Signs & Symptoms of Emotional Trauma After a Dog Bite in California
When you tell someone you were seriously injured by a dog bite, they may ask to see a scar—physical evidence of the attack you survived. However, many dog attack victims also carry emotional scars, including mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional scars can stay with a dog bite victim long after his or her body has healed, as your Newport Beach Dog Bite Attorneys will explain.
After a dog bite, it is vital that you receive medical care for your wounds. Likewise, it is important to receive the mental health care you need. Be sure to look for these signs and symptoms of emotional trauma in the wake of a serious dog bite:
- Depression and sadness
- Anxiety and fear
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, sleeping too much, nightmares)
- Flashbacks and reliving the event
- Withdrawal from loved ones
- Trouble keeping up at school or work
- Anger, aggression, and behavioral problems
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
- Physical symptoms, such as digestive issues and headaches
- New phobias, such as a fear of dogs or open spaces
- Irritability and mood swings
- Feeling easily startled or frightened
- Guilt and self-blame
- Feeling of confusion
- Feeling disconnected, numb, or emotionless
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension and aches and pains
- Turning to substance abuse or becoming dependent on drugs, alcohol, or pills
Many dog bite victims wrongly believe they must work through these issues alone, or that these issues aren’t normal or treatable. In fact, they should be treated as soon as possible, likely through a combination of therapy and medication.
If you suffered emotional trauma from a dog bite incident, you may deserve compensation. For a free case evaluation, call the Newport Beach dog bite attorneys at Russell & Lazarus today: (949) 851-0222.