blog home Dog Bites When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover the Cost of a Dog Bite in Omaha?

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover the Cost of a Dog Bite in Omaha?

By Jason Bottlinger on October 9, 2025

If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog in Omaha, you may be wondering if the injuries are covered by homeowner’s insurance. The answer is probably yes.

Dog ownership comes with responsibilities, and this includes protecting others in the community from dog bites. That’s why pet owners can be held liable for injuries caused their dogs.

Understanding Homeowners Insurance and Dog Bite Liability in Nebraska

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include some level of liability coverage for injuries caused by pets, including dog bites. But coverage can vary significantly depending on the specific terms of the policy, the circumstances of the bite, and the breed of the dog involved.

In Nebraska, dog owners face strictly liability for injuries caused by their dog, even if it has never shown aggressive behavior before. When a dog bites someone, the victim may file a claim against the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Finding Out If the Attack Is Covered

A homeowners insurance policy will typically cover dog bite claims if:

• The dog bite occurred on the insured property or occasionally off-premises if the dog was under the care of the insured
• The policy includes personal liability coverage
• There are no specific policy exclusions related to dog bites or the breed of the dog

The liability portion of a homeowners policy is designed to cover legal and medical expenses if a guest or visitor is injured by the homeowner’s dog. This means if a delivery driver, neighbor, or even a passerby is bitten, the policy may provide coverage. Your attorney will review the dog owner’s policy to find out what type of compensation is available.

Common Homeowners Policy Exclusions

Not all dog bite incidents are covered under homeowners insurance. These polices may include several types of exclusions.

Breed-Specific Exclusions

Many insurers have a list of restricted breeds they consider to be high-risk, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds. If your policy contains a breed exclusion clause and your dog is on that list, any incident involving your dog may not be covered.

History of Aggression

If a dog has a documented history of aggression or previous attacks, the insurer may deny coverage for future incidents, even if the policy does not exclude the breed.

Policy Endorsements and Limits

Some policies may limit coverage to a specific dollar amount or require an additional endorsement for dog bite liability. Homeowners may need to purchase extra coverage or umbrella insurance to ensure full protection.

Business Activities

If the bite occurred during a business activity, such as operating a home-based dog boarding or grooming service, standard homeowners insurance may not apply.

Legal Responsibilities of Dog Owners in Nebraska

Under Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §54-601), a dog owner is strictly liable for any injury their dog causes to another person. There’s no “one free bite” rule in Nebraska, which means owners cannot avoid liability by claiming ignorance of the dog’s tendencies.

It’s important to remember that liability may not apply if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or engaging in criminal activity at the time of the bite.

If a dog attack leads to a personal injury claim, the court will evaluate:

• The location and circumstances of the bite
• Any negligence on the part of the owner
• Whether the dog had a history of aggression
• Medical evidence and witness testimony

Steps for Dog Bite Victims in Omaha

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, follow these steps to protect your legal rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Dog bites can cause infections and serious injuries. Your medical records will provide strong evidence if you decide to file an injury claim.
2. Document the Incident: Take photographs of the dog and the accident scene if possible. You’ll also want to collect contact information from any witnesses information. When you get a chance, it’s helpful write down details the event while it’s still fresh in your memory.
3. Report the Bite: File a report with Omaha Animal Control or the local health department.
4. Obtain Insurance Information: Ask the dog owner for their homeowners insurance details.
5. Consult an Omaha Dog Bite Attorney: Legal guidance is essential in understanding your rights and pursuing a claim. The sooner your attorney begins investigating the attack, the stronger the evidence will be.

What Compensation Can Victims Receive?

Through a homeowners insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma or disfigurement

Every case is unique, and the compensation will depend on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.

Why Legal Help Matters

Whether you’re a dog owner or the victim of a bite, navigating the complexities of insurance coverage and Nebraska’s dog bite laws can be overwhelming. Bottlinger Law L.L.C. has experience handling dog bite claims in Omaha.
Jason Bottlinger is a member of the exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and our personal injury law firm has a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Speak With a Trusted Dog Bite Attorney in Omaha

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, contact Bottlinger Law L.L.C. right away. We’ll investigate the accident and find the best strategy for maximizing your compensation.

Call (402) 505-8234 to schedule your free consultation with an Omaha dog bite lawyer today.

We’ll pursue justice, so you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries.