PTSD After a Dog Bite: Seeking Compensation for Psychological Harm
Dog bite injuries are often discussed in terms of physical harm, such as lacerations, scarring, infections, or the need for reconstructive surgery. However, for many victims, especially children and older adults, the psychological impact can be just as serious and far longer lasting.
Throughout Georgia, dog bite victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions that significantly affect daily life. These non-physical injuries are real, diagnosable, and, in many cases, compensable under the law. Discuss your case with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer to learn more about your compensation options.
Psychological Harm Is a Recognized Injury
PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, including a violent animal attack. A dog bite often occurs suddenly and without warning, leaving the victim feeling powerless and afraid. Even after physical wounds heal, the emotional effects may persist.
Common PTSD symptoms following a dog bite include:
- Recurring nightmares or flashbacks about the attack
- Intense fear or anxiety around dogs or in public spaces
- Avoidance of parks, neighborhoods, or situations associated with the incident
- Hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, or difficulty concentrating
- Emotional distress, irritability, or depression
Children may regress developmentally, develop separation anxiety, or show behavioral changes that concern parents and educators.
Georgia personal injury law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation not only for physical injuries, but also for emotional and psychological harm. PTSD, anxiety disorders, and related mental health conditions can form the basis of damages when they are directly connected to the attack.
Yet insurance companies often minimize or challenge psychological injury claims. Unlike visible wounds, emotional trauma is less obvious and requires careful documentation. This makes experienced legal representation particularly important.
Proving PTSD in a Dog Bite Claim
To pursue compensation for psychological harm, you need evidence. An attorney can help gather and present documentation that demonstrates how PTSD has affected the victim’s life.
Documentation may include medical records from psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists or a formal PTSD diagnosis. Statements from family members or employers describing behavioral changes could strengthen a claim as well. The goal is to establish a clear connection between the dog bite and the psychological condition, as well as the extent of its impact.
A dog bite can change more than a person’s body. An attack can change how a person feels, thinks, and interacts with the world. Psychological healing is just as important as physical recovery. If PTSD or emotional trauma follows a dog attack, legal action may provide access to the resources needed for treatment and long-term support.
An experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer knows how to build a comprehensive claim that reflects the full scope of harm, both visible and invisible. By working with medical professionals and carefully documenting psychological trauma, an attorney can pursue fair compensation that acknowledges the lasting impact of PTSD.
Should you talk to an attorney about your bite injury expenses? Seeking compensation is not just about accountability, it is about helping victims reclaim peace of mind after a traumatic event. Connect with the knowledgeable lawyers at Zagoria Neely Injury. Contact us today to learn more.
