Florida Dog Bite Injuries Can Lead to Emotional Scarring Among Children

Physical scars may fade following a Florida dog attack, but it is the emotional scars that can last a lifetime. Victims of dog bites often find themselves too afraid to be near dogs, which can interfere with their quality of life. This significant fear of dogs is considered to be one of the most painful effects of a dog bite. People who were once dog lovers can become extremely uncomfortable around dogs, which is especially true among children. Young dog bite victims have been known to experience fear, depression, withdrawal and anger.

Children who have been attacked by dogs may start behaving differently than before the event. For example, they may stop talking, start wetting their beds or become aggressive with their siblings. Some children may become extremely clingy to their parents and may be too fearful to even go outside. Most of the emotional trauma from a dog attack will improve over time, but sometimes professional help is needed.

If your child has been the victim of a canine attack and appears to be having trouble coping with the event, there is a chance that he or she could be experiencing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The signs of PTSD generally begin within three months of the event and the severity of symptoms can vary greatly. Whether your child has PTSD or not, you should not hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional who will be able to provide your child with the necessary therapy to overcome the emotional effects of the dog bite.

As a parent of a child who has been bitten by a dog, you need to be aware that you may be able to hold the dog owner responsible. For more information regarding your child’s legal rights following a Florida canine attack, contact an experienced St Petersburg personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.