If your child has been injured in a dog attack, they're going to need medical attention for their physical wounds, and you're going to need to hire an attorney to obtain compensation for their injuries. You'll also need to help your child overcome the emotional trauma associated with their injuries. This is particularly true if your child has developed a fear of dogs. Here are three steps you can take to help your child overcome the emotional trauma associated with dog bites.
Talk to Your Child
If your child is now afraid of dogs, they may want to talk about their feelings. It's important that you give them the opportunity to do that. Let the conversation be guided by the age of your child. For instance, a young child may only be able to tell you that they were scared, or that it hurt. An older child may want to go into details about the things they were feeling, or how the attack has changed the way that they feel about dogs. Regardless of how in-depth your kids choose to go, make sure you're there to listen.
Reinforce Safe Interaction
When your kids are ready to interact with dogs again, work to reinforce safe interaction. Perhaps you can talk to a local dog trainer and ask if you can bring your child to them. The trainer will be able to help your child move slowly with the dogs in their care. This will allow your child the opportunity to progress at their own pace without feeling pressured to interact with the dogs.
Once your child has worked with the dog trainer, it's a good idea to move on to other dogs. Begin by taking your child around friends who might have dogs. Be sure that the dogs you take your child around are calm. Having a dog jump on your child before they're ready for that type of interaction may only serve to reinforce their fear.
Consider Counseling
If you've been working with your child, and they're still showing a deep-rooted fear of dogs, you may want to consider counseling. Be sure to speak to a personal injury attorney or law firm like Putnam Lieb. They'll be able to put you in touch with a counselor who specializes in childhood trauma.
If your child has been attacked by a dog, you want to help them overcome their fears. The information provided here will assist you in helping your child through the trauma.
