When a dog attack happens, it creates a chaotic scene that often comes with long-lasting effects.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately one out of five dog bites requires the victim to seek medical attention. While thoughts immediately go to the physical wound and scarring, the incident also causes emotional trauma, especially in children.
The types of emotional trauma
Although an adult may also have lingering effects, past experiences often help ease the person through the ordeal. A developing child does not have that luxury, which often leads to a dog bite causing numerous kinds of trauma.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder tops the list of trauma a child may face. This disorder makes the person relive or reimagine the incident repeatedly and can happen at any time. The long-lasting effects of PTSD may lead to behavioral issues as well as affect brain development, creating lifetime issues.
- A child may also develop a strong fear of dogs, which affects a child’s quality of life. Instead of having a free spirit and appreciating the joy of playing outdoors, the child may instead focus attention on the possibility of coming across a dog. In some cases, that anxiousness develops into a fear of leaving home.
Since every child has a unique personality, this type of trauma may also create other long-lasting emotional changes.
The signs of emotional trauma
The signs of trauma show up differently for each person. In many cases, changes in behavior often point to a simmering problem. This could appear as having trouble concentrating, getting startled easily or displaying self-destructive behaviors. If parents notice their child has started to cry more, clings to them, withdraws from activities or now wets the bed, they should seek psychological help.
In Illinois, a victim has the right to seek compensation for a dog bite, which includes psychological damage.