How can we prove Vet's office is responsible for specialized medical bills from mauling of our puppy?

Question

Very small, crowded, Vet's waiting room with one seat available immediately adjacent to exiting Lab Retreaver into the room, whom without warning or provocation mauled our 12 pound Boston Terrier. $8,000 medical bills and permenent loss of vision and slightly diminished mobility. Vet's insurance says their client, is not legally liable since dog was not in their control. We are taking to small claims court in California and naming owner and her boyfriend who held the leash. But is the Vet not responsible for the unsafe waiting area?

Answer 1

Try to do "discovery," and see how many of these incidents have happened in this office before. If the vet was on notice that injury as such has happened and then was expected to happen again, you may end up winning.

Answer 2

Pets will be pets. You cannot hold them responsible for something completely out of their control. Next time use your brain and maybe wait outside instead of in a crowded area? Or perhaps hold your rat in your hands/lap. It's called common sense. Try using it.

Answer 3

No, I don't think that they will rule against the vet's office, but they will probably rule against the owner of the attacking dog.

Answer 4

OK, you are visiting a friend, parked in their driveway. Someone drives off the road and hits your car. Are you going to sue the friend you are visiting? Same thing. Yes it is, think about it.