A dog attack can be a violent and traumatic event that results in post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, in the injured victim. PTSD from a dog bite injury is most common if the incident is severe or causes catastrophic damage. Individuals who witnessed a gruesome dog attack can also suffer PTSD and emotional trauma. Contact a dog bite injury lawyer in Dallas for legal guidance.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can be diagnosed in certain individuals after they live through or witness a traumatic event. PTSD can disrupt an individual’s daily life, making it difficult to enjoy normal activities and overall well-being.
PTSD can be triggered by any traumatic event that has a significant impact on the individual’s psyche. This includes violent and harmful incidents such as dog bites or attacks (where a dog bites two or more times).
Symptoms of PTSD After a Dog Bite
When a dog bites, it can take a significant physical and emotional toll. Dog bite injuries can be severe, including facial injuries, permanent scarring or disfigurement, broken bones, and deep puncture wounds. These incidents can also be frightening and violent, causing lasting emotional damage.
A victim of a dog attack may have PTSD if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Intrusive thoughts or memories of the dog bite (flashbacks)
- Chronic anxiety or hyperarousal
- Nightmares or trouble sleeping
- Triggers that cause physical or emotional distress
- A new phobia (fear) of dogs
- Avoiding places or activities that bring back memories of the attack
- Negative overall mood or thinking
- Difficulty adjusting to daily life after the dog bite
It is important for someone who is suffering from PTSD after a dog bite injury to get professional help right away. PTSD is treatable with appropriate intervention, such as various types of therapies, medications and lifestyle changes. Over time, most people with PTSD find healing.
Legal Recourse for Dog Bite Victims With PTSD in Texas
Texas law allows for the recovery of noneconomic damages, or financial compensation awarded to an injured accident victim for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, in a personal injury claim. Post-traumatic stress disorder – as well as any other mental, emotional or psychological harm – can fall under this category in a dog bite injury case in Texas.
To seek justice and financial compensation for PTSD after a dog bite, you or your dog bite injury lawyer must prove how the incident has affected your daily life. Proof of PTSD may include medical records, letters from therapists or psychiatrists, testimony from friends and family, an injury journal, and expert testimony.
Get Support as a Dog Bite Victim in Texas
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a very real condition that can have physical and emotional effects that last long after a dog bite incident occurs in Texas. If you or a loved one is dealing with PTSD as a dog bite injury survivor, get the help that you need by consulting with an attorney.
A dog bite injury lawyer can connect you to doctors and therapists in your area who can maximize your physical and emotional recoveries. Then, your personal injury lawyer in San Antonio can take over the claims process to optimize your financial outcome, pushing for fair compensation for PTSD alongside the other intangible effects of the attack.