The mental health impact of a dog attack can persist long after the physical injuries heal. The state of Pennsylvania recognizes the lasting impact of dog bite trauma on victims by enabling dog bite victims to sue the dog’s owner for ongoing PTSD treatment costs resulting from their attack.
Within this post, we’ll explore the impact of PTSD after dog attacks and explain how these symptoms manifest, as well outlining their impact on the person’s daily life. We’ll also explain more about securing a dog bite settlement for victims.
The Symptoms of PTSD And Their Link with Dog Attacks
The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as “a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event”. The data shows that about 40% of dog bite victims experience varying degrees of PTSD after an attack.
A PTSD diagnosis generally consists of one or more of the following symptoms:
Mood Swings
A person with PTSD may experience sudden mood changes that may make them more irritable and quick-tempered. This change in mood may also cause the victim to lose interest in their favorite activities and alter their relationships with their loved ones.
Reactivity
Reactivity after a dog attack relates to the victim being easily startled by sudden noises, loud noises, or sudden movement. They may be less likely to go to social events in which they are likely to experience surprising or loud noise, which then affects their social schedule and adds to the traumatic impact of the attack.
Avoidance
Our brains rewire themselves when a traumatic event occurs to avoid the stimuli that led to the event. In the case of a dog attack, a person with PTSD may display avoidant behavior by purposefully not going to parks and other public places where dogs may be present. The avoidant behavior may also be seen through a victim’s mode of communication, with the victim not being able to discuss the event or the circumstances surrounding the attack with their loved ones or mental health professionals.
Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are one of the foremost causes of sleep disturbances after a dog attack. The victim’s brain may replay the attack continually in their mind during periods of rest. For the victim, these intrusive thoughts and flashbacks cause them to relive the attack over and over again.
Symptoms of PTSD Differ in Children
The majority of dog bite victims are children, and children experience different symptoms of PTSD to adults. As a parent, watch for the following symptoms and discuss your child’s behavior with a psychologist if you suspect they’re experiencing PTSD after a dog attack.
- Bedwetting
- Drop in academic performance
- Fear of dogs
- Generalized anxiety
- Depression
When treated early in the weeks after a dog attack, a child psychologist can help your child address the root causes of their symptoms and alleviate some of the mental health burden they may be carrying.
What is the Value of the Mental Health Impact of a Dog Attack?
The state of Pennsylvania sets clear guidelines for settling the costs associated with dog bites and their mental health impact. Costs related to psychological care and ongoing treatment fall under “Pain and Suffering”.
Working with an experienced dog bite lawyer, victims and their families may negotiate a settlement that includes:
- The cost of psychological care
- Lost income due to an inability to work because of PTSD symptoms
- Pain and suffering related to the impact on the victim’s day-to-day life
Quantifying pain and suffering involves consulting with your dog bite lawyer and psychologist. Your psychological care team may provide a report to the dog owner’s insurance company, explaining the PTSD symptoms and the impact these symptoms have had on your life. This evidence can be crucial in securing a settlement and helping you recover the costs associated with ongoing mental health management after a dog attack.
Call Jeffrey Penneys For Mental Health Care Compensation After a Dog Attack
Jeffrey Penneys has decades of experience supporting victims across Pennsylvania after dog attacks. He’s won significant judgments against dog owners for the total psychological damage their dogs have caused. His thoughtful, measured approach to dog bite analysis and fearless negotiation style make him Pennsylvania’s foremost dog bite victims advocate.
Take the next step in your case by calling Jeffrey Penney’s dog bite law offices in Philadelphia today at 215-771-0430 for your free, no-obligation consultation.