Dog Bites

Outstanding Nebraska Dog Bite Lawyers

The old saying is that “any dog can bite.” For that reason, the law in Nebraska has evolved to protect the public so that there is no “one free bite” rule before an owner is responsible for injury caused by his or her dog. In most other personal injury cases, the injured party would have to prove that the other party was careless or negligent in some way before he or she could recover for the injuries. In dog bites, however, that is not the case. Under Nebraska law, the owner of a dog is automatically responsible for injuries caused by his or her dog biting someone else unless the dog was provoked by the injured person.

If you are injured by a dog bite, you should:

  • Inform the owner of the dog as soon as possible.
  • Seek medical attention if the dog’s teeth have broken your skin. This is important to help prevent infections that may develop in untreated bite wounds.
  • Make sure to take photos of your injuries and, if possible, of the dog that attacked you.
  • Report the attack to authorities, either the police or the local humane society, so an investigation takes place. If the dog must be labeled as vicious, your report may help prevent subsequent attacks by that dog.

While homeowners’ insurance will generally cover dog bite claims up to the limit of coverage purchased by the homeowner, unfortunately, no law in Nebraska requires dog owners — particularly owners of breeds with known aggressive propensities — to carry liability coverage for their dogs. Most pet owners are responsible; many are not. If the owner of an aggressive dog carries no insurance and has no personal resources to cover a damage claim, the injured victim could be left with no way to pay his or her medical expenses or to be compensated for injuries that can be severe and even disabling. If you or someone you know has suffered injury by a dog whose owner had no liability coverage, you should contact your state legislator and urge him or her to change the law so that dog owners, particularly of those breeds known to be aggressive, must maintain liability coverage on their dogs. We’re required by law to maintain liability coverage on our cars. Why not also on our dogs?

Lincoln, Nebraska is home to several popular dog parks and runs like Rickman’s Run and Roper East, where dog owners and pedestrians often gather. While these areas offer great opportunities for dogs to play and socialize, injuries—like this brutal dog attack of a woman running in Southwest Lincoln—can happen anywhere.

Nebraska law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, meaning victims don’t need to prove negligence to seek compensation. Unlike states that follow the outdated “one free bite” rule, Nebraska makes owners automatically responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

This applies whether the bite happens in a dog park or on a quiet sidewalk. The only major exceptions are cases where the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing. Ultimately, Nebraska’s strict liability law is designed to protect the public and ensure dog owners are accountable for their pets’ actions.

Steps to Take If You’re Bitten by a Dog in Lincoln

If you are injured by a dog bite in Lincoln, Nebraska, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your health and ensure the incident is properly documented:

  • Inform the owner of the dog as soon as possible, and get their contact information.
  • Seek medical attention immediately, especially if the dog’s teeth have broken your skin. This is important to help prevent infections.
  • Take clear photos of your injuries and, if it’s safe, of the dog that bit you. Photos taken at the scene can be important evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.
  • Report the attack to local authorities promptly:

Reporting the bite not only helps document your injury but can also prompt investigation into the dog’s behavior. This may lead to the dog being labeled as “dangerous,” which helps protect the Lincoln community and prevent future attacks.

Injuries That Can Result from Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause physical injuries that may require medical treatment and long-term care. Below are some common injuries that can result from a dog bite:

  • Lacerations are deep, often jagged cuts that can extend into muscles, nerves, blood vessels, or even bone. They can cause significant bleeding and often require stitches or, in severe cases, reconstructive surgery. These injuries can also lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement.
  • Puncture wounds are deep, narrow wounds that may look minor but carry a high risk of infection. These injuries often don’t bleed much but can damage internal tissues.
  • Infections from dog bites can include rabies, tetanus, and various bacteria. Prompt medical attention and vaccination are essential to prevent serious complications.
  • Nerve damage may occur if the bite severs or compresses nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or even permanent loss of movement or sensation

If you suffer a dog bite in Lincoln, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Local healthcare facilities that are equipped to treat dog bite wounds include:

Getting Compensation After a Dog Bite in Lincoln

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Lincoln, Nebraska, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries under the state’s strict liability law. This means that, as a victim, you can seek compensation for several types of damages.

  • Medical expenses include all costs related to the treatment of your injury, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and even psychological counseling if the bite causes emotional trauma.
  • Lost wages refer to any income you missed out on due to time off work for recovery. This may include both current and future earnings if the injury impacts your ability to work in the long term.
  • Pain and suffering is a broader category that covers both physical and emotional distress resulting from the attack. This can include chronic pain, scarring or disfigurement, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.

To ensure you receive full compensation, it’s important to work with a Lincoln dog bite attorney.

FREE CONSULTATION

If you have been injured, contact Friedman Law Offices, Nebraska dog bite lawyers. Our office is in Lincoln, but we successfully advocate for clients throughout the state. You can contact us online or at 888-419-6876 for an immediate evaluation of your case. There is no cost for an initial consultation.