Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Dog attacks can cause severe and life-threatening injuries. A victim may not be able to ever fully recover from a serious dog bite injury and could suffer lasting physical and emotional scars. Under Nebraska law, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 54-601 makes dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause — meaning you typically do not need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. Even with this strong legal protection, the mistakes you make in the hours and days after a bite can significantly affect the outcome of your claim.
Admitting Fault
It may be in your nature to be polite or not want to cause a scene. After a dog bites you, you may instinctively tell the pet owner, “It’s okay,” or, “It was my fault.” You may even apologize to the owner if you had been attempting to pet the dog when it bit you. However, it is critical to protect your rights by not admitting fault. These statements could put your ability to recover financial compensation for your medical bills at risk. Do not discuss the incident with anyone other than your Omaha dog bite attorney — or the police, if they are called to the scene.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention
It is imperative to get professional medical care after getting bitten by a dog. Many dog attacks result in serious injuries, such as puncture wounds, deep lacerations, and eye and face injuries. Even if the bite does not seem severe, if it broke the skin, you could be at risk of infection or a serious disease, including rabies. Go to a hospital and explain what happened to a doctor. You may need wound cleaning or debridement, antibiotics, stitches, or even more extensive treatment such as a skin graft, depending on the severity of the injury. A medical record created promptly after the attack also documents the connection between the bite and your injuries — which is essential if you later pursue a legal claim.
Need Legal Assistance? We’re Here to Help
Let our award-winning attorneys fight for the justice you deserve. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation for your unique situation.
- (402) 431-9000
Deciding Not to Report the Attack
All dog bite incidents should be reported to the local animal control center, such as the Nebraska Humane Society. Local authorities need to know about dog attacks for their records. That way, if the same dog continues to bite or injure people or domestic animals in the future, they can take action to protect the public. Animal control may quarantine the dog to check for rabies, for example, or classify it as a “dangerous dog,” which will require the owner to take certain steps to prevent attacks such as muzzling the dog on walks and keeping it contained.
Forgetting to Document the Incident
Do your best to document the dog bite incident early on, while you are still at the scene of the attack. Get the name of the pet owner, their phone number, the breed of the dog, the dog’s shot and vaccine history, the location where the attack occurred, and the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Photograph your injuries before they are cleaned or treated if possible, and photograph the location of the attack. Request copies of your medical records and bills for any treatment you receive. Documenting the attack thoroughly from the start can be invaluable for a dog bite injury claim.
Dealing With an Insurance Company Without an Attorney
Under Nebraska’s dog bite statute, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 54-601, all pet owners are liable to any person who is bitten or harmed by a dog, regardless of the question of the pet owner’s negligence. Nebraska’s strict liability law means you typically do not have to prove the owner did something wrong or knew the dog was dangerous to qualify for compensation.
Despite strict liability, it can still be difficult to get a pet owner’s property insurance company to pay a fair amount. An insurance company is a for-profit business that may use many tactics to convince you to settle for less than your claim is worth. This is why it is important to contact an Omaha dog bite attorney to help you deal with an insurance adjuster as soon as possible. Your attorney can negotiate with an insurance company on your behalf to maximize your financial recovery.
Waiting Too Long to Take Legal Action
Nebraska law gives dog bite victims four years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207. While four years may seem like a long time, critical evidence can disappear much faster. Animal control records, veterinary histories documenting prior aggressive behavior, witness memories, and photographs of your injuries are all most powerful when gathered immediately after the incident. Additionally, serious dog bite injuries often require multiple surgeries and extended treatment — and the full scope of your damages may not be clear without allowing time for your medical picture to develop before settling.
Accepting a Quick Settlement Without Understanding Your Injuries’ Full Value
Insurance companies often contact dog bite victims quickly with settlement offers made before the full extent of injuries is known. Accepting a settlement and signing a release permanently closes your claim — even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially apparent, or if you later develop infection, nerve damage, or psychological effects such as PTSD from the attack. Do not accept or sign any settlement documents before consulting with an attorney who can evaluate whether the offer reflects the true value of your claim, including future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska Dog Bite Claims
Does Nebraska have a strict liability law for dog bites?
Yes. Nebraska Revised Statute § 54-601 makes dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause to any person who is not trespassing. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog had previously bitten someone. This strict liability standard makes Nebraska dog bite claims stronger than in states that require proof of prior dangerous behavior, but mistakes made after the attack can still undermine your claim.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is four years from the date of the attack under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207. However, acting quickly is important even within that window — evidence such as animal control records, witness memories, and photographs of injuries is strongest when gathered immediately after the incident. An attorney can help you preserve critical evidence and build the strongest possible case.
What compensation can I recover after a dog bite in Nebraska?
Nebraska dog bite victims can recover compensation for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, follow-up care, scarring and reconstructive procedures, lost wages during recovery, reduced earning capacity from permanent injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress including PTSD. Serious dog bites involving facial injuries or permanent scarring typically generate higher compensation because of their lasting physical and psychological impact.
What if I was partially at fault for the dog bite in Nebraska?
Nebraska applies a modified comparative fault standard. If you are found partially responsible for the incident — for example, if you provoked the dog or were trespassing — your recovery may be reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. If your share of fault reaches 50 percent or more, you cannot recover. Insurance companies frequently argue that the victim’s own behavior contributed to the attack. An attorney can counter these arguments with evidence and protect your right to full compensation.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Nebraska?
After a dog bite: seek medical attention immediately even if the wound seems minor; do not admit fault or apologize to the dog owner; get the owner’s name, contact information, and the dog’s vaccination history; report the attack to local animal control; photograph your injuries and the location of the attack; gather witness contact information; and contact a dog bite attorney before speaking to any insurance company. The steps you take in the first 24 to 48 hours significantly affect the outcome of any future claim.
Injured by a Dog Bite in Nebraska? Knowles Law Firm Can Help.
Avoiding the mistakes above and taking the right steps after a dog attack gives you the best chance at recovering full compensation under Nebraska’s strict liability law. The attorneys at Knowles Law Firm have handled dog bite claims throughout Nebraska for 55 years and understand how to build strong cases that maximize client recovery. Contact Knowles Law Firm through the contact form for a free consultation — no fees unless there is a recovery.
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
