a vet killed my cat what kind of lawyer do i need

If your pet has been injured or killed, you should consider contacting a local personal injury lawyer for further assistance. Your lawyer will be able to determine whether you can collect any damages on behalf of your pet and can discuss what your potential legal options are for recovery.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a vet malpractice lawsuit?

You can send a complaint to your state veterinary licensing board. State licensing boards have the power to suspend or revoke a veterinarian’s license, although this rarely happens. You may also want to sue the veterinarian in a court of law. A lawyer can negotiate a …

How do I find a lawyer for animal abuse cases?

A lawyer who specializes in personal injuries or injury to property (called “torts” in the law) should be able to handle the case. However, due to the limited potential for recovery of damages in animal cases, it is possible to pay more for an attorney’s services than you are likely to recover if you win your case, barring an award for punitive or emotional distress damages.

What to do if your pet is injured or killed by malpractice?

You have the right to sue for the injury or death of your pet that was caused by another party. Consult your veterinarian to document all the medical finding on your pet's injuries and present them in court to help you recover damages. Call LegalMatch at (415) 946-3744 to find an attorney and win your case today!

Can I sue a vet for Killing my Pet?

A personal injury lawyer or an attorney who specializes in animal law should be able to explain how local law and recent court decisions apply to your case, whether you could ask for punitive damages or damages for the intentional infliction of emotional distress, and the amount of compensation that you might expect to receive.

What happens if a vet kills your cat?

You can send a complaint to your state veterinary licensing board. State licensing boards have the power to suspend or revoke a veterinarian's license, although this rarely happens. You may also want to sue the veterinarian in a court of law. A lawyer can negotiate a settlement or bring a lawsuit.

Can you sue a vet if your cat dies?

Yes! If your veterinarian commits malpractice, you can sue them for damages related to the injury of your pet. Veterinary malpractice is a lot like medical malpractice.

Is it worth suing a vet?

If you think it was the vet's fault, your first impulse may be to sue for malpractice. But veterinary malpractice lawsuits can be difficult to prove and expensive to pursue. Even if you win, you aren't likely to get what you believe is fair compensation for losing your beloved companion animal.Jan 22, 2019

What is veterinary negligence?

Malpractice happens when a veterinarian harms an animal because of incompetence, a mistake in judgment, or a particular kind of carelessness. But not all medical errors are malpractice, and the fact that an animal's condition got worse after treatment doesn't necessarily mean that the vet is liable for malpractice.

What is the most common complaint in a veterinary clinic?

The most common complaint triggers in veterinary practices (and how to avoid them)1. “ ... “Assuming I knew what was happening” ... “I wasn't expecting that” - setting realistic expectations. ... Not providing sufficient or accessible information. ... "Not properly explaining Covid-19 restrictions"Mar 24, 2021

Can you sue someone if their dog kills your cat?

You may also be able to sue someone who injured or killed your companion animal through negligence (legalese for carelessness).

Can a vet misdiagnose?

So, what do you do? Get a second (or third opinion) – Veterinarians can occasionally misdiagnose a health issue – not because they aren't good providers but because they are human, and it may be a tricky diagnosis. If you feel uneasy about your pet's diagnosis, don't be afraid to ask questions.Aug 27, 2021

What is the best definition of malpractice?

Definition of malpractice 1 : a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (such as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage. 2 : an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : malfeasance.

How do I report a veterinarian in Florida?

"If you suspect wrongdoing by a veterinarian, one of the first things you can do is file a complaint with DBPR. We investigate every complaint we receive," said Jenn Meale, DBPR communications director based in Tallahassee. "The strictest penalty the board can impose is license revocation."Sep 29, 2010

What are a vets responsibilities?

DutiesExamine animals to assess their health and diagnose problems.Treat and dress wounds.Perform surgery on animals.Test for and vaccinate against diseases.Operate medical equipment, such as x-ray machines.Advise animal owners about general care, medical conditions, and treatments.Prescribe medication.More items...•Sep 8, 2021

Do Vets have a duty of care?

Veterinary surgeons seek to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to their care and to fulfil their professional responsibilities, by maintaining five principles of practice: Professional competence. Honesty and integrity. Independence and impartiality.

Can you sue a vet for negligence Australia?

Any person may make a formal complaint against a veterinarian regarding the conduct of the veterinarian in NSW. The Board is not required to investigate a complaint if the complaint is made more than 3 years after the conduct is alleged to have occurred.

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Why is malpractice considered malpractice?

Malpractice can occur when a vet does not meet the standard of care required of all veterinary professionals, which then causes them to injure or kill an animal. A vet may fall below this standard of care for a variety of reasons, such as incompetence, misdiagnosis, and treating animals with careless indifference.

What is contributory negligence?

The final type of negligence theory, which is only available in a handful of states, is called “contributory negligence.”. If a pet owner is found partially liable for their pet’s death or injuries and lives in a state that follows a contributory negligence standard, then they will not be allowed to recover any damages.

What is punitive damages?

When a court orders someone who injured or killed a pet to pay the owner, that money is intended to compensate for the economic (and sometimes emotional) loss. In some states, courts may also award "punitive damages" intended to punish the wrongdoers for outrageous or deliberate actions. For example, California law specifically allows these awards (known in that state as "exemplary" damages") for injuries to animals "committed willfully or by gross negligence" ( Cal. Civ. Code § 3340 ).

What is the first expense for a dog?

When your dog or cat has been hurt , your first expense is usually for veterinary care. The person responsible for the injury will probably be liable for those bills. But courts usually allow compensation only for "reasonable" treatment. The question of what's reasonable depends on several factors, including the extent of the injuries and the animal's age and general condition.

Why are dogs considered business assets?

Because dogs or other animals kept for breeding are essentially business assets, their monetary value may include the lost potential revenue (as in the McDonald case). But judges may stick to the replacement-value standard, reasoning that the owner can get another animal that will generate the same income.

What is exemplary damages in California?

For example, California law specifically allows these awards (known in that state as "exemplary" damages") for injuries to animals "committed willfully or by gross negligence" ( Cal. Civ. Code § 3340 ). Punitive damages may be especially appropriate in animal cases, where compensation is likely to be low.

Can you get compensation for emotional suffering?

But in cases involving deliberate or malicious wrongdoing, some states allow courts to award compensation for the owner's emotional suffering or extra money as a form of punishment.