Can you sue a Veterinarian for malpractice?

Answer 1

Do sue the vet! This veterinary malpractice has to be stopped.

I have decided the least costly and yet effective way to sue is to take the vet to small claims court. I will also be filing a complaint against my vet with my state veterinary regulatory agency.

This vet gave my puppy such poor treatment that my dog ended up having emergency surgery and was in critical condition. Chip is doing well thanks to a wonderful veterinary hospital.

Answer 2

This will depend on the laws of the jursidiction (state) where the event occured and, more specifically, where a lawsuit is filed. Generally speaking, pets or animals are considered property, so the remedies for suffered wrongs are usually different than in a typical malpractice action that contemplates an injury to a person. For example, the recovery may be limited to the fair market value of the deceased animal plus associated medical expenses, whereas in a medical malpractice action, the plaintiff may be able to recover additional money for the loss of support of a loved one. A more appropriate recourse may be to communicate with the veterinarian's licensing board.

Answer 3

Yes, veterinarians can be sued for malpractice in the United States. There are two paths you can use - small claims court or the veterinary licensing board. Either way, you will need to demonstrate that your veterinarian did not adhere to the standard of care for your pet and that this resulted in demonstrable negative medical outcomes for your pet.

If you choose to complain to the licensing board, the veterinarian can have his license suspended; the board may also have some authority to remand monetary restitution to you. In small claims court, the judge can award monetary restitution but generally cannot affect the veterinarian's licensing. You can choose to do both at the same time in many states.