Small Claims Case

[bocatbo]

I live in Virginia, and I purchased a puppy from a breeder that breeds out of their house. The breeder gave me a 10 day guarantee on the puppy, they said if a vet found the dog to be unfit within the ten days I could return the dog for a refund or exchange for another puppy. On the eight day of having the puppy she got sick, and I had to take her in for emergency care. The vet admitted the puppy to intensive care, and said she had corona virus. The next morning I called the breeder and explained the situation to them, and they said they would return my phone calls but never did. On the second day of the puppy being in the hospital she was given a 25% chance of survival and I had to make the decision of euthanasia. The breeder would not return my calls or respond to a certified letter I sent them trying to work out the situation, so I took the to small claims court. I won, but for only part of what I asked for. I was asking for $528 ($200 price of dog, $298 vet expenses, $30 court cost), and I was awarded $230. I received nothing for the vet expenses. The breeder has now filed the papers for an appeal, but they have not paid the money. What I would like to know is Will I need a lawyer if it does go back to court? Does anyone think I have a chance of recovering the price of the dog and the vet expenses? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[KPR]

If someone appeals a small claims case it than goes to Superior Court. Unlike Small Claims, lawyers can be used in Superior Court. The cost of a lawyer far outways the money involved here, so I doubt they would get a lawyer. However, they may have a family member who would do it for free, but I doubt he would even waste his time. If it goes back to court, present the same evidence you did in small claims & hopefully you have something in writing about the guarantee.