The Physical and Emotional Consequences of Dog Attacks, Seen and Unseen

Dog attacks can be terrifying and often require immediate and decisive medical care. But the dog attack impact can also last beyond the first, most obvious injuries and take a physical and emotional toll long after the initial wounds have healed.

As a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience in dog bite cases, I understand the profound impact these attacks can have on victims. Today, I want to discuss not only the visible injuries these attacks can cause, but also the deeper, unseen emotional trauma that many people endure after the fact.

Physical Injuries: The Immediate Dog Attack Impact

Dog attacks can result in severe physical injuries. These might include puncture wounds, lacerations, and broken bones. In severe cases, the injuries can be life-threatening.

Immediate medical attention might involve anything from stitches and antibiotics to surgeries and long-term physical therapy. These treatments are not only painful but can also be incredibly costly.

Importantly, you should always get medical care after a dog bite – even if the wounds don’t seem serious. Dogs may carry diseases and bacteria that lead to infections like rabies or sepsis.

Emotional Trauma: The Hidden Wounds

Often, we overlook the emotional consequences of a dog attack, but they can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Victims might suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

In addition, a resulting fear of dogs can last a lifetime. It may seem trivial to some people who haven’t experienced it, but phobias can significantly alter a person’s lifestyle and emotional well-being. We forget how many day-to-day activities may involve interaction with dogs:

  • Going to the playground or park
  • Canine searches at airports and train stations
  • Visiting friends in their homes
  • Walking around the neighborhood
  • And so much more

So many basic tasks can commonly involve dogs, even if you try to avoid them.

Children are particularly vulnerable and may require counseling to overcome their fears and cope with the trauma.

Long-Term Consequences

For many, the repercussions of a dog attack extend far beyond the physical healing process. For example, you might have scars or disfigurements that lead to self-esteem issues and social isolation.

Additionally, you might suffer from the financial burden of medical treatment and potential loss of income during recovery. And ongoing, costly therapy can create significant stress and anxiety about the future.

What’s more, over time most people might forget about the attack – but it never goes away for the person who experienced it. As a result, it can feel isolating and lonely to deal with the dog attack impact.

Getting the Right Legal Help So You’re Not Alone

If you’ve been a victim of a dog attack, you don’t have to face the impact alone. Our firm is here to support you through every step of the process, fighting to make sure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

As your personal injury lawyer, I can help you gather the necessary evidence, like medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonials to build a strong case. We also handle all negotiations with the involved parties and their insurance companies, which allows you to focus on your recovery.

By holding the responsible parties accountable for the full dog attack impact, we not only help you move forward but also help prevent future incidents. And we don’t get paid anything unless and until we win your case for you.

For a free consultation and to learn more about how we can assist you, contact us today or call 901-327-2100. Let us help you begin your journey to recovery, both physically and emotionally.