Becoming a victim of a dog bite injury is a traumatic experience for anyone, and it’s not just the physical injuries that one has to deal with. The emotional distress that can result from a dog bite attack can be just as, if not more, debilitating. Emotional distress can manifest in different ways, such as fear, anxiety, sleep disorders, and PTSD, among others.
If you have been attacked by a dog, it is essential to know that you may be entitled to compensation for both your physical injuries and emotional distress. But how do you prove and value emotional distress in a dog bite injury claim? This article outlines the steps to take.
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Proving Emotional Distress In A Dog Bite Injury Claim
To prove that you are experiencing emotional distress after a dog bite injury, you need to provide evidence. Here are some ways to do that.
Medical Records
Your medical records can be a good starting point to prove emotional distress. Usually, medical professionals will document your emotional state during visits. For example, if you report anxiety symptoms, your physician may diagnose you with an anxiety disorder or prescribe medications.
Expert Witnesses
In some cases, expert witnesses can be employed to help prove emotional distress. These can be mental health professionals and counselors who can testify about the seriousness of your emotional distress and how it has affected you.
Statements From Friends And Family
Friends and family members can provide statements about how the dog bite attack has affected your emotional well-being and day to day life. These statements can be effective if they are from credible sources.
Your Testimony
Your personal testimony about how the dog bite has affected your life is also an effective way to prove that you are experiencing emotional distress.
Valuing Emotional Distress In A Dog Bite Injury Claim
Once you have proven emotional distress, the next step is to determine its value. Here are some factors that insurance adjusters and juries consider when valuing emotional distress.
Extent Of The Injury
The severity of the dog bite attack and the injuries you sustained can significantly affect how much compensation you are entitled to for emotional distress.
Medical Treatment
The length and intensity of medical treatment to address your emotional distress can increase the amount of damages you can recover.
Lost Wages
If you missed work as a result of your emotional distress, you can try to recover lost wages.
Nature And Duration Of The Pain
The nature, intensity, and length of your pain and suffering can significantly affect the value of your claim. You may be awarded higher compensation if your emotional distress is chronic.
Effect On Day-to-Day Life
If the dog bite attack has affected your daily life, you may be able to obtain higher compensation.
Final Words
Dog bite attacks can be psychologically traumatizing, and emotional distress is a legitimate claim that often accompanies physical injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury and emotional distress as a result, it is important to seek legal representation. A skilled personal injury attorney can help prove the extent of your emotional distress and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.