Strict Liability Beyond Just Bites in Nebraska

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Nebraska has no one-bite rule. The owner is liable for the damage, and the statute is not limited to bites.

The statute

Neb. Rev. Stat. 54-601 declares dogs personal property and makes the owner or owners liable for any and all damages that may accrue to any person, other than a trespasser, by reason of having been bitten by the dog, and to any person injured, worried or chased by it. The Nebraska Court of Appeals has said it creates a cause of action based on strict liability.

No one-bite rule

Summaries confirm that Nebraska does not have a one-bite rule: liability applies regardless of the dog's previous behavior or the owner's knowledge.

Beyond bites

Nebraska courts have applied the statute to scratches, knockdowns and other attacks, not only to bites.

No negligence needed

The owner's care is irrelevant. The victim must show the dog caused the injury and that none of the exceptions applies.

Deadline

A personal injury claim has a four-year deadline under Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-207.

This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how Nebraska's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Nebraska attorney.