Important Dog Bite Laws in Nebraska That May Impact Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident in Nebraska, understanding the state’s laws can be crucial to your claim. Nebraska has specific rules that govern dog owner liability, and these laws can directly affect your ability to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Knowing your rights under these laws can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Knowles Law Firm, we can help you navigate Nebraska’s dog bite laws and determine how they may impact your claim.

With over 55 years of experience, Knowles Law Firm has helped clients navigate complex personal injury cases, including those involving dog bites. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves. We understand Nebraska’s dog bite laws and can use that knowledge to help pursue the compensation you may be entitled to after an injury. If you would like assistance with your dog bite claim, you’re welcome to contact Knowles Law Firm and retain our support.

What Are Nebraska’s Dog Bite Liability Laws?

Nebraska has stringent practices about dog injury law. According to Nebraska Revised Statute 54-601, dogs are the personal property of their owners. The dog’s owner is liable “for any and all damages” for anyone other than a trespasser. 

An owner will be responsible for many dog behaviors that result in damages, including biting, killing, wounding or injuring, chasing, or worrying a person or their domestic animals.

Are There Exceptions to Dog Owner Liability in Nebraska?

Military or police working dogs are an exception to Nebraska’s dog bite statutes. The only other exception is for playful contact, where a dog is trying to be playful with a person. In this case, legal personnel will generally rely on witness statements about the dog’s behavior. If a dog is found to be playful and someone suffers an injury due to this play, the owner may not be liable for damages.

Further, if someone else controlled or kept the animal for a given period, they may also be liable for damages. This applies to friends or family who were pet-sitting and dog walkers. However, this does not mean the dog owner is no longer liable for damages as well. Depending on the circumstances, both the owner and the individuals watching the pet may share liability.

What if the Victim Provokes the Dog?

Victims may share some of the responsibility for their injuries, especially if they provoke a dog. The victim may have knowingly encouraged dangerous behavior by provoking and frustrating the dog. The owner may still hold some liability for the victim’s damages. However, the victim’s degree of fault will reduce the owner’s liability.

What Types of Compensation Can You Seek for a Dog Bite?

You may be eligible for significant compensation if a dog has bitten you. The liable parties can be held accountable for your total losses and injuries, allowing you to obtain financial recovery during a challenging time. The following losses and damages may qualify for compensation in your dog bite claim:

• Current and future medical costs
• Loss of wages or drop in wage-earning capacity
• Wrongful death
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Disability 
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Additional losses may also qualify, and the severity of your injuries can impact the financial recovery you’re eligible to receive. For assistance with your dog bite claim, we encourage you to retain an attorney from Knowles Law Firm. We can help by identifying any liable parties, holding the responsible individuals accountable, and obtaining the compensation you deserve.

How Knowles Law Firm Can Help with Your Dog Bite Claim

At Knowles Law Firm, we know how devastating dog bite injuries can be and understand the importance of pursuing compensation to cover your losses. With over 55 years of experience handling complex personal injury cases, we are committed to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. Our team is equipped to navigate Nebraska’s strict dog bite liability laws and ensure your case is handled with the utmost care and dedication.

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, we can help you determine your legal options and seek the compensation you may be entitled to. Our firm will thoroughly investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and handle negotiations with liable parties. Contact Knowles Law Firm today for a consultation and to learn more about how we can assist you in your dog bite claim. You can reach us by calling (402) 431-9000 or filling out our contact form. We welcome you to contact us at your earliest convenience so we can maximize our efforts.