A dog attack can be an emotionally scarring event, especially for children. Beyond the physical repercussions of the attack, there are myriad psychological stressors that can accompany such an event.
If you or a loved one have been recently attacked by a dog, make sure to know what symptoms of dog bite trauma to look for and how to help. Luckily, the expert personal injury lawyers at Diamond & Diamond are here to take the pressure off.
What to Do if Bitten by a Dog
In the event of a dog bite, make sure to wash the wound immediately. You should run warm tap water over the bite for about 10 minutes before applying any treatments. If you cannot access water right away, make sure to wrap the injury in a clean (or as clean as you can find) cloth to stop the bleeding.
Apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream to the wound to keep it from getting infected. You should wrap the wound in a sterile bandage until you can bring it to a doctor. Once your doctor has examined the injury, ensure cleanliness by changing the bandage a couple of times a day.
After you’ve dealt with the wound, make sure you know what additional steps to take. These include contacting the police and filing a report, as well as following up with your doctor at a later date. If you’re a dog owner and are worried about your pet getting loose and accidentally hurting someone, check out these precautionary tips.
Emotional Effects of Dog Bites on Children
The emotional pain that accompanies the physical wound of a dog attack on children is greater than we can comprehend. For starters, while the adult brain has matured enough to be able to process these events, the child’s brain hasn’t.
Also, you must consider the size difference; a dog is comparable to a bear when facing a small child. Make sure you know what are the symptoms of dog bite trauma. These include bedwetting, crying, sleep disturbances, withdrawal, and fear.
The best thing you can do if your child has been attacked by a dog is to know your rights and bite-related laws. If your dog has recently attacked someone, it may also be your responsibility to financially cover for that emotional trauma.
Documenting Emotional Trauma
It’ll become increasingly important in the days and weeks following the attack to document any sort of trauma you or your loved one is experiencing. Physical wounds can be documented through photographs, but night terrors and post-traumatic stress (PTSD) are harder to show to the court.
Keep a journal of the types of medications you take to treat the injury as well as the emotional journey. Be vivid in describing how the stress of the event impacts day-to-day life. This will be critical in determining what type of damages are in play and what the owner will cover.
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Additional Info Related to Dog Bite Trauma
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Where to get information in Alberta about dog bites
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What to Do If Your Dog Bites Someone
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- Remove the animal from the situation
- Help the bite victim wash and wrap the wound
- Remain calm and understanding
- Offer to call the doctor or police for them
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Therapy for Dog Bite Victims
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- Dog bites symptoms include PTSD and night terrors
- Talking to a psychologist is a crucial first step
- Journaling helps keep track of medicine and feelings
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If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite in Alberta, contact Diamond & Diamond Law for a free evaluation of your case and start down the road to recovery today.
Pro Tip
“To better understand a child’s reaction to a dog bite, an adult should imagine being attacked by a larger animal such as a bear.” – BrokerLink
Why Choose Diamond & Diamond Law
If you’re looking for a dog bite lawyer in Alberta, especially in Calgary or Edmonton, look no further than Diamond & Diamond Law. Our team of professionals will be able to help you get the justice you deserve.
Call 1-800-567-HURT (4878) to get a free consultation. All consultations are entirely confidential.
