Animal Vet Negligence Claims

FAQs

• My dog had an operation 6 months ago from which he recovered well. I recently felt a hard object in his stomach and took him to the vets for a check-up. When we had him x-rayed, we discovered that the vet had left a piece of equipment that had been used in the operation. He is now having some problems with his kidneys and is back and forth at the vets for treatment. He is unlikely to make a full recovery. I want to sue the vet, can you help?

  It’s quite clear that the vet acted negligently by failing to remove the equipment from your dog during the operation and it will be difficult for them to deny this. Before issuing a claim, you should speak with your vet as they might be willing to operate on the dog to remove the apparatus free of charge. If this is the case, the potential amount of compensation is likely to be limited to any ongoing treatment required that is not paid by your vets or recoverable from your insurers in addition to those fees already incurred as a result of this. If it is possible to link the negligent act to the kidney problems, you might also be able to claim compensation for the money you have spent on costs associated with the kidney treatment from the vets.

• I had my cat spayed 7 months ago but I am still having issues with her behaviour. I took her to the vets last week and it turns out she that she still has one ovary. What are my options?

  Unfortunately, it is unlikely to be proportionate to pursue the vet in this case for commercial reasons – i.e. the costs involved are likely to be higher than the compensation you would receive. Try to think of what outcome you would be happy with. Maybe you want an apology, a refund, free corrective treatment or compensation. Then have a discussion with your vet. You might also consider making a complaint to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) if you are unhappy with the solutions offered by your vet.