How Dog Bite Legal Claims Work If You Are Attacked at a Veterinarian Hospital or Office

Visits to the veterinarian’s office are an important part of keeping our pets healthy and happy. However, because of the volume of pets and the tension this environment can cause animals, there is often an increased risk of dog bites or attacks.

If you’ve been injured by a dog at a vet’s office, it’s important to understand who is responsible and how you can obtain compensation for your injuries.

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What to Do If You’ve Been Attacked by a Dog at a Vet Office

If you’ve been bitten by a dog at a veterinary office, it’s essential to take immediate steps to care for the wound and prevent infection. Here’s a general guideline:

• Seek medical attention: While most veterinarian offices should have medical supplies and be able to address the wound temporarily, it may be best to visit a local urgent care facility or hospital. Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to potential infections.

• Report the incident: If they’re not already aware, inform the veterinary office staff immediately about the dog bite incident. They will likely have a protocol for dealing with such situations.

• Identify the dog: Try to identify the dog that bit you, as this information may be necessary for medical and legal purposes. If the dog has an owner, get their contact information.

• Document the incident: Take photographs of the wound, the dog (if possible), and any relevant details about the incident. This documentation can be useful for legal or insurance claims.

• Seek legal advice: Depending on the circumstances and severity of the bite, you may want to consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and potential recourse.

Because circumstances vary, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to document evaluation and treatment. Laws and regulations regarding dog bites vary by location or state, so seeking advice from local authorities or legal experts may also prove helpful.

How Fault is Determined in Dog Bite Cases at the Vet’s Office

In Georgia, there are established laws and principles that determine whether veterinarians can be held responsible for dog bites that happen on-site. The primary factor in determining liability is whether the veterinarian or other personnel were negligent or failed to perform their duties responsibly.

To put it simply, if their actions, or lack thereof, contributed to the bite, they could be responsible for resulting damages. Liability may extend not only to the veterinarian or employees, but also to the veterinary facility itself. In what is known as vicarious liability, an employer or corporation can be held responsible for employee actions or oversights that result in harm.

There are several key elements that must be proven to establish negligence in a dog bite case:

• 1. Breach of duty of care: Veterinarians have a duty to provide reasonable care with the necessary precautions to prevent dog bites. If a vet breaches their duty of care by not adhering to required standards or even best practices, they might be considered at fault. For example, if a veterinarian or his/her employees fail to restrain a dog that is known to be aggressive, this could be a considered a breach of duty.
• 2. Causation: There must be a direct link between the veterinarian’s breach of duty and the dog bite in question. It must be proven that negligent actions or oversight directly caused the incident.
• 3. Damages: The dog bite must have resulted in some form of harm to either the bite victim or the dog. Allowable damages include physical injuries, trauma, veterinary bills and, in severe cases, wrongful death, dismemberment or disfiguration.

Common Reasons for Dog Attacks at the Veterinary Clinic:

The following scenarios can lead to dogs lashing out at a person or another animal:

• Owner separation: Dogs are both protective of and loyal to their owners. When separated, they may perceive their owner to be in distress and might become aggressive towards humans and animals.
• Close proximity with other animals or people: Dogs often display territorial tendencies when around humans other than their owner, or around other dogs. If exam rooms or lobbies are not properly supervised or staffed, altercations can easily occur.
• No leash or restraint: If a dog is not properly restrained during examination or treatment, it might break free, especially if startled or scared.
• Previous dog attacks: Dogs that have had prior negative or traumatic experiences at the vet clinic might act aggressively out of fear or self-defense in subsequent visits.
• Anger towards other animals: Vet clinics treat multiple types of animals, and some of them may also display scared or aggressive behavior. Additionally, dogs can act territorial around other dogs, or even react to their scent.
• Mistreatment by staff: Although it goes against ethical and business standards, rough handling or perceived mistreatment by the clinic staff can lead also lead to dog aggression.
• Sudden movements or noises: Unexpected loud noises or movements, like those from medical equipment, can startle a dog and provoke a defensive reaction.
• Health concerns: Some health conditions may influence canine behavior. If a normally calm dog suddenly acts aggressive, it might be due to pain, a neurological issue or some other medical problem.

What if a dog bite  happens offsite? There are cases in which a vet clinic can be held liable for a dog bite that occurs off premises. This depends on specific circumstances and local jurisdictional laws. Key considerations here are the clinic’s role in controlling or caring for the animal, potential negligence, prescribed medications, their foreknowledge of a dog’s aggression and exactly where the bite occurred.

For example, if a dog escaped while it was at the vet clinic, and this led to a bite, the clinic could be held responsible.

Local laws may define pet owner responsibilities, as well as owner liability parameters. In some places, strict liability laws make owners or caretakers automatically responsible for any injury their pet causes, while others require proof of negligence or mistreatment.

Do Veterinarians Carry Insurance for Dog Bites?

Veterinarians usually carry liability insurance that covers incidents related to their practice. This may include dog bites that occur as a result of alleged negligence or  mistreatment. This insurance protects veterinarians from financial losses related to claims or lawsuits brought by third parties. Specific coverage varies widely based on the policy terms and insurance provider.

While many policies cover dog bites that occur on-site as a direct result of the veterinarian’s actions, offsite incidents may not be covered.

If a veterinary employee is attacked by a dog, workers’ compensation insurance will usually cover the injuries sustained on the job. This coverage can help with medical bills, rehabilitation, and potential lost wages. 

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Dog Bite

Compensation for a dog bite incident at a veterinary office can vary depending on the circumstances and the laws in your jurisdiction. Typically, potential sources of compensation may include: 

Medical expenses: You may be compensated for medical expenses associated with the evaluation and treatment of dog bites. This can include doctor’s visits, hospitalization, inpatient or outpatient surgery, prescribed medications, physical therapy and even future medical expenses related to the incident. It is important to keep all medical records to ensure accurate compensation.

Pain and suffering: You may also be eligible for compensation for physical and emotional pain resulting from the dog bite. This type of suffering can be difficult to quantify and often requires legal expertise to determine an appropriate amount.

Lost work and wages: If a dog bite injury puts you out of work or otherwise results in lost livelihood, you may receive compensation for wages you should  have earned during your recovery period.

Permanent disability or disfigurement: If a dog bite results in permanent disability, scarring or disfigurement, you may receive compensation for long term-impact on your quality of life. You may also be compensated for diminished earning capacity.

In general, the compensation available to you will depend on specific factors such as local laws and the circumstances leading to injury; it may also depend on whether or the dog owner or veterinarian has active liability insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I sue the veterinarian if my dog bites somebody at the clinic?

Unless there are extenuating circumstances (like rough handling or mistreatment by staff), liability generally falls on the pet owner, who has a duty to control their dog and prevent it from harming others.

2. What do I do if my dog bites somebody at the clinic?

Seek immediate medical attention for the injured party, exchange contact information with him or her, and report the incident to the veterinary clinic. You might want to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and potential liability for this injury.

3. Can I file a claim for emotional distress if my dog was bitten by another at the clinic?

Yes, if the staff or veterinarian’s negligence or mistreatment precipitated the injury and it caused you emotional distress, you may have grounds to file a claim.

4. How long do I have to file a claim for a bite at the vet clinic?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. However, consulting an attorney can help determine the exact timeline for your case.

The Millar Law Firm Can Assist With Your Dog Bite Claim

Consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bites can help determine your eligibility for compensation. It will also establish the appropriate legal steps necessary for your individual case.

At The Millar Law Firm, we’ve been helping Georgia dog bite victims seek compensation for their injuries for three decades. We have a thorough understanding of the local laws in Georgia and can help you identify your best course of action for seeking a legal claim.