Question
Can I sue the veterinarian that misdiagnosed my dog?
Answer
Veterinarians may be sued. How much money a pet “parent” recovers as a result of a veterinarian’s negligence or malpractice (which will need to be proven) will depend on the amount of damages the court determines the plaintiff suffered as a result of the veterinarian’s actions. For example, a court may consider veterinary and other expenses incurred to treat an illness that didn’t exist. Every state also has a veterinary licensing board that reviews complaints (in Alabama, it is the Alabama Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners). These boards generally have authority to take disciplinary action against veterinarians (such as fines, license suspension and revocation) although these boards do not typically review fee disputes.
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Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.