Statute of Limitations to sue Veterinarian

[Bruce Davis IX]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey

Hello,

Please advise me what is the present statute of limitations to sue a veterinarian after a pet dies shortly after being treated at and released from their office? Does the same time limit apply to both small claims court and regular civil part? And can these cases be filed in criminal court if negligence is found? Thank you for assisting me with this.

 

[sandyclaus]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey

Hello,

Please advise me what is the present statute of limitations to sue a veterinarian after a pet dies shortly after being treated at and released from their office? Does the same time limit apply to both small claims court and regular civil part? And can these cases be filed in criminal court if negligence is found? Thank you for assisting me with this.

Before we go any further, are you sure you even have a case?

What was the pet being treated for?
What treatment was administered?
What was the prognosis given by the vet?
What are you considering to be negligence on the part of the vet?

If we are considering this to be a breach of contract situation, then a written contract in NJ has a 6-year SOL. The SOL is based upon the cause, not where the suit is filed.

If you are considering this to be a criminal act, you will need to get the police/DA on board to file those charges. They can tell you whether or not you have enough evidence to support such a charge against the vet's office.

 

[Zigner]

This would be an "injury to personal property" type case. The SoL is also 6 years...

ETA: The chance that this is a criminal matter is so very remote as to not even be considered.