Yes, emotional and psychological injuries could affect a child who suffers a dog bite attack. Long after the physical wounds have healed, some children could experience inner struggles that can be long lasting.
Emotional/Psychological Harm Children May Suffer after a Dog Bite
The effects of emotional trauma can vary from one child to the next. Some of the most common effects are:
- depression;
- anxiety; and
- fear.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may interfere in the child’s life academically, socially and emotionally. The response can vary by age. For instance, very young children may become clingy with their parents. They can experience severe separation anxiety. Or they may regress to earlier behaviors, such as bedwetting or thumb sucking.
Older children may complain of physical symptoms, such as stomachaches. Some may exhibit changes in behavior, including aggression and inattention, and may experience nightmares.
Teenagers may withdraw from others and activities they once enjoyed. They could experience nightmares or flashbacks from the incident. They may fall into depression and some could even have thoughts of suicide.
Seeking Damages for Emotional Injuries after a Dog Bite Attack
Whenever there is extreme emotional or psychological harm suffered, it’s critical to get help as soon as possible. But it’s just as important to make sure these emotional injuries are addressed when seeking compensation in an injury claim. In addition to the medical costs for treatment of the physical injuries, claimants should also seek these expenses when it becomes necessary to turn to therapy, counseling or medication.
Additionally, there may be non-economic, emotional damages available. These specifically address the impact emotional injuries have on a child after a dog attack, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. Contact an attorney at the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz to learn more about the types of compensation that could be available.