Dog bites can cause far more harm than most people expect. In addition to the immediate pain and risk of infection, a serious attack can leave lasting scars and emotional trauma that lingers long after the physical wounds have closed. Children are vulnerable as well, both to the severity of the injuries and to the fear and anxiety that follow.
Nebraska law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, but navigating an insurance claim on your own can still be an uphill battle. Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers helps North Platte dog bite victims determine their rights and pursue maximum compensation. If you or a family member were bitten, reach out to our North Platte injury lawyers for a free consultation at (308) 221-6204 to learn about where you stand.
How Steffens Law Helps Dog Bite Victims in North Platte, NE
Dog bite claims can be more contentious than they appear on the surface. Insurance companies representing the dog's owner will look for any excuse to reduce your payout, from questioning the severity of your injuries to claiming you somehow contributed to the attack. Our attorneys know how to handle those tactics.
- We've recovered more than $30 million for injured clients across Nebraska and bring decades of combined experience to every case
- Our firm works hard to settle cases outside of the courtroom so you don't have to relive a traumatic experience in front of a jury
- We've reduced and even waived our fees when the circumstances called for it, because doing right by our clients always comes first
- Every client is guaranteed to take home more than our firm does after settlement, even after medical expenses
Steffens Law handles dog bite claims on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing in terms of attorney’s fees unless we win your case.
How Does Nebraska's Strict Liability Law Apply to Dog Bite Cases?
One of the most important things North Platte dog bite victims should understand is that Nebraska is a strict liability state when it comes to dog attacks. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 54-601, a dog's owner is automatically responsible for injuries their animal causes. You do not need to prove the owner was careless, and it doesn't matter whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. There is no "one free bite" rule in Nebraska.
This law also covers injuries caused by dogs even when no actual bite occurs. If a dog knocks you to the ground and you break a bone, for example, the owner can still be held liable under the same statute.
There are two main exceptions. If the victim was trespassing on the owner's private property at the time of the attack, the owner may not be liable. The same is true if the victim provoked the dog into biting. Insurance adjusters frequently lean on these defenses to avoid paying out, which is why having an experienced attorney review the facts of your case matters so much.
Contact Our North Platte Dog Bite Attorneys for Help With Your Case
A dog bite can leave you dealing with a number of debilitating consequences all at once. Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers helps North Platte dog bite victims hold negligent owners responsible under Nebraska's strict liability law and is here for you next.
Contact us today at (308) 221-6204 to schedule a free conversation with an experienced North Platte dog bite attorney who can help you make the most of your claim.