How Emotional Distress from a Dog Attack Can Be Part of Your Compensation

A dog attack is a frightening event. While the physical injuries may be immediately visible, the emotional toll can sometimes last even longer than the skin wounds. Throughout Georgia, victims of dog bites and animal attacks may be entitled to compensation not only for medical bills and lost wages but also for emotional distress. Skilled Atlanta dog bite lawyers know how to get mental health challenges recognized in injury claims.

What Are Common Types of Post-Attack Distress?

Survivors of dog attacks often face significant psychological hurdles in addition to their physical recovery. Common mental health issues include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may relive the attack through flashbacks or nightmares and avoid places where dogs might be present.
• Acute stress disorder. Anxiety, panic attacks, and heightened fear responses may appear in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
• Feelings of sadness, isolation, or hopelessness can set in, especially if the victim is left with visible scarring or disfigurement.
• Phobias and social anxiety. Many victims develop an intense fear of dogs, which can limit their ability to enjoy outdoor activities or social gatherings.
• Sleep disturbances. Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns are common, often tied to ongoing anxiety or trauma reminders.

These conditions can impact every area of a victim’s life, such as their work, family, friendships, and overall quality of living. Recognizing the mental health side of recovery is just as important as addressing broken bones or lacerations.

Healing from the emotional trauma of a dog attack often requires professional support. For instance, victims may benefit from connecting with licensed therapists who can provide coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In some cases, doctors prescribe medications to help regulate mood or reduce anxiety symptoms, too.

Others report finding relief through support groups and rehabilitation programs. Sharing experiences with other survivors of dog attacks can help reduce feelings of isolation. For children especially, specialized programs can rebuild confidence and ease fears about dogs. The cost of ongoing therapy or treatment can add up quickly, but victims do not have to shoulder these burdens alone.

Who Pays for Support Expenses?

Under Georgia law, the dog owner is generally held responsible for damages. This includes not only the cost of physical medical treatment but also mental health care and counseling services. In many cases, compensation comes through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, which typically covers liability for injuries caused by pets.

An experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer can help calculate the full value of your claim, including emotional distress, therapy costs, and future mental health needs. This ensures that compensation addresses the entire impact of the attack, not just the surface-level injuries.

What emotional issues are you struggling with? Recovering from a dog attack requires attention to both body and mind. With support from the attorneys at Zagoria Law, you can seek financial relief for counseling, therapy, and other mental health resources. A complete settlement could be key to rebuilding your life. Contact us to learn more.