A 3-year-old girl in Shawnee, Oklahoma, is recovering from a brutal dog bite attack. However, her mother says she might need cosmetic surgery to try and repair her scars.
According to a report on KFOR.com, the dog bite incident occurred when a young family took their nightly walk around the block in their Shawnee neighborhood. Family members say a pit bull came charging at their young daughter and bit a small chunk of her nose out. The young victim also suffered another bite on her inner thigh.
Brutal Dog Attack
Roxanne Barker, the child’s mother, said all she heard was her daughter screaming. Barker said the child has been “really traumatized” and that her family is terrified of walking past their neighbor’s home where this horrific incident occurred. Neighbors did come to the family’s rescue. One person had a bat, and another tried to pry the pit bull off the child. Barker said after the girl’s stitches come off, they will have to follow up with a plastic surgeon. They say they have not received any answers from the local authorities regarding why this dog attack occurred.
The mom said she is most concerned about her family’s, particularly her daughter’s, “daily fear of being outside.” The Shawnee Police Department has said their Animal Welfare department is investigating the dog bite incident and that it would be up to the court to decide if the dog was vicious or not. The dog has been left at home to quarantine under the owner’s supervision, which means that the animal is not allowed to go outside unsupervised or without a leash. The Barker family says they are still worried because the dog is still in the neighborhood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Barker family. We wish the young girl the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
The Emotional and Psychological Toll of a Dog Bite Incident
Being the victim of a dog bite can have profound and lasting emotional and psychological effects on a person of any age, often extending far beyond physical injuries. The aftermath of such an incident can be emotionally traumatic and may lead to various psychological challenges. First and foremost, the immediate shock and fear during the attack can leave a lasting impact. Victims often experience intense feelings of terror, helplessness, and vulnerability. These emotions can linger long after the physical wounds have healed, causing persistent anxiety and fear of similar situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common outcome of severe dog attacks. Individuals may develop symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety triggered by reminders of the attack. The fear of dogs, or cynophobia, can also develop, making it challenging to interact with dogs or even go near places where dogs might be present.
Moreover, victims may grapple with emotional distress, depression, and mood swings following the attack. Coping with the trauma can lead to a range of emotional responses, including anger, sadness, guilt, and a sense of loss, especially if the attack resulted in permanent injuries or disfigurement. Social withdrawal and a diminished sense of safety may be some of the other consequences. Victims might avoid public spaces or places where they fear encountering dogs, leading to isolation and difficulty in resuming regular activities. This isolation can further exacerbate the psychological impact of the attack.
Recovery from a dog attack involves not only physical healing but also addressing the psychological scars. Therapy, counseling, and support groups can be essential in helping victims process their emotions, manage anxiety, and rebuild their sense of security. Also, financial stress from medical bills, therapy costs, and potential loss of income due to injuries can further compound the emotional toll, adding worries about the future and recovery.
The emotional and psychological toll of a dog attack can be overwhelming and long-lasting. Seeking professional help and support from loved ones is crucial in navigating the complex emotions and trauma resulting from such an experience.
Child Dog Attacks
Studies show that young children are the most common victims of dog bites. When children are attacked by a dangerous or aggressive dog, the injuries sustained can be severe and traumatic. They often require specialized medical care, including plastic surgery, to address the physical damage and subsequent scarring. Due to their smaller size and vulnerability, children are particularly susceptible to significant injuries from dog bites. These injuries can range from deep lacerations and tissue damage to facial injuries, which might necessitate reconstructive or plastic surgery to restore functionality and appearance.
Plastic surgery plays a critical role in repairing the damage caused by dog attacks, especially when it comes to facial injuries. Skilled plastic surgeons work to repair facial fractures, reconstruct torn tissue, and minimize scarring to restore the child’s appearance as much as possible. Additionally, these surgeries aim to enhance the psychological healing process, reducing the potential long-term emotional impact of visible scars or disfigurement.
Beyond physical recovery, it is essential for child victims of dog attacks to receive comprehensive support, including psychological counseling and therapy, to address the emotional trauma associated with the incident. Plastic surgery, in conjunction with emotional support, contributes significantly to the holistic healing of children who have endured such traumatic events.
Compensation for Dog Bite Incidents in California
In California, individuals who suffer injuries due to a dog bite may be entitled to compensation for their damages. California has strict liability laws regarding dog bites, meaning dog owners are generally held responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of the animal’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior.
Victims of dog bites in California may seek compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication costs. Additionally, they can pursue damages for lost wages or income due to the injury, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a dog attack, it is critical that you contact a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in successfully handling dog bite cases.
Source: https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-3-year-old-recovering-dog-attack-and-will-need-to-see-plastic-surgeon-due-to-injury/
