Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Emotional and Psychological Effects Dog Bites
We grow up thinking that dog is man’s best friend. When bitten by what should be a loyal and trusted companion, more than physical wounds appear, especially in children. Psychological and emotional effects are not limited to children; however, they are quite prevalent in child victims. The emotional and psychological effects of dog bites on children last long after their physical wounds have healed.
Massachusetts Law
Massachusetts Law requires “Section 155. If any dog shall do any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or if the owner or keeper be a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage, unless such damage shall have been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, is under seven years of age at the time the damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action.”
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
According to Organized Wisdom some common emotional and psychological traumas in children resulting from dog attacks include:
- Crying
- Clinging to parents
- Nightmares
- Bed wetting
- Sleep disturbances
- Fear
- Withdrawal
- Anger
- Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD)
- Flashbacks
Visit Organized Wisdom for more information about these symptoms.
Therapy
Some of the psychological problems will require the services of a licensed professional to assist the child in handling these issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be very effective in helping the victim learn to deal with the dog bite incident and resulting damage. Studies have also shown that how parents deal with traumatic events will influence how their children are able to handle them as well. There are several types of therapy that may be used including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Medication
- Meet with a Psychologist
- Psychotherapy
- Group Therapy
No matter what reaction your child has after experiencing a dog bite, be on the look out for signs that he or she may not be handling the after effects well.
If you or your child has been bitten and injured by a dog, you will also need to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and ensure your medical bills are paid.
The Kiley Law Group will evaluate your case for FREE. There are NO FEES unless one of our personal injury lawyers wins your case.
