Why Dog Attacks Need to be Taken Seriously
Dogs are beloved members of society, and these days, you can’t go far without running into a pooch at your favorite cafe or restaurant. As we incorporate our pets into more of our daily routine, though, we need to be careful to give dog bites and attacks the gravity they deserve. We would never dream of downplaying a person’s traumatic experience in a car accident or burglary, but too often, society can be dismissive of dog bite victims.
When a person survives a dog attack, their wounds may take several weeks or months to heal. But the pain they experience emotionally can linger for far longer. Children, in particular, can suffer lifelong phobias of dogs after experiencing an attack.
If your child or loved one has experienced a dog attack, be on the lookout for warning signs that they’re still hurting. Symptoms can include change in mood, drop in school or work performance, nightmares, a drop in interest in their favorite activities, poor sleep and a fear of dogs.
Up to 20 percent of children who experience dog bites and attacks show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. These symptoms are often overlooked or not connected back to the incident. Even after wounds heal, the scars left behind can permanently affect a person’s self-esteem. Facial wounds, in particular, can impact one’s sense of self worth.
Encourage loved ones who have been bitten by dogs to seek medical attention for even minor bites. After wounds heal, a therapist can help them cope with symptoms of PTSD.
Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer – Richard Serpe
Our attorneys have been helping victims injured in accidents caused by someone else’s negligence for over 28 years. . We are also sensitive to the need to conduct a prompt investigation, which is necessary to prevail in the case against the person responsible. If you’d like to speak with us about your situation contact us.