When most people hear about dog bite injuries, they immediately think of physical wounds like puncture marks, torn skin, infections, and scars. While these injuries can be serious, the emotional harm caused by a dog attack is often just as severe. Sometimes, it can be worse than physical pain.
For many victims, the psychological impact can linger long after the physical wounds have healed.
This can disrupt their everyday life and leave them struggling to move forward. Here is what you should know about the psychological impact of a dog bite.
The Emotional Toll of a Dog Attack
A dog attack is a terrifying and traumatic event. In those moments, victims experience panic and helplessness. They may be unsure if they will escape unharmed. These feelings do not always go away after the physical wounds are treated. Unfortunately, they can take root and grow into long-lasting psychological challenges.
One of the most common emotional responses is fear and anxiety. Many dog bite victims will develop a fear of dogs, even if they were once lifelong animal lovers. This is known as cynophobia, and it can make walking through a neighborhood or visiting a friend who owns a pet feel like an impossible task.
In more severe cases, a dog bite can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is common in children or in adults who were attacked in a violent or prolonged incident.
PTSD symptoms may include:
- Recurring nightmares
- Vivid flashbacks
- Emotional numbness
- Irritability
- Avoidance of places or situations that might remind them of the attack
Even for those who do not develop PTSD, the emotional toll can lead to depression, social withdrawal, and a diminished quality of life.
For those victims with visible scars, especially on the face, arms, or hands, they may struggle with self-esteem and confidence. Sometimes, they avoid social situations, leaving them isolated from their community.
The Road to Mental Health Recovery After a Dog Bite
Healing from the psychological effects of a dog bite takes time, care, and the right support systems.
For many victims, the emotional recovery process can feel like an uphill battle. Many times, that fear and anxiety interfere with day-to-day life.
Therapy or counseling can play a role in helping victims process their trauma. Licensed mental health professionals use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy to address fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Support from family and friends is also important. Victims, especially children, need reassurance and understanding as they work through their emotions. You never want to pressure them to interact with dogs again too soon. Remember that recovery involves taking small, manageable steps toward feeling safe.
In some cases, victims may face financial barriers to accessing mental health care. That is why pursuing compensation for emotional damages through a legal claim is important.
Damages for counseling costs, lost wages due to anxiety, and pain and suffering can provide the resources needed for a full recovery.
An experienced attorney can connect you with professionals who specialize in trauma care and make sure that these costs are included in your claim. With the right legal and emotional support, victims can focus on healing and move forward from an experience that once felt overwhelming.
State Law and Emotional Damages
Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws can be complex. Pennsylvania “does not impose absolute liability upon dog owners for injuries occasioned by their dogs. Proof of the owner’s negligence is required.” Rosenberry v. Evans, 48 A.3d 1255, 1258 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2012) (McCloud v. McLaughlin, 837 A.2d 541 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2003)). In other words, “‘proof of negligence, in contrast to holding one absolutely liable, is the vehicle by which accountability for injury sustained because of a dog bite is to be established.’” McCloud, 837 A.2d at 544 (Deardorff v. Burger, 606 A.2d 489, 493 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1992)).
What this means is that the dog’s owner must be found negligent for the claim to be successful. This may mean proving that the dog was unleashed or allowed to run out of their yard, for example. It’s important to note that this law applies to both physical and emotional injuries.
Insurers often try to downplay the emotional consequences of a dog bite. They may focus solely on your medical bills or minimize the mental health treatment you require. For this reason, you want to have an experienced dog bite attorney on your side. They can help show the full impact of your injuries, including the invisible ones.
A lawyer can assist by gathering evidence of your emotional trauma, such as:
- Therapy records
- Medical evaluations
- Testimony from mental health professionals
They can also negotiate with insurance companies to pursue compensation that reflects the true scope of your suffering. This is more than paying your medical bills. You can get compensated for the emotional toll the attack has taken on your life.
Taking Steps After a Dog Bite
Recovering from a dog bite involves more than bandages and antibiotics. For many victims, the real battle is overcoming the fear, anxiety, and emotional pain that follow.
If a dog has injured you or your child, reach out to Folkman Law.
We can explain your rights and help you take the next legal steps in your claim.
