Dog bites can cause more than just physical injuries. For many victims—especially children and those attacked unexpectedly—the emotional toll can be just as damaging, if not worse. Nightmares, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress can linger long after wounds have healed.
So, can you seek compensation for emotional trauma after a dog bite in Idaho? The answer is yes, and at Johnson & Lundgreen, we’ve helped clients across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Twin Falls recover not just for their physical injuries, but for the mental and emotional suffering they’ve endured as well.
Here’s what you need to know about claiming emotional damages after a dog attack and how to protect your rights.
Emotional Trauma After a Dog Bite: More Common Than You Think
A dog bite is often sudden, violent, and terrifying, especially when the victim is caught off guard. Even when the physical injuries are relatively minor, the psychological impact can be significant. Victims may experience:
- Fear of dogs (even those they previously felt comfortable around)
- Sleep disturbances and nightmares
- Flashbacks or panic attacks
- Anxiety in public spaces
- Depression or mood swings
- Avoidance behaviors (refusing to go outside, visit parks, or walk in the neighborhood)
In more serious cases, a victim may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a condition that can deeply affect quality of life.
Can You Recover Damages for Emotional Distress in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho law allows personal injury victims to recover non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In dog bite cases, compensation for emotional trauma is often part of a broader claim that includes:
- Medical treatment (for physical injuries)
- Counseling or therapy expenses
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional pain and suffering
The more severe and long-lasting your emotional injuries are, the more likely they are to increase the value of your claim significantly.
Proving Emotional Trauma After a Dog Bite
While emotional injuries are very real, they’re also harder to “see” than a broken bone or a wound that requires stitches. That’s why documentation is key.
To support your claim for emotional distress, you’ll want to:
- Seek professional help – A licensed therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist can diagnose emotional conditions, document symptoms, and provide expert opinions about your psychological state.
- Keep a journal – Record how the dog bite has affected your daily life, sleep patterns, relationships, and overall well-being.
- Get support statements – Letters or testimony from family, friends, teachers, or coworkers can help show the changes in your behavior or mood.
- Follow treatment recommendations – Ongoing therapy and mental health treatment show the seriousness of your condition and your efforts to recover.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we work closely with medical experts and mental health professionals to build strong emotional trauma claims that insurance companies take seriously.
What If the Dog Belongs to a Friend or Neighbor?
Many dog bite victims are reluctant to file a claim when the dog belongs to someone they know. This is understandable, but it’s important to remember that in most cases, you’re not suing the person directly. You’re filing a claim with their homeowner’s insurance policy, which is precisely what it’s there for.
If you’ve suffered emotional trauma after being bitten, you deserve the chance to heal without taking on the financial burden yourself. An experienced attorney can handle the legal process and communicate with the insurer, minimizing personal tension.
Idaho’s Dog Bite Laws and Owner Responsibility
Idaho follows a “negligence” standard for dog bite claims. This means you must generally prove that the dog’s owner knew (or should have known) that their dog was dangerous or failed to properly restrain it. However, even if the dog had no history of aggression, you may still have a valid claim if the owner failed to act responsibly, especially in cases involving children or unsecured animals.
In some circumstances, local leash laws or prior bite incidents can strengthen your case significantly.
Why Legal Help Matters in Dog Bite Cases
Insurance companies may try to downplay emotional trauma as “minor” or suggest that your distress isn’t related to the dog attack. Don’t fall for it. With the right legal team, you can hold the dog’s owner accountable and pursue full compensation for both your physical and psychological injuries.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we’ve helped clients across Idaho stand up to insurers and get the financial support they need to recover from all aspects of their injury, not just what’s visible on the outside.
Contact Johnson & Lundgreen Today
If you or a loved one has suffered emotional trauma after a dog bite in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or Twin Falls, don’t wait to get help. You have legal rights, and we’re here to protect them.
Call Johnson & Lundgreen today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing.