Post-Traumatic Stress After a Dog Bite – Can I Claim for Psychological Harm?

Dog bites can leave more than just physical scars. For many victims, the emotional and psychological impact can be just as devastating, sometimes even more so. If you’ve suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other psychological harm after a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Ison Harrison, our expert personal injury solicitors understand the full impact of dog bite injuries; both seen and unseen. We’re here to help you claim the justice and support you deserve.

Understanding Psychological Harm After a Dog Bite

It’s common for dog bite victims to experience emotional distress, especially if the attack was sudden, severe, or involved a child. Symptoms of PTSD or psychological trauma may include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares about the attack
• Anxiety or panic attacks, especially around dogs
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Depression or withdrawal from social situations
• Ongoing fear or hypervigilance

These symptoms can interfere with your daily life, relationships, and ability to work and they are just as valid as physical injuries when it comes to making a claim.

Can I Claim for PTSD or Emotional Distress?

Yes. In England and Wales, personal injury law recognises psychological harm as a legitimate basis for compensation. If you’ve suffered mental trauma due to a dog bite, you may be able to claim for:

• Pain and suffering (including emotional distress)
• Loss of earnings if you’ve had to take time off work
• Medical or therapy costs (e.g. counselling, CBT)
• Impact on your quality of life

To succeed in your claim, it’s important to have medical evidence of your psychological injury, such as a diagnosis from your GP or a mental health professional.

How the Claims Process Works

At Ison Harrison, we make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible:

1. Free initial consultation: We’ll listen to your story and assess your case.
2. Gathering evidence: This may include medical records, witness statements, and photographs.
3. Valuing your claim: We’ll calculate the full extent of your losses, including emotional harm.
4. Negotiating with insurers: We’ll handle all communication and fight for the compensation you deserve.
5. No win, no fee: You won’t pay us a penny unless your claim is successful.

Why Choose Ison Harrison?

• Trusted, expert personal injury solicitors with decades of experience
• Lexcel-accredited for excellence in legal practice
• Proven track record in dog bite claims, including psychological injury
• Compassionate, client-focused approach

We understand how traumatic a dog attack can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

For a review and assessment of your dog bite claim get in touch with us today:

Call: 0113 224 7851
Email: [email protected]
Request a callback from our specialist team