Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Bite?

Dogs are man’s best friend, right? Sometimes, however, a bite or attack from an aggressive or untrained animal can leave you with serious injuries. 

After an attack, you might be wondering if you can file a personal injury claim for a dog bite. The state of Nebraska has some outlines for dog bites, and an experienced dog-bite attorney can help you decide if your injury is actionable. 

Common Injuries Resulting from a Dog Bite Injury 

Over time, dogs have come to live alongside humans in the role of a domesticated pet. We know, however, that dogs also evolved from wolves, animals that used their powerful jaws and large teeth to hunt and separate flesh from bone. 

This is why dog bites, even from a trained animal, can cause such damage. Of the numerous injuries that can be caused by a dog bite, these are some that are common: 

• Puncture wounds — Depending on the breed, dogs’ teeth are easily strong enough to puncture skin. This can create problems if the puncture leads to disfigurement or causes an infection. 
• Nerve damage — A dog bite could leave victims with nerve damage affecting their ability to move limbs or fingers, as well as their sense of touch. 
• Broken bones or fractures — A dog can break a bone just with their jaws, especially if the bones are small or fragile, as might be the case with a child. Getting knocked down by an out-of-control dog could also lead to broken bones. 
• Rabies — Dogs can be carriers of some pretty nasty diseases. Any vaccination or medicine you’re required to take as the result of a dog bite could be considered medical damages in a civil claim. 

Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Claims in Nebraska

Outlined in a state’s laws, the statute of limitations imposes a deadline for filing a dog bite claim. In the state of Nebraska, the deadline to file a claim is four years from the date of the accident. 

Filing a lawsuit for a dog bite after four years have passed will almost certainly bar you from collecting damages. 

Dog Bite Liability for Your Claim in Nebraska

Nebraska adheres to strict liability for the owners of dogs that cause injuries. Whereas in other states a dog may be required to have demonstrated a past history of violent behavior in order for their owner to be responsible, Nebraska requires no such thing.

Also important to note is that a dog bite isn’t the only actionable offense for which a victim can sue. If a dog charging, knocking you down, or otherwise harming you caused your damages, its owner may be liable.

If you’re worried about suing a friend, neighbor, or family member, it’s important to keep in mind that in many dog bite cases, the owner’s homeowner’s insurance will pay for your damages, and the at-fault owner may owe nothing. 

Contact a Nebraska Dog Bite Lawyer

Although a dog bite can leave you with serious damages, a civil lawsuit can help you get your life back. The personal injury lawyers at Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. are backed by years of experience defending Nebraska dog bite victims and can help fight for your rights, too. 

Ready for a free consultation with our firm? Call 402-462-5187 or schedule a callback about your case by filling out the form below.