How to Prove Psychological Trauma After a Dog Bite
When most people think of harm from a dog bite, they picture punctures, lacerations, or infections. While physical injuries are possible, the psychological impact of a dog attack can be just as severe, if not more so. This is because dog attack victims often suffer from emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and an ongoing fear of dogs.
In the state of Georgia, you have the right to seek compensation for these non-physical damages, even if others try to downplay your experience. If you are experiencing emotional distress due to a dog attack, contact an Atlanta dog bite lawyer today to discuss your options.
How to Document Psychological Stress
Many assume that only severe dog attacks lead to psychological trauma, but even a minor bite or a frightening encounter with an aggressive dog can cause lasting emotional harm. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to developing long-term fears and anxieties after a dog attack. Adults, too, may struggle with symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares, flashbacks, and an intense fear of encountering dogs again.
Regardless of the severity of the animal attack, if you are experiencing psychological distress after an attack, you should not ignore your symptoms or allow others to dismiss your pain. Your suffering is real, and you deserve to be compensated for it.
To successfully claim compensation for emotional distress, you need strong evidence of your suffering. Some key steps include:
- Seeking treatment. Visiting a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible after an attack helps establish a record of your emotional distress. A therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist can diagnose conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression and provide treatment notes supporting your claim.
- Keeping a journal. Document your emotions, fears, nightmares, and any lifestyle changes that have resulted from the dog attack. Keeping a daily or weekly log of your struggles can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
- Collecting statements. Friends, family, and coworkers who notice changes in your behavior or mental state can provide statements describing how the attack has impacted you.
- Using testimony. Expert witnesses, such as psychologists or trauma specialists, can testify about the long-term effects of dog-related psychological trauma.
Under Georgia law, victims of dog attacks can pursue compensation for both physical and emotional injuries. This includes reimbursement for therapy, medications, lost wages due to mental distress, and even pain and suffering damages.
Do Not Let Others Minimize Your Trauma
Some may tell you that your injuries aren’t serious enough to justify a claim. Do not let their opinions prevent you from seeking justice. Psychological trauma is just as valid as physical injuries, and you have the right to hold the dog’s owner accountable for your suffering. Talk to a compassionate Atlanta dog bite lawyer to pave a path to your complete recovery.
Have you been coping with mental struggles following a Georgia dog attack? Have a conversation with the attorneys at Zagoria Law about how to hold the responsible party accountable for therapy fees. Contact us today to learn more.
