To many, dogs are more than just pets – they are treasured members of their families. However, an untrained or aggressive dog can pose a serious hazard to others. Dog bites can lead to severe injuries, not all of which are physical in nature. Dog bite trauma can leave a victim mentally scarred and affect their ability to enjoy life.
The scope of this problem is significant. Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States every year, and dog bite insurance claims reached $1.57 billion in 2024, with an average payout of $69,272 per claim. Yet the financial toll only tells part of the story. The psychological damage that follows a dog attack can be just as devastating, and far harder to quantify.
If you have sustained severe psychological trauma due to dog attack injuries, you may be able to sue the responsible party for pain and suffering.
How Can a Dog Bite Affect Someone Psychologically
After the initial shock and physical pain of a dog bite wear off, many people report changes to their psychology and behavior, such as:
- Reliving the experience of the attack, which can cause severe anxiety and depression
- An intense and lasting fear of dogs that disrupts daily life
- Poor self-esteem and confidence stemming from disfigurement caused by a dog bite attack
- Disability and pain from a dog bite injury, which can leave a victim unable to engage in activities they enjoy
- PTSD from a dog attack, which can cause panic attacks, vivid nightmares, depression, and mood swings
- Social withdrawal and avoidance of outdoor spaces or public areas where dogs may be present
- Hypervigilance and heightened startle responses are symptoms commonly seen in survivors of traumatic events
A 2024 study published in BMJ Paediatrics Open highlights that dog bite victims frequently suffer from long-lasting psychological consequences, including PTSD, significant dog phobia, persistent nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. Some research indicates that these psychological effects can endure for over a year following the attack.
Injury victims can pursue compensation for these kinds of intangible, non-economic losses as well as compensation for economic harm, such as medical bills or lost income.
Psychological Impact of Dog Bites on Children
More than 50 percent of dog bite victims are children, and nearly a quarter of child dog bite victims require emergency treatment, according to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. By comparison, 12 percent of adult victims need emergency care. Children are at particular risk of facial, head, or neck bites.
Moreover, children are also more likely to suffer psychological effects of a dog bite due to an attack. A review in the journal BMJ Paediatrics Open estimates that nearly 70 percent of children who sustain dog bite injuries develop clinical symptoms of PTSD and pronounced dog phobia.
The impact extends beyond the child victim. The same research found that parents of bitten children also frequently reported significant emotional distress, including guilt, persistent fear for their child’s safety, and anxiety about scarring, demonstrating that a dog attack can affect an entire family’s well-being.
Stewart Law Offices Fights for Financial Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bites can cause lasting physical and mental damage, and owners are often responsible for paying for the harm their pets cause. Stewart Law Offices has over a quarter-century of experience advocating for the injured and recovering compensation for our clients. We can file a dog bite injury claim for your losses, including:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Lost income from being unable to work
- Diminished work capacity from disability
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Loss of life enjoyment
We are available 24/7 to discuss your case and won’t charge a fee unless we win a settlement or award. Our compassionate attorneys understand the impact an injury can make on your life and can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Stewart Law Offices online or call us today for a free, no-obligation case consultation with a North & South Carolina dog bite lawyer.