If an aggressive dog charges at you, teeth bared, your life can change instantly. You could suffer devastating physical injuries from a dog attack, such as scars and disfigurement, crushed bones, or a traumatic brain injury. You could also experience an overwhelming sense of fear.
Unfortunately, the deepest scars may be the ones no one can see. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common but often overlooked consequence of dog bites.
As a compassionate San Diego dog bite lawyer, Mark C. Blane understands the complex emotional challenges that dog bite survivors face. He is dedicated to helping you pursue a PTSD personal injury claim to seek the full compensation you deserve for both the physical and psychological injuries from a dog attack.
What Are the Warning Signs of PTSD After a Dog Bite?
You may feel shaken after a frightening experience, like a dog attack. It’s a normal feeling many dog bite victims experience. However, you may find that the emotional effects of the dog bite linger long after your physical wounds have healed. Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Intrusive memories. You may have recurring, unwanted thoughts about the attack that can feel like reliving the trauma over and over.
- Avoidance behaviors. You could find yourself going out of your way to avoid dogs, even crossing the street to dodge a friendly puppy. You might also not want to talk about the incident.
- Negative thoughts and emotions. Persistent feelings of fear, guilt, or shame are other signs of PTSD. You might blame yourself for not preventing the attack or feel detached from loved ones.
- Hyperarousal. If you are feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, and having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, this could be a sign of PTSD.
What Is the Impact of PTSD After a Dog Bite on Your Daily Life?
Living with PTSD after a dog attack can feel like being trapped in a nightmare. The constant sense of danger and hypervigilance can make even simple tasks, like going to the grocery store or walking in your neighborhood, feel overwhelming.
You might find yourself:
- Struggling at work. You may have intrusive thoughts and difficulty concentrating, impacting your job performance.
- Avoiding social situations. You could stay away from gatherings at parks or friends' homes where dogs might be present.
- Straining relationships. Pulling away from loved ones who don't understand what you're going through is another common consequence of experiencing PTSD after a dog bite.
- Developing unhealthy coping mechanisms. Using alcohol, drugs, or other harmful behaviors to numb painful emotions in another negative way that PTSD can affect your life.
Your Right to Compensation for Physical and Psychological Injuries After a San Diego Dog Attack
Under California’s strict liability law, the dog owner can be liable to compensate you even if their dog has never bitten someone before. California law also recognizes that dog attacks can cause severe emotional distress, not just physical injuries. If you've developed PTSD after a dog bite due to a pet owner's negligence, our experienced dog bite lawyer can help you obtain compensation for:
- Medical expenses. You should be reimbursed for all medical costs you incur to treat your injuries, such as hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, doctor visits, and medications.
- Mental health treatment. You may need psychological therapy, medication, and other professional services to help you heal from the psychological injuries from the dog attack. The dog bite owner is responsible for compensating you for these costs.
- Lost wages. If you have to take time away from work due to your physical injuries or PTSD symptoms or treatment, you should be reimbursed for your lost wages, lost sick and vacation time, and other perks of your job. You should receive lost earning capacity damages if you can no longer work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering. You may have to cope with the emotional anguish and diminished quality of life caused by the attack. You are entitled to damages for the emotional distress, pain, and suffering you must endure.
- Punitive damages. In cases of extreme negligence, such as an owner knowingly keeping a vicious dog, punitive damages may be awarded to punish them for their actions.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights After a Dog Attack
Taking the proper steps after a dog attack can make a significant difference in your physical and emotional recovery, as well as your ability to seek legal compensation. Here's what our dog bite lawyer recommends you do:
- Seek medical attention. Getting prompt medical care is crucial even if the bite seems minor. It helps prevent infection and provides official documentation of your injuries.
- Report the attack. Contact San Diego Animal Control to file a report. This creates a record of the incident and can help prevent future attacks.
- Gather evidence. If possible, take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene of the attack. Get contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses.
- Follow your treatment plan. Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to your doctor's recommendations for care, including mental health treatment for PTSD.
- Contact a dog bite attorney. Contact our dog bite lawyer immediately after the dog attack. We’ll help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.
How the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, Can Help
If you're experiencing PTSD after a San Diego dog attack, you may wonder if it's worth reliving painful memories in depositions or worrying about facing the dog owner in court. However, it’s important to remember that you're not alone and have legal options.
At the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog attack can take on your life. Our compassionate legal team is here to help in the following ways:
- Investigating your case. We'll gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. Mark has a network of qualified expert witnesses who can help us win your case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. We'll handle all communications with the dog owner's insurance provider and fight for a fair settlement that covers all your damages, including your PTSD treatments.
- Advocating in court. If necessary, Mark will represent you in court proceedings, presenting compelling arguments to the jury to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Providing emotional support. We recognize the emotional challenges of pursuing a legal claim while dealing with PTSD. Our team will treat you with empathy and respect every step of the way.
- Offering contingency-based representation. You won't owe any attorney fees unless we win your case, so that you can seek justice without added financial strain.
