Emotional and Psychological Effects of a Dog Bite Attack in Iowa (Part A)
While most of the dogs we encounter in life are friendly companions there are some who could attack and cause serious injury. After a dog bite attack in Iowa you could have not only physical injuries but emotional and financial damage as well.
Dog attacks can be scary and the owners of a dangerous dog need to be held liable if you were injured. A Des Moines dog bite lawyer could help you file a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for economical and non-economical damages.
Symptoms of Emotional Distress after a Dog Bite Attack in Iowa
It could take days and weeks for the symptoms of emotional distress to show up after an animal attack. These emotional damages should be handled just as seriously as physical injuries:
anxiety;
depression;
excessive fear;
nightmares;
difficulty sleeping;
fits of compulsive rage;
feelings of helplessness; and
flashbacks to traumatic event.
A child may not be able to put into words how a dog bite attack affected them. As a concerned adult, look for these symptoms that children commonly exhibit after an attack:
crying;
clinging to parents;
nightmares;
bed wetting;
sleep disturbances;
fear;
withdrawal;
anger;
post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD); and
flashbacks.
Treating Emotional Distress after a Dog Bite Attack in Iowa
Some of the emotional effects of a dog attack will dissipate with time but some may require more extensive treatment. You can receive compensation to help pay for treatment when you file a personal injury claim with a Des Moines dog bite lawyer. A doctor may recommend the following treatment methods:
cognitive behavioral therapy;
anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication;
regular therapy sessions; and
group therapy sessions.
If you were involved in a dog bite attack in Iowa, contact a Des Moines dog bite lawyer to help you file a personal injury claim against the owners to hold them liable for their animal’s behavior. You may also be eligible to receive compensation to cover your medical bills and other life expenses.