Omaha Dog Bite Attorney
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Dog bites cause thousands of emergency room visits across Nebraska each year, leaving victims with physical scars, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. When a dog attack happens in Omaha, the aftermath extends far beyond the initial injury, often resulting in surgeries, lost wages, and permanent disfigurement. Understanding Nebraska’s strict liability laws and the legal process for recovering compensation can make the difference between financial hardship and complete recovery.
The attorneys at Knowles Law Firm have represented Omaha dog bite victims for over 55 years. As a multi-generational family practice, we combine decades of trial experience with personalized attention to every case, pursuing maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost income, scarring, and emotional distress. With a proven track record of settlements exceeding $520,000 in dog bite cases, we work diligently to hold negligent dog owners accountable while helping injured clients rebuild their lives.
How Does Nebraska’s Dog Bite Law Protect Omaha Victims?
Nebraska operates under strict liability for dog bites, meaning dog owners are financially responsible for injuries their animals cause, regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of aggressive behavior. This legal framework protects Omaha residents by eliminating the need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous. Whether the attack occurred on private property, in a public park, or on Omaha’s popular recreational trails, the owner bears responsibility for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. Nebraska Revised Statute 54-601 establishes this clear standard of liability, providing a strong foundation for injury claims.
The strict liability standard applies to bites and other injuries caused by dogs. If a dog knocks someone down, causing a broken bone, or scratches a person’s face during an attack, the owner remains liable even without a bite. This comprehensive protection ensures that victims can pursue compensation for the full range of injuries inflicted by dogs.
What Compensation Can Omaha Dog Bite Victims Recover?
Omaha dog bite victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages following an attack. Economic damages encompass all financial losses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and future medical treatments for complications or reconstructive procedures. When injuries prevent a return to work, victims can claim lost wages for time missed during recovery and diminished earning capacity if permanent limitations affect their ability to perform job duties.
Non-economic damages address the less tangible but equally devastating impacts of a dog attack. Permanent scarring, particularly on visible areas like the face, neck, or hands, can result in substantial compensation for disfigurement. Emotional distress, including anxiety around dogs, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and loss of enjoyment of life, all factor into the total compensation calculation. Children who suffer dog bites often experience long-term psychological effects requiring ongoing counseling and support.
How Do Insurance Companies Handle Omaha Dog Bite Claims?
Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize payouts for dog bite claims, even when Nebraska law clearly establishes owner liability. Adjusters may contact victims shortly after an attack, offering quick settlements that fall far short of covering medical expenses and long-term needs. These early offers rarely account for future surgeries, ongoing therapy, or the psychological impact of a traumatic attack. Accepting an initial settlement prevents victims from pursuing additional compensation later, even if complications arise or scarring proves more severe than initially expected.
Homeowners insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability up to the policy limits, which in Omaha average between $100,000 and $300,000. However, insurers employ various tactics to reduce their financial exposure. They may argue the victim provoked the dog, trespassed on private property, or contributed to the incident through their own actions. Nebraska’s comparative negligence law allows insurers to reduce compensation by the percentage of fault attributed to the victim, making it crucial to counter these arguments with evidence and witness testimony.
What Should Omaha Residents Do After a Dog Attack?
Immediate medical attention serves two critical purposes following a dog bite in Omaha. First, prompt treatment reduces the risk of infection and documents the extent of injuries for insurance and legal purposes. Emergency room physicians can administer rabies prophylaxis if the dog’s vaccination status remains unknown and provide wound care to minimize scarring. Second, medical records create a clear timeline connecting injuries directly to the attack, which becomes essential evidence in pursuing compensation.
Reporting the incident to Omaha Animal Control establishes an official record of the attack and allows authorities to investigate the dog’s history and vaccination status. Animal Control can quarantine the dog for rabies observation and document any previous complaints or incidents involving the same animal. This information strengthens legal claims by demonstrating a pattern of dangerous behavior. Photographs of injuries, torn clothing, and the attack location preserve crucial evidence that may fade or disappear as wounds heal and memories dim.
Contact an Experienced Omaha Dog Bite Attorney at Knowles Law Firm
At Knowles Law Firm, we bring 55 years of personal injury experience to every dog bite case in Omaha. The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts across various practice areas, including a $520,000 recovery for a dog-bite victim. As a family-owned practice spanning three generations, Knowles Law Firm prioritizes personalized attention over volume, ensuring each client receives direct communication with their attorney rather than being passed between staff members. This approach allows us to develop comprehensive strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each attack.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. This structure allows Omaha dog bite victims to pursue justice without financial barriers, regardless of their current economic situation. Knowles Law Firm handles all aspects of the legal process, from gathering medical records and negotiating with insurance adjusters to filing lawsuits and presenting cases at trial when fair settlements cannot be reached. If you or a family member suffered injuries in an Omaha dog attack, contact Knowles Law Firm to discuss your case and learn about your legal options for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Accidents in Omaha
How long after a dog bite can you sue?
In Omaha, NE, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a dog bite incident is typically four years from the date of the injury. It’s important to consult with a dog bite attorney promptly to ensure you understand and meet any deadlines that apply to your case.
How much compensation do you get for a dog bite?
The compensation for a dog bite can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands or more, especially in cases involving serious injuries or long-term effects. Each case is unique and the amount awarded depends on the specific circumstances and negotiations involved.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
Menu
