Dog Bites can Cause PTSD in Children

Jul 06,2017

Dog bites can leave children with physical pain and trauma, but did you know a dog attack can also cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children? A Chinese study of children who suffered animal bites revealed that 19 of 358 kids studied were diagnosed with PTSD by three months after the attack. Nearly one-third of children who were hospitalized for severe bites developed PTSD by the three month mark.

According to Dr. Nancy Kassam-Adams, co-director of the Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PTSD in children can interfere with their normal development. She emphasizes the need for proper care after the bite, particularly from the doctors and nurses involved. Their response to the event could play a role in the way a child reacts.

What are Signs of PTSD in Children?

Parents and doctors need to be aware of the risk of their child developing PTSD after a dog attack. A doctor should evaluate the child a number of times after the attack for PTSD symptoms. Signs a child might be developing PTSD from a dog attack include:

A newly developed fear of the dark
Fear of being left alone
Refusing to leave the house
Withdrawing from friends and family
Aggressive behavior
Losing interest in games or activities they once enjoyed

If your child exhibits these behaviors after a dog attack, you should seek professional help right away.

“Sadly, dog bites can leave both physical and emotional scars in children long after the event,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been in a dog attack and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.