English 
Spanish Dog bites often cause serious injuries that can take years to heal. In some cases, physical injuries can cause scarring, disfigurement, and disability that lasts for a lifetime.
However, dog bite trauma is not limited to the physical. The emotional and psychological effects of dog bites can create long-term severe difficulties for the victims.
Psychological Effects of Dog Bites
The mental and emotional aftermath of dog attacks can affect every aspect of a victim’s life. The debilitating psychological effects of dog bites include.
Fear of Dogs After a Bite Incident
Many dog bite sufferers develop cynophobia or an extreme fear of dogs. A person with cynophobia will make every effort to avoid engaging with dogs. They may be afraid to walk in their neighborhood, go to the park, or engage in other activities where dogs could be present.
If a person with cynophobia encounters a dog, they may become overwhelmed and panic. They may cry, scream, sweat, or become dizzy. They could also experience panic attack symptoms, including shortness of breath, nausea, increased heart rate, or chest pain.
Isolation and Avoidance
To avoid dogs and people, victims of dog bites may avoid social situations. They may lose trust in other people and develop agoraphobia. Their desire to ensure their safety could drive them to remain at home, where they can control their environment.
Over time, the fear of leaving their homes may become overwhelming, and they may leave their home less frequently. They may see less of their friends and family members who have dogs, making them isolated and unhappy.
Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress
Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common psychological effects of a dog bite. Victims may fear leaving their home or visiting places where dogs may be present.
Dog bite sufferers may suffer anxiety attacks or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as flashbacks. Dog bite survivors may become depressed and be less likely to engage in activities they once enjoyed. Physical injuries, scarring, disfigurement, and disability can make it even more difficult for a victim to return to their daily life.
Insomnia and Nightmares
After a dog bite, victims may have trouble falling or staying asleep. They may suffer from nightmares and interrupted sleep. Over time, sleep deprivation can further compromise the victim’s mental health. Inadequate sleep and a heightened mental state can prevent victims from working or performing regular tasks safely.
Sleep disruptions, nightmares, and insomnia can also contribute to severe depression and anxiety after a dog attack.
Mood Swings, Strong Emotions, and Irrational Thinking
Dog bite incidents can lead to personality changes. Victims may act out in ways inconsistent with their usual behavior. Strong emotional reactions and sudden mood swings may arise, especially when the victim is feeling anxious or afraid.
Dog attack victims may also be prone to irrational thoughts, making decisions based on fear rather than logic. They may experience guilt, shame, and intrusive thoughts. Victims may become more prone to aggression and negative thoughts, which can cause a breakdown of personal relationships and further isolation.
Changes in Appearance and Appetite
Emotional scars from dog attacks can cause victims to change their eating habits. They may eat less or more due to stress, anxiety, and depression. This can cause the victim to gain or lose weight significantly.
Victims who suffer serious injury, scarring, or disfigurement may also have body dysmorphia. They become obsessed or hyper-fixated on the remaining scars. Embarrassment and shame may arise as the victim obsesses about their appearance after an attack.
Compromised Child Development
The negative psychological effects of a dog bite can be especially debilitating for children. PTSD, anxiety, and depression can lead to developmental difficulties and social challenges. Children may try to avoid going to school, playing with friends, or engaging in extracurricular activities.
Body dysmorphia from an attack on a young victim can lead to long-term discomfort with their body.
You Can Seek Compensation for Dog Bite Trauma
Most states hold the dog owner or custodian responsible for injuries caused by a dog attack. Even a seemingly minor dog bite can have severe mental and emotional effects. You have a legal right to pursue compensation for the injuries you suffered.
Losses you can claim in a dog bite injury lawsuit include:
- Medical care expenses
- Therapy costs
- Lost income
- Reduced income potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Embarrassment and humiliation
- Impaired quality of life
A personal injury attorney who handles dog bite cases can help you navigate the legal process.
Speak With a Compassionate Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today
You deserve justice and fair compensation for your losses due to a dog owner’s negligence. The dedicated dog bite lawyers at KJT Law Group can gather case-supporting evidence, file an insurance claim or lawsuit, and negotiate a fair settlement for your dog bite injuries.
Contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation. You can learn how you can seek financial compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of your dog bite injuries.
