Does the law cover injuries other than bites?

Yes. The statute also makes the owner liable when a dog kills, wounds, injures, worries or chases a person or livestock, and Nebraska courts have applied it to scratches and knockdowns.

What defenses does the owner have?

The victim being a trespasser, intentional provocation of the dog, and a possible exception for injuries caused by playful or mischievous conduct. Police and military working dogs are also treated differently.

Can a trespasser sue?

Not under the strict liability statute, but the Nebraska Supreme Court held in Guzman v. Barth (1996) that a trespasser keeps a common-law tort remedy for a dog bite.

How long do I have to file?

Four years for a personal injury claim under Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-207. Your own fault reduces the award, and 50% or more can bar the claim.

Nebraska Dog Bite Liability

Q: Is Nebraska a strict liability state for dog bites?

Yes. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 54-601, the owner of a dog is liable for any and all damages to any person, other than a trespasser, who is bitten by the dog. No prior viciousness or negligence has to be shown.

Nebraska has no one-bite rule. The owner is liable for any and all damages to anyone other than a trespasser, whether the dog bit, knocked down or chased them. Intentional provocation and your own fault limit the claim.

Cited to Neb. Rev. Stat. 54-601 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

What is your claim worth?

Enter your estimated damages and a few quick facts about the incident.

Estimated damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.)

Were you a trespasser on the owner's property?

Did you intentionally provoke the dog?

Was the dog being playful or mischievous when you were hurt?

Who are you claiming against?

Your own share of fault, if any: 0%

Estimated result

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Add pain & suffering to this number →

Strict liability for any injury, not just bites

Neb. Rev. Stat. 54-601 declares dogs personal property and makes the owner liable for any and all damages to any person, other than a trespasser, who is bitten, and to any person injured, worried or chased by the dog. The Nebraska Supreme Court has described it as a cause of action based on strict liability.

Nebraska has no one-bite rule, and the statute reaches knockdowns and scratches. The recognized limits are trespass, intentional provocation, and a possible playful-conduct exception.

Injured in Nebraska?

A local personal injury attorney can review your claim — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Nebraska attorney

This is an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on the cited Nebraska statutes. Confirm how these rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Nebraska attorney.

Nebraska Dog Bite Liability

What is your claim worth?

Strict liability for any injury, not just bites

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