Like any other traumatic event, a dog bite can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of this emotional condition include stress, anxiety, and fear that can follow you for the rest of your life.
If you or a loved one have experienced PTSD after a dog attack, contact a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles to discuss your right to compensation for medical bills, therapy costs, loss of quality of life, and more.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a type of mental health condition that results from a traumatizing event. This condition can occur for those that directly experience trauma or even those that witness a traumatic event. It is not uncommon for people that suffer from PTSD to struggle with coping. The symptoms of this condition include nightmares, anxiety, and flashbacks, among other things.
PTSD can be especially damaging to young children. While adults often suffer from PTSD, children are often even less equipped to deal with the stress and strain of a dog attack. While adults are often able to talk about their attack and attempt to process their emotions in the aftermath, children often internalize this trauma. This can lead to a lifetime of emotional hardship and fear of dogs for a child.
PTSD in young children can be especially damaging. In some extreme cases, severe stress can lead to neurological damage that will last forever. This damage could impact a child’s memory and even limit their brain activity.
Can PTSD Result from a Dog Bite?
Any traumatic event—including a dog bite—has the potential to lead to PTSD. This condition is especially common when a dog bite results in serious bodily injuries. While PTSD can happen to anyone, individuals with a previous history of serious injuries or animal attacks could be particularly susceptible.
Thankfully, PTSD from a dog bite can often be treated with self-care, medical treatment, and counseling. Unfortunately, these measures are often financially costly. If you suffered a dog bite, you could have a legal claim for damages against its owner. Filing a lawsuit can put you in the best position to recover compensation for the cost of your medical care and other treatments following the dog attack.
Coping With PTSD After Dog Attack
There are a few ways you can address your PTSD and emotional stress following a dog attack. Each of these steps could prove useful in helping you cope with the attack and the injuries you received.
- Talk to a counselor. One of the most important steps you can take is talking to a professional. If you struggle with daily tasks at work or find yourself reliving the bite over and over, a trained professional can help you work through your anxiety.
- Avoid dogs for the time being. A dog bite does not mean you must avoid dogs or other animals for the rest of your life. However, avoiding them in the short term could benefit you following an attack. This can give you time to process your emotions and cope with your anxiety.
- Do not blame yourself. It can be easy to blame yourself after a dog bite. Wondering what you could have done differently to avoid a bite is understandable, but it does you no good to dwell on it. Focus on improving your physical and emotional condition instead.
- Practice relaxation exercises. Part of coping with PTSD involves self-care. This can include a variety of breathing or meditation exercises designed to reduce your anxiety and stress. Any number of relaxation techniques could assist with easing the symptoms of PTSD.
Talk to an Attorney About Your PTSD Following a Dog Attack
The reality is that treating PTSD can be a long and difficult process. This is especially true for those who go years without addressing the underlying cause of their anxiety. Facing this condition head-on can be beneficial, but it is not always financially affordable. The cost of therapy, counseling, and medical care can be overwhelming in some cases.
A personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can help you pursue a claim for dog bite emotional trauma and other damages following a canine attack. At Salamati Law, we understand the challenges that come with a severe dog bite. If the dog owner’s negligence was responsible for your injury, you may be eligible for compensation. Call 24/7 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
