Omaha Dog Bite Attorney

Bitten by a Dog? Our Experienced Omaha Dog Bite Lawyer Is Here to Help

Dog bites can be painful, traumatic, and permanently life-altering in some cases. Thankfully, Nebraska law protects victims of dog bites and allows them to seek compensation from the dog owner or other responsible parties.

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we understand how disruptive and damaging a dog attack can be. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Omaha or the surrounding areas, you may be facing serious medical treatment, emotional distress, and even time away from work.

But you don’t have to go through this alone. Our firm is committed to helping injured individuals get the support they need to recover.

Whether the attack occurred in a public place or on private property, we’ll investigate what happened, assess the damages, and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation. We’re here to listen, guide, and advocate for you every step of the way.

Why Choose Us Over Other Omaha Dog Bite Attorneys?

• Attorney Jason Bottlinger has been practicing since 2006 and is licensed in multiple states
• Named a Top 100 Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers
• Member of the Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, recognizing attorneys who have secured high-value results for clients
• Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, reflecting a strong reputation for client satisfaction and ethical standards
• Recognized by Expertise.com as one of the Best Dog Bite Attorneys and Best Personal Injury Attorneys serving Omaha
• Focused on personalized service, never treating clients as case numbers; we take time to understand your unique situation
• Compassionate and clear communication, with a soft, warm, and intelligent approach to every case

All I can say is thank you for your hard work and dedication to my case. Won’t go anywhere else. Your team is fantastic.”
- M.S.
  from Google

Get the Help You Need Today

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, you deserve answers and support. Our firm is here to protect your rights, hold negligent owners accountable, and fight for the financial recovery you need to move forward.

Call (402) 505-8234 for your free case evaluation.

What Should I Do After an Attack?

It can be difficult to respond logically in the aftermath of a dog attack, but victims are advised to:

1. Get to Safety: If you or someone you love has been attacked by a dog, you should immediately get to safety and find shelter in a nearby home or business where the dog cannot hurt you.
2. Receive Medical Attention: Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is important to contact paramedics or head to an emergency room to have your injuries reviewed by a professional. Shock can hide serious injuries, and you may be dealing with a dangerous infection.
3. Report the Attack: All dog attacks in Omaha should be immediately reported to the Nebraska Humane Society, which can be reached at (402) 444-7800, ext 1. The organization can investigate the incident, have the dog quarantined and evaluated for diseases (such as rabies), and file a report to help support an injury claim.
4. Obtain the Owner’s Information: If possible, try to identify and speak to the dog owner to receive their contact information and insurance policy.
5. Take Photos/Videos of the Dog: If it is safe to do so, make sure to take photos or videos of the dog, as these can help identify the animal at a later date and provide evidence of the dog’s violent nature. It is also important to take photos of your injuries to show the extent of the damage.
6. Contact an Attorney: An Omaha dog bite attorney can outline your legal rights after an attack and advocate for compensation from the animal’s owner.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To for Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in more than physical injuries. They can also lead to emotional trauma, financial hardship, and permanent scarring or disability. Nebraska law allows victims to seek compensation for the full range of losses associated with a dog attack, including:

• Medical expenses – ER visits, surgeries, medications, follow-up care, and future treatment
• Lost income – Time away from work, lost earning capacity, or inability to return to prior employment
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma
• Disfigurement or scarring – Especially important in cases involving facial injuries or permanent damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life – If the injuries limit your ability to engage in hobbies, exercise, or social life
• Costs of rehabilitation – Physical therapy, counseling, or reconstructive procedures
• Property damage – Torn clothing, broken glasses, or damaged personal belongings during the attack

Our legal team will work to assess the full impact of the incident and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Nebraska Dog Bite Injury Law

The state of Nebraska has a strict liability dog bite law. Dog owners are strictly liable for any and all damages caused by their dogs to anyone except trespassers, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive tendencies in the past. The statute applies not only to dog bites but also to any injury caused by a dog, including knockdowns and scratches. It also applies when a dog chases, kills, or wounds other domestic animals, such as sheep, that are the property of another person or company.

However, in Underhill v. Hobelman, 279 Neb. 30, 33 (2009), the Nebraska Supreme Court held that the dog bite statute does not apply to playful or mischievous acts of dogs - when a dog unintentionally injures someone in play. In such cases, to recover damages, the victim must satisfy the requirements of the "one-bite rule."

In other words, the victim must show that the dog had a propensity to bite or otherwise cause harm, that the owner or keeper knew of this dangerous propensity before the incident in question occurred, and that the dog’s propensity to cause harm was the cause of damages in the incident.

Nebraska’s Strict Liability for Dog Owners

Nebraska is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means that if a dog injures someone, the owner is responsible, regardless of whether the dog previously showed aggression. Unlike some states, Nebraska does not follow the one free bite rule.

Under Nebraska Revised Statute § 54-601:

• Dog owners are liable for damages when their dog bites or injures someone.
• The victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent.
• Liability extends to injuries caused by the dog’s actions, not just direct bites (for example, if a dog knocks someone down).

This law ensures that victims are not left struggling with medical expenses and other losses caused by an owner’s pet.

Why Owners Are Liable, Even Without Proof of Negligence

Dog owners have a duty to keep their pets under control. Nebraska law recognizes that dogs are animals capable of unpredictable behavior. Even a dog with no history of aggression may suddenly attack. This approach protects victims by:

• Reducing the burden of proof in legal cases
• Ensuring fair compensation for medical care, lost wages, and emotional harm
• Encouraging owners to take responsibility for restraining and training their dogs

‘Beware of Dog’ Signs Don’t Reduce Liability

Some dog owners post “Beware of Dog” signs on their property, hoping this shields them from liability. In Nebraska, however, such signs do not excuse an owner from responsibility. Even if a warning is posted, victims still have the right to pursue a claim under strict liability laws.

Cities and counties may enforce aggressive dog ordinances. Owners of aggressive dogs may be required to provide additional training, confinement, leashing, muzzling, and other measures to protect the public. If an owner violates these rules and their dog attacks someone, it can strengthen a victim’s case for compensation. Our legal team reviews local ordinances, prior complaints, and evidence of warnings or violations to build the strongest possible case.

Don’t Wait: Nebraska’s Dog Bite Statute of Limitations

In Nebraska, dog bite claims are subject to strict legal deadlines. Under Nebraska Revised Statute § 54-601, victims of dog bites must file a personal injury claim within four years of the date of the attack.

Failing to act within this window may result in losing your right to seek compensation altogether.

Additionally:

• If the victim is a child, the statute of limitations may be extended until their 21st birthday.
• In cases involving severe injuries or permanent disability, documentation and expert evaluation take time—early action improves your chances of building a strong case.
• Evidence like medical records, eyewitness statements, and photographs can be more effective if collected shortly after the incident.

If you’ve been bitten or injured by a dog, don’t delay. Reach out to our Omaha dog bite attorneys today to ensure your rights are preserved.

What Are Potential Injuries and Treatments After a Bite?

Child victims, as well as the elderly, are at special risk when a dog attacks. However, depending on the size, aggression, and number of animals, even a healthy adult can be mortally wounded by an unexpected attack. The injuries to the victim may include:

• Facial lacerations: Children are more at risk for trauma to the head, face, and neck. This is especially true with attacks involving children, as children are shorter, and dogs can easily reach their heads. Many victims are left with serious trauma to their heads, faces, and neck.
• Open wounds and damaged tissue: Bleeding out is a serious danger if a large dog is able to sever a vein or artery, especially in the upper arm or leg. Often, when dogs latch on to a victim with their jaws, they will perform a shaking motion that can rip and destroy skin, connective tissue, muscles, nerves, and more. Disfigurement and scarring are very likely in these cases.
• Broken and dislocated bones: Especially if a dog’s attack drives the victim to the ground, the victim can suffer fractures to the hands, wrists, elbows, and hips. If the dog bites an extremity, like the arm, and yanks on it, the joint can be dislocated and the soft tissue damaged.
• Spinal cord injuries: Serious falls, especially involving older adults, can result in catastrophic damage to the spinal column. If victims are knocked down against hard pavement or concrete, they can suffer paralysis, slipped discs, and intense pain.
• Infection: Dogs’ mouths carry bacteria and other germs. If a bite goes deep enough, the victim can get blood poisoning. It is vital for all dog bites to be cleaned thoroughly right after the incident. Getting professional medical help is a wise decision.
• Rabies: Wild animals like foxes, coyotes, bats, and raccoons can tangle with pet dogs and transmit the rabies virus. Because rabies makes animals more aggressive, dog owners need to be vigilant and look for signs of the disease, especially for dogs that are kept outdoors. In addition, many cities require current rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats. Rabies can be fatal in humans if not treated swiftly.

After any attack, be sure to report the incident right away. Animal Control may need to quarantine the dog to make sure it isn’t rabid. If you can, take pictures of the dog and the wounds as evidence of your case.

What About a Fatal Attack?

In Nebraska, some dogs are known to be vicious. The Nebraska Humane Society and local animal control have the ability to designate a dog as a “potentially dangerous dog” (PDD) through administrative action. This creates a two-year probation for the dog and owner. “Unprovoked aggression” is enough cause to designate a dog a PDD, which can include the dog attacking another animal or the dog chasing a person in a menacing manner on a public street. However, a judge is able to rule an animal as a “dangerous dog” (DD) if it causes serious injury to people or fatally mauls other pets.

Dogs that cause fatal maulings almost always have a history of aggressive and destructive behavior. If you lost a loved one, especially a small child, to a dog attack, please do not hesitate to speak to an Omaha wrongful death lawyer. We can investigate the facts and circumstances leading up to the tragic incident and determine whether you are owed compensation.

Most Victims of Serious Bites Are Children

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but they are not always friendly to strangers. Vicious dog attacks can cause serious injury to people of any age, particularly children. In a study published by the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, researchers found that 551 children ages 5 months to 18 years old were treated in the emergency room of a children’s hospital for dog bites over a five-year period – that is at least one bite every three days at just this one hospital. Infants and preschoolers involved in the study were mostly bitten in the face, while older children were bitten mainly in the extremities. These children were attacked by more than 30 different breeds of dogs.

Dog attacks can be incredibly traumatizing for children, often leading to lifelong emotional injuries and serious physical disabilities. It can also be difficult for a parent to cover the high costs of emergency bills, long-term treatment, and psychiatric aid without strong financial support. However, under Nebraska state law, it may be possible for a victim to pursue a claim against the dog’s owner.

Recent Testimonials From Our Clients

“Help You Get the Compensation … You Deserve” - Cynthia Hansen (5-Star Google Review)

Jason and his associates are very caring individuals who put in the time and effort to help you get the compensation and respect that you deserve.

“Excellent Lawyer and Staff” - Britney MTZ (5-Star Google Review)

I would highly recommend Bottlinger Law L.L.C. They helped guide me through everything and explained everything I didn’t understand. Most of all, they told me when I’d be getting my settlement--and that’s the number one question we clients have! Excellent lawyer and staff. They’re always there when you need questions answered and can’t understand certain things. HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOTTLINGER LAW L.L.C.!

“Extremely Attentive” - Anna Ruppert (5-Star Google Review)

I highly recommend Bottlinger Law L.L.C. Jason was very good at explaining the process and updating me with any new developments. His staff is extremely attentive and answered all my questions promptly. I can’t recommend this law firm enough!

Other Locations We Serve in Nebraska

• Bellevue
• Bennington
• Fremont
• Papillion and La Vista
• Ralston

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases

Is the dog owner automatically liable for the bite in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the law imposes strict liability on dog owners for any injuries caused by their dog. That means you don’t need to prove negligence—if their dog injured you, they are legally responsible.

Can I file a claim if I was bitten on the dog owner’s property in Nebraska?

Yes. As long as you were lawfully on the property, you may still pursue a claim. Trespassers in Omaha may have limited rights, but lawful visitors, like guests, neighbors, or service workers, are covered under the statute.

What if the dog didn’t bite but caused another injury (like knocking me down)?

Nebraska’s statute applies to any injury caused by a dog, not just bites. If you were knocked over, scratched, or otherwise injured by a dog’s behavior, you may still be entitled to compensation.

How long will my dog bite case take to resolve?

Timelines vary based on the severity of injuries, complexity of the case, and willingness of the dog owner’s insurer to settle. Some cases resolve in months; others may take over a year.

How much is my dog bite claim worth?

It depends on your medical costs, recovery time, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impact. We evaluate each case individually to maximize your recovery.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we handle dog bite claims on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Speak to an Omaha Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Dog attacks can be terrifying, emotionally damaging ordeals on top of causing serious physical injuries, especially for children and older adults. No one deserves to deal with the costs of such injuries when the attack could have been prevented. That is why the team at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. is dedicated to advocating for dog bite victims so that they can recover compensation for their trauma.

By working with an experienced Omaha personal injury attorney, you can be assured that your case will be handled with professionalism and diligence. We can thoroughly investigate your injuries, look into the dog’s background, and collect evidence of owner negligence. In addition, certain municipalities require the owners of dangerous dogs to comply with additional safeguards and have liability insurance to protect future victims, and we can investigate these facts as well. We work on a contingency-fee basis and charge no fees unless we get you the money you deserve by law.

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we will protect your rights after serious or fatal dog bite injuries. Call (402) 505-8234 to schedule a free consultation.

About Our Attorney

Jason Bottlinger

License Number: 23572

Jason Bottlinger, founder of Bottlinger Law L.L.C., has been practicing law since 2006 and opened his Omaha-based firm in 2013. Jason takes a client-focused approach, ensuring every case is handled with diligence and care.

Additional Information

• Omaha’s Dog Laws: Leashes, Vaccinations, and More
• Some Dog Breeds Attack and Hurt People More Than Others
• Do “Beware of Dog” Signs Affect Dog Bite Liability?
• If I Report a Dog Bite, What Happens to the Dog?
• Nebraska Revised Statute 54-601
• Bites and Dangerous Animals - Nebraska Humane Society