3 Ways a Dog Bite Injury Can Have Psychological Ramifications on a Victim
Psychological ramifications from injuries can be as tolling as physical injuries.
Oftentimes, we don’t think of the psychological ramifications of personal injuries. We usually think of physical effects.
Injuries like broken bones or burns are commonly associated with a personal injury. However, while a broken bone generally heals, psychological ramifications may linger for prolonged periods of time.
Dog bites are a common personal injury. On average, 1000 people need emergency treatment for dog bite injuries on a daily basis.
Again, we usually think of the physical effects from a dog bite. Common physical injuries associated with a dog bite may include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Eye injuries (from a scratch)
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Muscle tears
- Death
There is also a list of potential psychological ramifications following a dog bite injury.
It’s not rare for dog bite victims to develop cynophobia, or fear of dogs. Someone with cynophobia may run when a friendly dog approaches them, or shudder at the sound of a dog barking in their vicinity.
The fear can be very intense, completely shutting down the victims.
Furthermore, dog bite victims will often replay the event over and over again. It’s like a psychological scar.
Dog bite victims may have nightmares about their attack. Other sounds, smells, or visual stimuli may trigger extreme paranoia.
Very common psychological ramifications for dog bite victims might revolve around post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD is defined as a “psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances”.
PTSD symptoms generally fall into four categories:
- Intrusion: repeated or involuntary memories.
- Avoidance: refusal to discuss the event, as well as avoiding people, places, or things associated with it.
- Alterations in cognition and mood: distorted thoughts, ongoing fear, feelings of detachment.
- Alterations in reactivity: self-destructive behavior, outbursts of anger, issues sleeping
It’s nearly impossible to determine when and where a dog might bite or attack you. If you come in contact with a dog, you should recognize and do your best to avoid potentially aggressive body language, such as:
- Stiff posture
- Ears pulled back
- Displaying teeth
- Growling and barking.
You should also avoid petting or playing with:
- Loose or stray dogs
- Sleeping dogs
- Eating dogs
- Sick dogs
- Injured dogs
- Playing dogs
California is a strict liability state, which means the dog’s owner is liable for physical injuries caused to others whether or not they knew their dogs could be aggressive. If the victim is in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the dog owner’s property, the statute holds true.
The psychological ramifications of a dog bite injury can be devastating to the victims. If you are suffering from psychological ramifications from a dog attack, contact a Los Angeles dog bite attorney.
C&B Law Group has a team of LA dog bite attorneys prepared to help you if you are suffering psychological ramifications from an attack.
The LA lawyers at C&B Law Group have helped victims recover millions of dollars. This includes large settlements for dog bite injuries.
We’ve settled over 99 percent of our personal injury cases. We will work within our legal power to ensure you receive proper compensation.
The dog bite lawyers at C&B Law Group will seek compensation, including potential damages such as:
- Past and Present Medical Bills
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost Income
- Mental Trauma
- Punitive Damages
With offices in Burbank and Downtown Los Angeles, we are prepared to help build a case using evidence including:
- Hospital bills/medical expenses
- Witness testimonies
- Photos/videos of the incident
If you are suffering from psychological ramifications following a dog bite injury, don’t hesitate. Reach out today about a free consultation.
