Omaha is a city that loves its dogs. Spend any time downtown, in city parks, or anywhere around the city, and you’re sure to encounter many different types of breeds, large and small. While most residents are responsible pet owners, thousands of dog bite injuries occur in Omaha every year.
Even when a pet owner is taking all reasonable measures to secure their dog or other animal, attacks and bites still occur, and the resulting injuries are often severe - requiring expensive treatment.
If a dog attacked and injured you or a loved one in Omaha, you likely have many questions about fault, legal responsibility, and how to obtain compensation for medical treatment and pain and suffering. Nebraska has specific laws that deal with animal attacks of all varieties, but it’s important to understand that the law alone will not guarantee you compensation.
At Steffens Law, an Omaha dog bite lawyer from our firm will help you understand your legal options and when necessary, represent you in your injury claim to seek fair compensation from the responsible owner.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Can an Omaha Dog Bite Lawyer at Steffens Law Offices Do for Me?
If you suffered injuries from a dog bite in Omaha and are considering pursuing a legal claim, hiring a dog bite lawyer can be beneficial. Here's what an Omaha dog bite lawyer may do for you:
Legal Consultation
A dog bite lawyer will provide you with an initial consultation to discuss the details of the incident. During this consultation, they will gather information about the circumstances surrounding the dog bite, your injuries, and any relevant evidence.
Investigation
The lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. This may involve gathering witness statements, obtaining medical records, reviewing any available surveillance footage, and collecting other evidence that can strengthen your case.
Determining Liability
In Nebraska, dog owners are typically held strictly liable for dog bite injuries. However, the lawyer will assess the specifics of your case to determine liability and identify any potential defenses the dog owner might raise.
Calculating Damages
Your lawyer will help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and other applicable losses. They will work to ensure that you seek fair compensation for both current and future damages.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Many dog bite cases involve negotiations with the dog owner's insurance company. Your lawyer will handle communications with the insurance adjusters, advocating for your rights and pursuing a fair settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement through negotiations, your lawyer may file a lawsuit on your behalf. They will guide you through the legal process, ensuring that all necessary documents are filed correctly and within the appropriate deadlines.
Court Representation
If your case goes to court, your lawyer will represent you during legal proceedings. This includes presenting your case, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing on your behalf.
Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution
In some cases, your lawyer may recommend mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods to settle the case outside of court. This can be a quicker and less adversarial way to reach an agreement.
Keeping You Informed
Throughout the process, your lawyer will keep you informed about the progress of your case, legal strategies being employed, and any settlement offers or court developments.
Ensuring Compliance with Deadlines
Legal proceedings often involve strict deadlines for filing documents and meeting other requirements. Your lawyer will ensure that all deadlines are met to prevent any potential negative consequences for your case.
Hiring a dog bite lawyer in Omaha can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining a fair and just settlement for your injuries. An Omaha dog bite attorney at Steffens Law Offices has the expertise to navigate the legal complexities associated with dog bite cases and will work to protect your rights and interests throughout the process.
How Much Will Our Omaha Dog Bite Injury Attorney Cost You?
Most dog bite lawyers charge nothing out of pocket for legal services. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer will handle all aspects of your legal matter at no upfront cost to you. After your case is resolved, they will receive a portion of your settlement or court award as payment.
Although some people may believe that lawyers are too expensive or don’t want to share their award with an attorney, the truth is that an experienced lawyer can usually obtain much higher compensation than individuals who have no legal representation.
Additionally, unless you have extensive legal knowledge and experience, you may soon find that you are well in over your head when trying to navigate the complex legal processes involved. A lawyer can handle all aspects of your claim for you, so you can focus solely on your physical recovery. Thus, an attorney can provide peace of mind in an already traumatic situation and work diligently to help you receive the maximum compensation possible.
How Do I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Omaha?
Most dog bite lawyers will have a new client phone number that’s easy to locate on their website. You can also stop into their office for a quick hello if the office is nearby and convenient for you. Some law firms even have chat services in place for easy introductory communication.
Regardless of which method of contact you choose, get a feel for the lawyer and the law firm. Both should be easy to access, listen to your specific situation, and ask good questions that demonstrate you are being listened to.
Once you find a lawyer you like and both of you determine a good working relationship is likely, the lawyer will share the firm’s client agreement with you. The agreement should be clear, easy to understand, and include all material terms such as cost, the scope of representation, and rules of the road.
Finally, after all the necessary documents are signed, and you have provided your contact and other information to begin the case, the lawyer will get to work on advocating for you.
What Are Nebraska’s Dog Bite Laws?
Nebraska’s dog bite laws assert that dogs are the personal property of the owner, except for military and police dogs. Chapter 54, Section 601 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes places strict liability on dog owners if their dog:
- Bites someone and injures them
- Knocks the person down, causing them to suffer injuries
- Causes the person to sustain injuries when trying to escape from the dog
Under strict liability, dog bite victims may hold the dog owner or handler accountable for any injuries their dog causes. Also, you don’t have to prove the dog owner acted negligently or had reason to believe the dog would bite someone.
What Are Exceptions to Nebraska’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Laws?
Although you can seek compensation from a dog owner if their dog injures you or a loved one in any way, there are certain exceptions to the strict liability rule for dog attacks. These include:
- Trespassing: You were trespassing on the dog owner’s private property and their dog attacked you.
- Provocation: You provoked or antagonized the dog, which caused the dog to attack you.
- Active-Duty Dogs: A military or police dog bit you while it was acting within the scope of its official duties.
Additionally, you may not be able to hold the dog owner liable if you agreed to assume the risk of handling a dog that’s known for aggressive behavior.
Since Nebraska’s dog bite laws are complex with a lot of room for interpretation, you should discuss your case with an experienced Omaha dog bite attorney to learn of your options and develop a solid strategy to hold the dog owner liable.
What Are Common Injuries Associated With Dog Bites in Omaha?
Dog bites in Omaha can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on factors such as the size and breed of the dog, the victim's age and health, and the circumstances of the incident. Common injuries associated with dog bites include:
- Puncture Wounds: Dogs have sharp teeth, and their bites often result in puncture wounds. These wounds can vary in depth and may be prone to infection.
- Lacerations: Dog bites can cause cuts or lacerations, especially if the dog has a strong bite force or if multiple bites occur.
- Bruising: The force of a dog's bite can cause bruising around the bite area. Bruises may vary in size and color.
- Tissue and Nerve Damage: Severe bites can lead to damage to underlying tissues, muscles, and nerves. This can result in long-term complications and require extensive medical treatment.
- Infections: Dog bites carry a risk of infection due to the bacteria present in a dog's mouth. Infections can lead to redness, swelling, pain, and, in severe cases, systemic symptoms.
- Fractures or Broken Bones: A powerful bite or an aggressive dog may cause fractures or broken bones, especially in vulnerable areas like the hands, arms, or face.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Deep bites or multiple bites can cause scarring and disfigurement, which may require plastic surgery or other medical interventions.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can result in psychological trauma, especially for children or individuals who develop a fear of dogs as a result.
- Rabies: Although relatively rare in domestic dogs, a dog bite carries a risk of rabies transmission if the dog is infected. Prompt medical attention is crucial to assess the risk and administer necessary treatments.
- Hematoma: Dog bites may cause blood clots or hematomas, which are localized collections of blood outside blood vessels.
It's essential to seek medical attention promptly after a dog bite, even if the injuries seem minor initially. Medical professionals can assess the severity of the injuries, provide necessary treatment, and take preventive measures to avoid complications such as infections.
Additionally, if you wish to pursue legal action following an Omaha dog bite, an Omaha dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for obtaining compensation from the dog owner.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from an Omaha Dog Bite Injury Claim?
If a dog injured you, your child, or another family member in Omaha, you may be entitled to various types of compensation through a dog bite injury claim. The specific compensation available can depend on the circumstances of the incident, the extent of your injuries, and the applicable laws.
Here are common types of compensation you may recover:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to the dog bite, including emergency room visits, surgery, doctor's appointments, prescription medications, and any necessary rehabilitation or therapy.
- Lost Wages: If the dog bite resulted in missed work days or affected your ability to earn income, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages.
- Pain and Suffering: This type of compensation addresses the physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from the dog bite. It is often subjective and can vary based on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your life.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: If the dog bite caused scarring or permanent disfigurement, you may receive compensation for the physical and emotional effects of these injuries.
- Property Damage: In some cases, you may seek compensation for any personal property damaged in the dog attack. This can include torn clothing or damaged belongings.
- Psychological Counseling: If you experience emotional distress or require psychological counseling as a result of the dog bite, you may seek compensation for these expenses.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In the tragic event that a dog bite results in the death of a loved one, certain surviving family members may be eligible for wrongful death damages. These can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and compensation for the emotional impact of the loss.
To determine the types and amounts of compensation you could receive following a dog bite in Omaha, consult a personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases.
An Omaha dog bite lawyer from Steffens Law Offices can explain your rights, navigate the legal process, and determine the appropriate compensation to pursue based on your specific situation.
Contact Our Experienced Omaha Dog Bite Attorneys at Steffens Law Offices
The Omaha personal injury attorneys at Steffens Law Offices work hard every day for our clients, fighting to obtain the full compensation due to them for the injuries and trauma suffered.
With experience totaling more than 25 years and offices throughout Nebraska, including Omaha, we know how best to help you through what must be a very difficult time. You don’t have to go through this alone.Call our experienced Omaha dog bite attorneys at Steffens Law Offices today for a FREE consultation at (402) 414-4896. You may also complete our online contact form to have an attorney get back to you.