Dog bites don’t just leave physical scars. They can also cause serious emotional harm. If you’ve experienced anxiety, nightmares, or fear around dogs after an attack, you might wonder if Illinois law allows you to seek compensation for that trauma.
What counts as emotional trauma?
Emotional trauma after a dog bite can take many forms. Some people deal with panic attacks, sleep problems, or depression. Others develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that affects daily life. In Illinois, these symptoms can count as emotional injuries.
You don’t need to suffer physical harm to claim emotional damages. If you can prove that the dog bite caused mental distress, you may qualify for compensation. Courts often consider therapy records, expert evaluations, and personal testimony when looking at these claims.
How Illinois law views emotional damages
Illinois follows strict liability when it comes to dog bites. That means dog owners are usually responsible for injuries their pets cause—even emotional ones—as long as the person didn’t provoke the dog and had a right to be where they were.
Emotional trauma can be part of a larger damages claim. Along with medical costs and lost wages, Illinois courts can award money for pain and suffering. This includes fear, stress, and mental anguish caused by the incident.
Evidence helps build a strong case
If you’re dealing with emotional effects from a dog attack, gather records to support your experience. This could include doctor notes, therapist visits, or even statements from friends and family who’ve noticed changes in your behavior. These details help prove how the incident impacted your life.
Keeping a journal about your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine can also support your claim. The more specific and consistent your evidence, the better your chances of receiving compensation.
You can seek compensation for emotional trauma after a dog bite in Illinois. With strong evidence and a clear connection between the incident and your mental health issues, emotional harm counts just like physical injuries.
