Veterinary Malpractice

[perriboni]

What is the name of your state? California
I'm having a hard time finding a lawyer for vet malpractice. Also, Legal Aid does not help in that area. My animal companion received treatments from a vet that she did not qualify for. It's very clear that either the animal qualifies or does not. The vet kept leading me to believe to keep treating her, which I did. Even after I discovered that she did not qualify and brought to the vet's attention, the vet ignored me. She died as a result. Since then I have 2 incriminating letters from the vet. I have reported the vet to the Veterinary Medical Board, California, first they closed the case, then when the incriminating letter was sent to me I sent to the Board and they told me to go to court. I wrote to the Business & Professions Committee to review the case at the VMB. Recently I filed a complaint with the Public Inquiry Unit, Office of the Attorney General. The fees way exceed the Small Claims Court limit of $5,000. How can I represent myself in Superior Court? Will the 2 incriminating letters and reference material be enough in court? Or do I still need an expert witness? If I still can't find a lawyer for low income people and decide to recoup some of the money in Small Claims Court do I still need an expert witness? Or will the reference material be enough along with the incriminating letters? The vet sent the remaining amount due to the collection agency and is now on my credit report. I filed a letter of dispute in response. Can I file 2 seperate court cases? One for the amount due which qualifies for Small Clailms Court and the amount I already paid with Superior Court? I really need help and I am fighting for justice!

[moburkes]

duplicate post.

[stephenk]

small claims limit is $7,500.

[lizjimbo]

In most states, perhaps all, pets are considered mere property. Your claim may only be for the market value of your pet. If you can show malpractice you may be awarded the amount you spent on vet bills.