How Nebraska Dog Bite Laws Protect Victims

Dog bites happen more often than most people realize. In Nebraska, thousands of residents suffer dog bite injuries each year, ranging from minor wounds to life-changing trauma. We’ve spent 24 years helping personal injury victims, and we know how overwhelming these situations can feel. The good news is that Nebraska law provides clear protections for dog bite victims.

Nebraska’s Strict Liability Law

Nebraska follows what’s called a “strict liability” approach to dog bites. This means dog owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether they knew their dog might bite. You don’t have to prove the dog had bitten someone before or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If a dog bites you, the owner is liable for your damages.

This protection applies whether the bite happens on public property or when you’re lawfully on private property. For example, if you’re delivering mail, visiting a friend, or walking on a sidewalk when a dog attacks, the law protects you.

Exceptions You Should Know About

While Nebraska’s dog bite law strongly favors victims, there are two main exceptions. First, if you were trespassing on private property when the bite occurred, you may not be able to recover damages. Second, if you provoked the dog by hitting, teasing, or threatening it, the owner might not be held liable.

These exceptions rarely apply to our clients’ cases. Most dog bite victims we represent at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. were simply going about their day when an unprovoked attack occurred.

Time Limits For Filing Your Dog Bite Claim

Nebraska gives dog bite victims four years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. While four years might seem like plenty of time, we always recommend contacting an attorney much sooner. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies become less willing to negotiate fair settlements as time passes.

Jason Ausman and Michelle D. Epstein, who handle personal injury cases at our firm, have seen how waiting can hurt a victim’s case. The sooner we can investigate, photograph injuries, and gather witness statements, the stronger your claim becomes.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Nebraska law allows dog bite victims to recover several types of damages. Medical expenses are usually the largest component, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and future medical care for scarring or reconstructive procedures. You can also recover lost wages if your injuries forced you to miss work.

Beyond economic losses, Nebraska recognizes the emotional impact of dog attacks. Many victims develop anxiety around dogs or suffer from post-traumatic stress. The law allows compensation for this emotional distress, along with physical pain and suffering.

How Insurance Typically Works

Most dog bite claims are paid through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These policies usually cover dog bite injuries, even if the attack happens away from the owner’s property. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement lets you focus on healing while we handle the insurance companies and legal process.

Taking Action After A Dog Bite

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Nebraska, you have rights worth protecting. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and explain your options. An experienced Omaha, NE dog bite lawyer can make all the difference in securing fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to learn how we can help you move forward after a dog attack. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve.