Young Dog Bite Victims Often Suffer Emotional Trauma

It doesn’t matter how old you are – being attacked by a dog is terrifying.  However, for a young child, the emotional injuries resulting from a dog attack can be significant.

Children who have been the victims of dog bite injuries can become fearful, depressed, angry and may withdrawal from those close to them.  Young dog bite victims have also been known to exhibit new behaviors, including bed wetting, clinginess and aggressiveness toward siblings.  Some children are too afraid to go outside and play.

When a child is attacked by a canine, he or she is also at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Posttraumatic stress disorder is triggered by a traumatic event where the victim feels helpless or in extreme danger.  The symptoms of PTSD may surface months after the attack.  Some of the warning signs include flashbacks, nightmares, anger, irritability and avoiding activities once enjoyed.  If you think that your child may have developed posttraumatic stress disorder, you need to contact a mental health professional right away.

To find out your legal options following a Florida dog bite, contact a St Petersburg personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

For more information, read the article, Florida Dog Bite Injuries Can Lead to Emotional Scarring Among Children.