talk to an experienced dog bite lawyer in Woodland Hills to learn more about PTSD and your dog bite injury.
It makes sense that being bitten or attacked by a dog can lead to an extreme fear of dogs. However, with over 70 to 80 million dogs living in homes around the country, dog bite victims would be well-advised to receive the appropriate counseling to recover from their fear. These and other related bills can be recoverable in a dog bite lawsuit.
Physical Injuries and Resulting Medical Issues
In addition to the emotional conditions mentioned above, many dog bite victims suffer psychological damage due to the physical injuries that resulted from a dog bite. Disfigurement and scarring, especially on the face, can have a huge impact on a victim’s personality, body image, and self esteem. Discuss your ability to recover financially for this trauma with your attorney.
For more information on PTSD, dog bites, and filing a dog bite lawsuit, contact experienced personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg today.
