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Understanding Nebraska’s Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases

By Jason Bottlinger on November 5, 2025

Dog bites cause severe trauma and devastating injuries. Sadly, the most frequent victims of these events are children. After an attack, your family could be left to deal with unexpected medical bills, emotional distress, and the long-term effects of physical disfigurement.

In Omaha, victims don’t have to prove the dog had a history of aggression to seek justice thanks to the state’s strict liability dog bite law. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we help victims seek the compensation they need to cover medical costs and other damages caused by the attack.

Nebraska’s Dog Bite Laws

Dog bite law is covered under Nebraska Revised Statute 54-601. This statute holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, including bites and other aggressive actions, even if the dog has never bitten or shown aggression before.

The law states:

“The owner or owners of any dog or dogs shall be liable for any and all damages that may accrue to any person… by reason of having been bitten by any such dog or dogs, or by reason of having been injured, mauled, or otherwise harmed by such dog or dogs.”

What Strict Liability Means

Under strict liability, the victim of a dog bite does not need to prove that:

• The dog had bitten someone before
• The dog owner was careless
• The dog was known to be aggressive

The only things you generally must prove are:

1. Ownership – The person being sued owned the dog
2. Causation – The dog bit or injured you
3. Injury – You suffered damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering

How Nebraska’s Dog Bite Law Protects Victims

The purpose of Nebraska dog bite law is to shift the financial responsibility for injuries to the person in the best position to prevent harm, the dog’s owner. In other words, if someone’s pet hurts you, they are responsible for the consequences.

Common scenarios covered under Nebraska’s strict liability law include:

• A dog escapes a yard and bites a jogger
• A dog lunges at a child in a public park, causing injury
• A dog pushes over an elderly person, leading to broken bones
• A dog attacks a mail carrier or delivery worker on private property

When Strict Liability May Not Apply

While Nebraska’s law is strict, it does have limitations. There are certain defenses that a dog owner may use to try to reduce or avoid liability. But even if one of these defenses is raised, an experienced dog bite attorney can help evaluate the facts and build a case for recovery.

Provocation

If the dog owner can prove that the injured person provoked the dog by teasing, tormenting, or abusing it, the owner may not be held liable under 54-601. Courts will look at what a reasonable person would consider provocation.

Trespassing

If the victim was unlawfully on the dog owner’s property at the time of the attack, this can affect the claim. Nebraska law generally protects people who are lawfully present, like guests, postal workers, or utility workers, but this may not extend the same protection to trespassers.

Law Enforcement and Military Dogs

Dogs used by police or military personnel may be exempt from liability when performing official duties, especially if the injured person was fleeing or resisting arrest.

Damages You Can Recover After a Dog Bite

Dog attacks can lead to serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you’ve been bitten or injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

• Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy
• Lost wages: Time away from work due to treatment or recovery
• Pain and suffering: Both physical pain and emotional trauma
• Permanent disfigurement: Scarring or loss of mobility
• Mental health treatment: Counseling or therapy for anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs

Why Immediate Action Matters

After a dog attack, take these steps right away to protect your health and strengthen your legal claim:

1. Seek medical care immediately – Even minor bites can lead to serious infections.
2. Report the bite – Notify your local animal control or law enforcement agency.
3. Document everything – Take photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the scene.
4. Identify the dog and owner – Get names, contact details, and vaccination records if possible.
5. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies – Allow your lawyer to handle all communications with insurance agents.

Delaying action can lead to lost evidence and weaker claims. It can also impact your timeline for seeking dog attack compensation under Nebraska law.

How Bottlinger Law L.L.C. Can Help

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we take a thorough approach to helping dog bite victims. We know how painful the aftermath of an attack can be and can guide you every step of the way.

When you work with our firm, we will:

• Investigate the dog’s history and ownership
• Collect medical records and expert testimony
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File suit under Nebraska Statute 54-601 if needed
• Pursue the maximum compensation available

Speak With a Trusted Omaha Dog Bite Attorney Today

Jason Bottlinger was selected as one of the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Omaha by Expertise.com, and he belongs to the exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our law firm has a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Call (402) 505-8234 to schedule a free consultation,

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to prove the dog owner did something wrong?

A: No. Under strict liability dog bite law in Nebraska, the owner is responsible even if they weren’t negligent and the dog had no history of aggression.

Q: What if my child was bitten?

A: You can bring a claim on behalf of your child. Nebraska’s courts often consider additional emotional and developmental impacts when children are involved.

Q: What’s the deadline for filing a claim?

A: Nebraska’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is four years from the date of the injury. However, it’s best to start the legal process as early as possible to preserve evidence and witness testimony.