Yes you can.
Personal Injury cases can be awarded with two types of damages. The first is economic damages for instance lost wages if you were injured in a car accident and unable to work for a period of time. The second and more applicable are pain and suffering damages. If you have been put under mental distress as the result of a dog bite you could be entitled to compensation. Pain and suffering can include anxiety, fear, and night terrors. If these issues aren’t treated properly, they can lead to physical problems. Emotional distress or suffering is recognised to lead to serious health problems. However insurance companies almost always deny or downplay the fact that they are real.
Traumatic Stress from Dog Bite Case
A dog bite can cause post-traumatic stress, which may require therapy and intensive counseling. Before the problem can be resolved, you may need to continue seeing a therapist for a prolonged period. Studies have shown that people who experience a traumatic dog bite are more weary of both people and animals in general. If you work in a costumer faced job this could make going to work cause anxiety, for which you could be entitled to compensation.
You can experience general anxiety from other animals as well as people. In some cases, this fear can cause paralysis. Some individuals who have been bitten by a dog become completely incapable of long-term human contact. In milder cases, once animals loving people, can suffer from frightening anxiety and night terrors from being attacked by animals.
These mental manifestations or fear like symptoms can leave you frustrated and confused. If the injured party keeps pets in the home, they may be required to surrender or give away the pets for fear of being around them. This can leave them depressed and saddened. Mental anguish is a recoverable component of your claim. You are permitted to file for damages for the mental distress caused by the bite.
Insurance companies are required to cover for these types of damages and provide money compensation for treatment and distress. However, because many firms are unaware how this element of damages works, they fail to account for it or attempt to recover for it. It is important that you make sure you seek treatment if you have suffered any symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder after a dog bite.
What are the most common symptoms of PTSD following a dog bite.
- Flashbacks
- Night terrors and nightmares
- Anxiety levels high
- Headaches and inability to fall asleep are two examples of physical manifestations.
- Inability to express emotions
- Feeling detached
- Confusion
- Avoidance of all activities
- Avoiding other people, including family members and friends
- Hyperparanoia or increased energy
Summarized from an article by The Downtown LA Law Group.
