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Despite having earned the title of “man’s best friend,” domesticated dogs can be extremely dangerous if they decide to attack another animal or person. If you or your child recently suffered serious injuries because of a dog bite, you may have the right to injury compensation.
Because these cases work differently than other personal injury claims, it’s best to hire a La Vista dog bite lawyer before starting the civil litigation process. Once retained, a legal representative at Berry Law can help you understand how state law addresses canine attack claims and seek monetary compensation on your behalf.
How do Dog Bite Cases Differ from other Civil Claims?
Most civil lawsuits filed over personal injuries are based on the principle of legal negligence, which holds a defendant liable for any injuries and/or losses they cause by violating their duty of care. However, dog bite victims in Nebraska generally don’t have to prove negligence by the animal’s owner to recover compensation.
Under Nebraska Revised Statutes §54-601, a domesticated dog is considered to be the personal property of its owner, meaning the owner can be held strictly liable for any harm their animal causes to another person. In other words, you would only need to prove that the defendant was either the owner of the dog that bit you or that they were responsible for controlling it at the time of the attack.
However, dog bite victims generally cannot recover compensation for injuries sustained while trespassing on a dog owner’s property. Taunting or provoking a dog to attack may also make someone ineligible to receive compensation. Additionally, law enforcement officials cannot be held civilly liable for dog bite injuries caused by a canine unit operating in an official law enforcement capacity. A La Vista attorney can offer further insight about potential legal remedies for a dog bite claim.
Recovering Damages after a Canine Attack in La Vista
If none of the aforementioned restrictions apply in your case, the owner of the dog that bit you can be held civilly liable for all damages stemming from the attack. This can include economic damages like medical expenses and missed wages during the recovery period, as well as non-economic losses like psychological trauma, physical pain, and permanent disfigurement.
Dog bite claims are subject to the same statute of limitations as most personal injury claims. According to Neb. Rev. Stat. §25-207, any claim for an accident resulting from legal negligence must be filed within 4 years after the injury in question occurred. Failure to do so may cause your claim to be dismissed. A dedicated lawyer at our firm can help ensure that your dog bite claim complies with all applicable filing deadlines.
Connect with a La Vista Dog Bite Attorney Today
A dog attack can expose you to physical harm like deep cuts and severe bruises. If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries from someone else’s dog, you may be able to hold the owner liable for your injuries.
A La Vista dog bite lawyer can offer further clarification about your legal options and could help you effectively pursue compensation. To set up a free consultation about your case, contact Berry Law today.
