In addition to physical harm, dog bites often leave victims with deep emotional wounds. Many people experience anxiety, fear, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a dog attack, especially if the incident was particularly violent or the victim was a child.
We understand the lasting emotional and psychological impact of dog bites, and we’re dedicated to helping victims recover compensation for their emotional trauma. Let us help you secure the resources you need to heal emotionally and move forward.
What Is Emotional Trauma and PTSD in Dog Bite Cases?
Understanding the Psychological Effects of Dog Attacks
Dog bite victims, particularly children, often suffer from emotional trauma or develop PTSD as a result of the attack. These psychological conditions can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Symptoms of emotional trauma and PTSD may include:
- Fear and Anxiety: Victims may develop an intense fear of dogs or experience anxiety about going outside or encountering animals.
- Flashbacks and Nightmares: Victims may relive the attack through flashbacks or nightmares, leading to disrupted sleep and heightened stress levels.
- Avoidance of Certain Places or Situations: Victims may avoid places where the attack occurred or areas with animals, limiting their ability to carry on with normal activities.
- Emotional Distress or Mood Swings: Emotional instability, such as sadness, anger, or irritability, is common after a traumatic event like a dog attack.
- Difficulty Concentrating or Performing Daily Tasks: Victims may struggle with concentration or carrying out daily tasks, especially if they are constantly preoccupied with memories of the attack.
These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, and seeking compensation can help cover therapy, counseling, and other treatments for these emotional injuries. life, and seeking compensation can help cover therapy, counseling, and other treatment for these emotional injuries.
How We Can Help You Recover Compensation for Emotional Trauma and PTSD
Our Legal Experts Will Fight for the Full Scope of Your Recovery
We have extensive experience holding negligent dog owners accountable for the harm they cause. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and that the negligent dog owner is held responsible. Here’s how we help:
- Investigate the Incident: We will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and any documentation of previous incidents involving the dog.
- Determine Negligence: Our team will analyze the facts of the case to establish how the dog owner’s actions (or lack of action) constituted negligence.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We’ll handle all negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Litigate if Necessary: If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court to ensure that justice is served.
Our goal is to make the legal process as smooth as possible while fighting for the compensation you deserve..
Signs You May Be Entitled to Emotional Trauma Compensation
How to Know if You’re Eligible to File a Negligence Claim
- The Dog Was Not Properly Restrained: If the dog was unleashed, not behind a fence, or otherwise improperly restrained at the time of the attack, you may have a claim.
- The Dog Had a History of Aggression: If the dog had previously bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior, and the owner failed to take action, you may be able to hold the owner responsible.
- Local Laws Were Violated: If the dog owner violated local leash laws or other regulations, this could strengthen your negligence claim.
- You Were Lawfully on the Property: If you were a guest, visitor, or worker on the dog owner’s property and were bitten without being warned about the dog’s behavior, the owner could be liable.
If these factors apply to your situation, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Compensation for Emotional Trauma and PTSD
What Compensation Can You Receive for Emotional Injuries?
Compensation for emotional trauma and PTSD in dog bite cases may cover a wide range of damages, including:
- Therapy and Counseling Costs: You may be entitled to compensation for sessions with a psychologist, therapist, or counselor to help you recover from emotional trauma and PTSD.
- Medication Costs: If you need medication to manage anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms, these expenses can be included in your claim.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation may be awarded if your emotional trauma has severely affected your ability to enjoy daily activities, relationships, or your overall quality of life.
- Lost Wages or Reduced Earning Capacity: If your emotional trauma or PTSD prevents you from working or limits your ability to earn an income, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional and psychological suffering can be included as part of your pain and suffering damages in a dog bite case.
Our goal is to ensure that every aspect of your emotional recovery is fully compensated, so you can focus on healing without financial stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Emotional Trauma and PTSD Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
How do I prove emotional trauma or PTSD in a dog bite case?
Even if the dog has no history of biting, the owner can still be held liable under Nebraska’s strict liability law, meaning they may be responsible for injuries their dog causes regardless of prior behavior. Liability may also apply if the owner was negligent, such as failing to leash the dog or allowing it to roam freely, especially in areas where leash laws are enforced.
How long do I have to file a negligence claim?
In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the injury. However, it’s crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.
Can I still file a claim if the owner says the bite was my fault?
Yes. Even if the dog owner claims that you provoked the attack, you can still pursue a negligence claim. Our team will investigate the circumstances and build a strong case on your behalf.