Nebraska Dog Bite Settlement Calculator & Compensation

Nebraska’s Dog Bite Law: The Basics

Nebraska follows a “strict liability” rule under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 54-601.
That means a dog owner is automatically responsible for injuries their dog causes — even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

However, there are two major exceptions (known as absolute defenses):

1. Trespassing: If the victim was unlawfully on the property.
2. Provocation: If the victim intentionally provoked the dog.

If either applies, compensation is usually barred under Nebraska law. The calculator automatically accounts for this rule.

How the Nebraska Dog Bite Settlement Calculator Works

The calculator uses a data-driven formula that estimates your potential payout based on your case details.
It combines your economic damages (like medical bills and lost wages) with non-economic damages (like pain, suffering, and emotional distress).

Here’s what it measures:

1. Victim & Incident Factors

These affect the multiplier applied to your pain and suffering value:

• Age: Younger or elderly victims often receive higher settlements due to vulnerability.
• Trespassing/Provocation: If you were trespassing or provoked the dog, recovery is legally blocked.
• Gender: A small multiplier may apply to reflect common psychological or scarring impacts.

2. Injury Details

The calculator uses the Dunbar Bite Scale, which ranks bites from mild (Level 1–2) to fatal (Level 6).
It also factors in:

• Location of bite: Bites to the face or neck often lead to higher settlements.
• Type of injury: From punctures to nerve damage or disfigurement.
• Permanent impact: Disabilities or lasting impairments raise compensation.
• Emotional trauma: Diagnosed PTSD or anxiety increases non-economic damages.

3. Economic Damages

These are your actual financial losses, including:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Property damage (like torn clothing or broken glasses)

4. Insurance Limits

Even if your total damages are high, your payout may be capped by the dog owner’s insurance policy.
For example, if your total calculated settlement is $400,000 but their homeowner’s insurance covers $300,000, that becomes your effective limit.
The calculator clearly shows this cap in the results.

Example: Estimating a Nebraska Dog Bite Settlement

Let’s take a simple example.

Scenario:
A 10-year-old child suffers deep puncture wounds to the face, resulting in permanent scarring and minor PTSD. The family incurs $8,000 in medical bills and expects $2,000 in future treatment. The homeowner’s policy limit is $300,000.

Estimated Outcome (Example):

• Economic damages: $10,000
• Pain and suffering (based on severity, age, and disfigurement): roughly $250,000
• Total Settlement (pre-cap): $260,000
• Final Settlement (capped by insurance): $260,000

This is a ballpark figure, not a legal guarantee — but it gives victims and families a clearer picture of what to expect.

Key Factors That Affect Dog Bite Compensation in Nebraska

Why Use the Nebraska Dog Bite Settlement Calculator?

Because every case is different.
Two people bitten by the same dog can have wildly different outcomes depending on their injuries, age, and emotional recovery.

This calculator:

• Estimates settlements based on Nebraska’s strict liability law
• Helps you understand the value of your claim
• Flags situations where recovery is barred
• Adjusts for insurance caps and multiple damage factors

It’s a fast, educational tool — not a replacement for a lawyer, but a starting point for understanding your rights and potential compensation.

Important Legal Reminder

The calculator provides a rough estimate for educational purposes only.
It’s not legal advice or a guarantee of any outcome. For real legal guidance, contact a qualified Nebraska dog bite attorney who can review your medical records, witness statements, and insurance coverage to give you a true case valuation.