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Southern California Children Often Suffer Emotional Trauma From Dog Bites

As a parent, you are so thankful that your child managed to survive the brutal dog attack in a Los Angeles park, neighborhood or other location. Your fears may have subsided, as your child seemed to have healed fine physically. Unfortunately, there are some dog bite injuries that cannot be seen physically, including emotional trauma.

When a child is the victim of a Southern California dog attack, things can go downhill rapidly. If your child has been bitten by a dog, you might start noticing signs that something is wrong emotionally. Your child’s behavior may be changing. He or she might be too fearful to go outside, let alone go to school. Many children who suffer dog bite injuries end up developing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and other persistent psychological problems.

The reaction your child may have to the canine attack will depend on his or her age. The following is a general guideline based on how old the child is:

Five Years Old and Younger – A child in this age bracket may develop separation anxiety and may cry, whimper or even scream when being separated from a parent or caregiver. These children could also revert to behaviors, such as thumb sucking, bedwetting and being afraid of the dark.

Six Years Old to Eleven Years Old – When a child in this age range suffers a dog bite injury, he or she may withdrawal or exhibit disruptive behavior. Children often experience nightmares, sleep disturbances and irrational fears.

Twelve Years Old to Seventeen Years Old – Adolescents who are attacked by dogs often suffer from flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness and depression. These reactions are very similar to what adults experience after an animal attack.

If your child has been injured in a dog attack, under California dog bite law, you can pursue compensation from the pet’s owner. For more information, contact a Santa Monica dog bite lawyer at Steinberg & Spencer Injury Lawyers at (800) 350-8888.

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