Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Nebraska
There are several laws in the state of Nebraska that govern dog bites and the potential injuries they can cause. How these laws affect you depends on which side of the dog bite you find yourself.
Dog owners have a responsibility toward other members of society, and as a dog bite victim, you may be able to claim compensation from the dog’s owner for your injuries. In many Nebraska dog bite cases, it may be beneficial to contact an experienced Omaha personal-injury lawyer.
A qualified personal-injury attorney will have extensive knowledge of local laws and understand how to negotiate for fair compensation. Rensch & Rensch Law is a trusted and respected legal practice in Omaha, and we have more than 45 years of combined legal experience.
Our attorneys have litigated more than 100 jury trials, and we will treat your case with the care and attention it deserves. To find out more about how we may be able to help with your specific claim, give us a call at 1-800-471-4100 to schedule an appointment, and read on for more information regarding dog bite cases in the state of Nebraska.
Dog Bite Statute of Limitations in Nebraska
As with most civil cases, Nebraska victims of dog bites have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against the negligent dog owner as laid out in the Nebraska State Legislature. According to state legislature, people who sustain injuries from dog bites in Nebraska have up to four years to file a personal-injury lawsuit through the state’s civil courts.
The court considers the start date of the injury to be the day the incident occurred. The court will most likely refuse to hear your case if you attempt to file your civil lawsuit after the four-year period lapse
Here is another common question about Nebraska dog bite laws:
When can I seek damages against a Nebraska dog owner?
According to Nebraska Statutes, there are two factors that must be present when an injured individual seeks damages from a dog owner. The dog must have injured a person or pet but only if the injured party was not trespassing at the time of the incident.
The statutes also cover a variety of dog behaviors outside of the typical dog bite scenario. If you sustained injuries because a dog knocked you over, for example, you may be able to claim damages. This typically falls under the Nebraska statutes that deal with dog bites, even if the dog did not actually bite the victim.
The law does not apply to non-aggressive and playful dogs. In the event of injuries from a playful dog, the victim must demonstrate that the owner was aware the dog could become aggressive while playing. At the same time, the injured person must show that the owner acted negligently and failed to protect the victim from the animal.
As with many personal-injury laws, dog bite laws can be complicated. An experienced Omaha personal-injury attorney will have knowledge of these laws and may be able to help with your claim against the negligent owner. Call Rensch & Rensch Law today at 1-800-471-4100 to schedule an appointment so we can evaluate your case.