LA Century Law handles dog bite PTSD and psychological trauma claims. If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you deserve fair compensation. Contact our San Bernardino dog bite attorneys for immediate assistance.
How Dog Attacks Cause Psychological Trauma
A dog attack is an overwhelming event. The brain releases stress hormones. Your body puts you in a heightened state. This heightened state helps you respond to the immediate danger.
However, even when the stressful event ends, the brain may stay in a heightened state. The brain’s alarm systems don’t calm down.
When PTSD occurs, it can cause a range of symptoms.
Recognizing PTSD Symptoms After a Dog Bite Attack
PTSD symptoms can vary. Here are some symptoms of PTSD after a dog bite:
Reliving the event. Playing the attack repeatedly in your mind.
Intrusive thoughts. Constantly thinking about the incident.
Heightened arousal. Always feeling on alert.
Sensitivity. To uncomfortable feelings, like hot and cold, hunger, or tiredness.
Reactivity. Intense emotional responses to even minor stressors, including worry, frustration, and anger.
Recklessness. Dangerous behavior or self-destructive behavior.
Physical stress. Shaking, heart pounding, and sweating in response to a trigger.
Sleep issues. Trouble falling asleep.
Concentration. Difficulty concentrating.
Hypervigilance. Constantly looking out for dangers, even subconsciously.
Avoidance. Avoiding situations where you may be around dogs or other reminders.
PTSD symptoms vary in their nature and intensity. Sometimes, it’s hard to connect the symptoms you’re experiencing to PTSD. A qualified mental health professional can evaluate your symptoms for a formal diagnosis.
How common is PTSD from a dog attack?
One study found that 4% of dog attack victims were diagnosed with PTSD. They said that 15% of dog attack victims are formally diagnosed with a mental illness.
Is Psychological Trauma Compensable in a California Dog Bite Claim?
Yes. Psychological trauma is compensable in a California dog bite claim. California recognizes PTSD both under negligence laws and under California’s strict liability dog bite law.
California Civil Code § 1714 says that everyone is responsible for injury caused by lack of ordinary care in the management of their person or property. That means if someone owns or is responsible for a dog, they must ensure it doesn’t hurt people. Plus, when it comes to dog bites, California has a strict-liability law under Civil Code § 3342. Even without proving negligence, you may receive compensation for PTSD from a dog bite.
More from LA Century Law: Dog Bite Laws in California
Recent Court Case: Avila v. Brown
In September 2026, a jury awarded $12.9 million to the former housekeeper of Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Chris Brown. The plaintiff was attacked by Brown’s guard dog. The dog attacked her when she went outside to clean.
The victim suffered nerve damage resulting in impairment. She testified to pain sensitivity and scars. In addition, the victim suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.
As of this writing, the case is still ongoing. The judge has indicated that they are likely to reduce damages.
Avila v. Brown, 21STCV13947.
PTSD From Dog Attack – The Law Explained
California’s jury instructions explain that a dog bite victim can be compensated for PTSD. Jury instruction CACI No. 3905A says that a victim may claim compensation for mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. The jury instruction explains that it’s up to the jury to decide an amount based on the evidence.
In the Molien v. Kaiser Foundation Hospitals case, the court recognized that emotional injury can be as severe and debilitating as physical harm. It is just as deserving of fair compensation.
How to Document Psychological Trauma for Your Legal Claim
When it comes to compensation for PTSD from a dog bite, documentation is especially important. It’s not enough to say that you have anxiety or fear. To receive compensation, you must prove three things:
- Diagnosis. There must be a formal PTSD diagnosis. The diagnosis must come from a qualified mental health professional. Diagnosing PTSD involves reviewing the incident and evaluating symptoms. Symptoms must meet criteria for duration and impact.
- Causation. The PTSD must be from the dog attack. Insurance companies like to downplay claims by saying that the person had a pre-existing mental health condition. You can fight these allegations. Strong case preparation can link your PTSD to the dog bite.
- Impact. You must explain how PTSD impacts your life. This is where you talk about mood differences, anxiety, and hypervigilance. You can talk about struggles in personal relationships, employment, and daily functioning.
Documenting trauma from a dog attack involves mental health professionals and fact witnesses. At LA Century Law, we’re experienced in dog bite claims and claims involving PTSD.
How Much Is Dog Bite PTSD Worth in a California Settlement?
When it comes to what dog bite PTSD is worth, each case is different. Each victim deserves damages appropriate to their case. For some, PTSD might be a minor intrusion, while for someone else, it is disruptive to life activities. Everyone deserves compensation for their suffering.
An important thing to remember is that compensation may include future losses. Treating and managing PTSD is an ongoing process. These future struggles and costs, such as treatment, can be part of your settlement.
LA Century Law can give you a personalized evaluation of what you may receive for PTSD from a dog attack.
Children and Dog Bite PTSD: Why These Claims Are Worth More
When the dog bite victim is a child, a PTSD claim may be worth more than when the victim is an adult. That’s because the child may have decades of impact from the harm that has occurred. They may have fewer coping skills than an adult. Children may claim for future treatment needs and the impact on their life. Documenting future harm is especially important for claims involving children.
LA Century Law Fights for Full Compensation, Including Psychological Harm
When you have PTSD from a dog bite, you deserve full compensation. At LA Century Law, we fight for our clients. We maximize damages, including psychological harm.
See how our experienced dog bite attorneys can help. Call or message us now.
Call Us Today - It's Free!