Dog bite trauma and claiming compensation for mental distress
For expert guidance on claiming compensation for dog bite trauma call our dedicated free legal helpline. We will consider your case, assess the likely compensation you are entitled to receive and give you details of our no win, no fee funding scheme. Call freephone 0333 888 0435 or email [email protected]
When someone is bitten by a dog, the physical effects are clear for everyone to see. However the psychological impact is less obvious and is often overlooked. Dog bite trauma can be serious and debilitating. In fact, in many of the cases we deal with the mental injuries outweigh the physical ones.
The importance of choosing lawyers who are experienced in recovering compensation for dog bite trauma
Obviously, any attack by a dog is likely to be extremely unpleasant and result in a level of distress and anxiety. But when that trauma starts to impact on the victim’s life, becoming a medical condition in its own right, then it is important that it is properly investigated and taken into account when the compensation award is calculated.
Because our lawyers are specialists in the field of dog bite law they are aware of the impact of psychological trauma and will ensure that it is fully considered during the compensation claim process.
Compensation for psychological trauma suffered in a dog on dog attack
Dog bite trauma usually arises when someone has been bitten or attacked, with the victim suffering both physical and mental injuries. However, our team have achieved great success in recovering compensation for people who have not suffered physical injuries themselves. This includes owners who have watched their dog being mauled in a dog on dog attack right in front of them. This is highly distressing, especially where the dog’s injuries are serious or fatal.
The consequences of dog bite trauma
Dog bite trauma can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including:
- fear of dogs;
- panic attacks;
- intrusive thoughts;
- sleeping problems;
- mood swings; and
- avoidance behaviour.
In addition to claiming compensation for these symptoms, we can also help you to recover by getting funding for specialist therapies such as as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR) .
Dog bites involving children
Children are particularly susceptible to suffering psychological trauma as a result of a dog bite and particular care needs to be taken when investigating a compensation claim on their behalf. In some cases children can suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Children have a tendency to internalise their feelings and this can have an impact of their development. It is vital that these aspects are properly investigated, not just in terms of recovering monetary compensation but also accessing specialist therapies to help the child recover.
Dog bite trauma and scarring
Dog bites frequently leave the victim scarred for life. This scarring can have a huge psychological impact, particularly on children or where the scarring is in a prominent position, such as the face.
Our lawyers will ensure that the compensation package not only includes adequate recompense for the scar itself but also funding for scar revision surgery where required or specialist cosmetic camouflage make up.
How we can help with claiming compensation
We are highly experienced in claiming compensation for psychological and mental injuries arising from dog bites and dog attacks. Our team is led by James McNally who recently featured in a Guardian newspaper article which referred to him as “the dog bite solicitor”. James and his team will provide a free assessment of your case and explain how no win, no fee funding works. Call us on freephone 0333 888 0435 or email us at [email protected]