Being attacked by a dog can be a very traumatic experience and one that you might remember for the rest of your life. While the experience might get easier to deal with over time, some animal attack victims, unfortunately, have to deal with scars that do not fade.
Scarring due to an animal bite can alter a person’s experience of life, depending on the circumstances. If the scarring is severe and visible, for example, if the scars are present on the face, hands or arms, the attack victim might become embarrassed about being in public. This embarrassment can, in turn, lead to mental issues such as anxiety or depression.
Can I receive damages because of scarring?
Any dog attack that was unprovoked has the potential for a successful legal claim if you can prove that the owner of the dog was negligent in some way. For example, if an aggressive dog was allowed to walk around in a park without a leash and attacked you as a result, it could be argued that the owner was extremely negligent.
In addition, you may be able to gain additional compensation if you can show the extent of your suffering due to scars that resulted. Scars can be difficult to cover up, and in this way, the attack may have led to suffering that will not heal. In order to back up your claims, you may want to gain a statement from your doctor about the severity of your injuries.
If you have scarring as a result of a dog attack, it is important that you understand your rights when it comes to taking action.