Omaha Dog Bite Attorney | One Bite Liability Law
Last Updated: December 17, 2024
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Man’s best friend has played a pivotal role in civilization and modern life. It is difficult to walk through any neighborhood without glimpsing a dog walker out for a stroll with his or her four-legged companion. However, as familiar as this sight may be throughout the state, it is important to exercise caution around unfamiliar dogs, especially with your children. If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog bite attack, contact an Omaha dog bite injury lawyer. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.
Nebraska Dog Bite Laws
Nebraska is one state which provides greater deference to the victims of dog bite attacks. A dog owner will be held strictly liable for any injuries and damage caused by their dog to anyone other than a trespasser. Similar to the duty of care a property owner has for all guests on his or her property, a dog owner has a similar duty of care to all guests in the vicinity of the animal. However, a trespasser does not receive the same level of protection under the animal laws in Nebraska.
Nebraska’s dog bite statute provides that dog owners will be held liable to any person (aside from a trespasser) for any damages that occur as the result of a dog bite or a dog chasing any person. The Nebraska statute is unique in that it provides for recovery after both a dog bite and other injuries caused by dogs. The broad wording of this statute will often cover injuries sustained by a dog knocking down or chasing a person. However, Nebraska court cases have held that the statute is not broad enough to cover “playful” dog behavior.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can be disastrous due to the nature of these attacks. When many aggressive dogs bite, they do not let go. A violent dog can sink its teeth into a victim several times, or yank and twist the bitten limb before someone is able to intervene and pull the dog away. Dog attacks often cause similar injuries among victims, many of which can be permanently disfiguring and highly traumatic.
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Crush injuries
- Bruising
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Permanent scars
- Disfigurement
Most Likely Locations for Dog Bites
Although a dog can bite a victim anywhere, certain body parts are more likely than others to cross within the pet’s path. Some dogs bite to kill, targeting vulnerable areas such as the face and neck. Breeds such as pit bulls are statistically more likely to target these areas, according to national dog bite data. Other dogs bite extremities that appear threatening, such as someone’s hand as the person reaches out to pet or touch the dog.- Face
- Neck
- Head and skull
- Hands
- Fingers
- Forearms
- Lower extremities
Recovery After Dog Bite
Dog bites can, unfortunately, cause very serious injuries. A complete veterinary record of the dog will need to be completed in order for medical professionals to fully understand whether the dog has received all of its immunizations. In extreme cases, serious infections can occur as a result of a dog bite. Unfortunately, children are more susceptible to dog bite injuries, since they are not yet cautious enough to stay removed from an unfriendly dog, and they make easier targets for aggressive dogs.
Dog bite injuries not only lead to serious physical injuries for children but can also cause severe emotional trauma. Therefore, any claim for damages must take into account not only the physical injuries (and the resulting medical expenses) but the often-times accompanying emotional trauma. An experienced Omaha injury lawyer and, specifically, Omaha dog bite attorneys will be able to fully assess the number of damages that should be claimed as a result of a dog bite or dog chasing claim.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
If a dog attacks you or someone you love in Omaha and causes serious injuries, get to a safe location and call the police. Get the pet owner’s name and contact information if the owner is present. Take photographs of the scene of the attack if you can: where it happened, the dog that attacked and the victim’s injuries. If the injuries are not serious, you may not need to involve law enforcement. You should still, however, report the dog bite to the local animal control center. Get to a hospital for injury treatment right away. Delaying medical care could be detrimental to the victim’s health, as well as increase the risk of infection. It could also make it more difficult to prove that the dog caused your injuries during an insurance claim. Keep copies of your medical records, bills, and any police or accident reports. Then, call the pet owner’s insurance company to file a claim. Most pet owners have coverage for dog attacks through their homeowners’ insurance plans. Since pets are officially property in Nebraska, homeowners’ insurance companies will generally cover property damages or personal injuries that pets cause. If the pet owner does not have insurance, he or she may owe you damages out of pocket. A personal injury lawsuit against the pet owner could lead to a positive outcome for you and your family during this difficult time.How to Report a Dog Bite in Omaha
Reporting a dog bite can make Omaha a safer place. It can create a record of the number of times the dog has bitten other dogs or people, holding the owner responsible for future attacks. It could also lead to important rabies quarantines and testing, as well as potential penalties against a negligent pet owner. Report a dog bite in Omaha to the Nebraska Humane Society, either online or at (402) 444-7800. An officer will come to your location, investigate the situation and may take the dog into custody for testing. The Humane Society will not put a dog that has bitten someone down unless it has rabies or the dog poses an ongoing threat to others.The Knowles Law Firm | Omaha Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a dog bite or dog chase, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys of Knowles Law Firm. Our Nebraska dog bite attorneys understand the difficult situation you may find yourself in after such an incident and will assist you in drafting a claim for your injuries. Contact our Omaha, Nebraska office today for your initial free consultation.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.
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