When a dog is injured or killed as a result of a third party’s negligent, reckless or intentional conduct, the dog’s owner is entitled to receive “compensatory” damages. If the dog survived, this would mean the veterinary treatment costs and possibly an additional sum for the dog owner’s emotional distress.
If the dog did not survive, then the dog owner should receive the veterinary treatment costs, the costs of basic cremation, the current fair market value of the dog, and possibly an additional sum for the dog owner’s emotional distress. If your dog was injured or killed, you may wish to take action to recover compensation such as veterinary bills and your own emotional distress. To learn how to do so, and receive the necessary legal forms, obtain When a Dog Is Injured Or Killed. To just read the applicable law, see the following topics:
- What our pets mean to us
- Circumstances that make injury or death actionable
- Veterinary bills
- Cost or market value of the dog
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Sentimental damages
- Punitive damages
- Comparative fault and contributory negligence
- Dog’s pain and suffering
- Further research