Unfortunately a dog is considered property, like a bike or car. You can't just come up with an emotional number. You would have to figure out how much you paid for the dog, or if there were any medical bills.
I know that sounds harsh but that's the law :(
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Check out this story:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_19990311/ai_n10481782
You can't sue for pain and suffering... only the "market value" of the dog. If this had happened to an owner of a mixed breed stray dog, they could end up with nothing at all. It's crazy....
And people saying "sue for $150,000" or "$15,000" that's way more than any small claims court even allows...
2007-03-21 04:57:44
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answer #1
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answered by Nate A. 3
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I would say, first, the cost of her to purchase, the obvious cost of the emergency vet bill, but I would also include anything you've ever bought her (to put it in layman's terms, you were completly invested in her)you felt you'd have her forever and now everything that you spent all your time and money on is gone. I would take it right down to the tiniest chewy toys. I would also make sure that the other persons dog is euthanized (I work in a vet's office, once a dog attacks, he'll do it over and over again). I think you should also include in the settlement the cost to you to purchase a new puppy of your choice (when your heart is ready), this I would also include the costs of future vet bills (average it out by calling your vet & finding out what their prices are)dog food, treats, everything. People are surprized to realize that over the life of their pet, they spend $5,000.00- $10,000.00. This includes geriatric problems later in life. You could end up with a new dog that wasn't as healthy as your previous one & have more vet bills. Explain to the court that you want that insurance for yourself. I would say, walk in and ask for $15,000.00 write down every expense that you'll possibly have & then chalk the rest up to pain and suffering. Also, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved girl. I've seen this happen so many times & it's gut wrenching to watch an owner go through this. I really wish you the best of luck in court & hope that sometime in the future, your able to have this type of companionship, adoration and love again. One of our clients once had a pet pass and bought a new one about 2 weeks later. When it originally happened, she said she would never own another dog again. We were shocked when she walked in the door with the new one. She said that she thought she would feel guilty for ever getting a new one and loving it. But then she realized that she had all this excess love to give to a pet and she realized that it would help her heal to get it out. She went to a shelter and got a pet that really needed that much love. They are a wonderful pair now.
2007-03-21 12:09:41
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answer #2
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answered by pritigrl 4
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You can't put value on your dog! Just like a human being, you wouldn't even try to. I think the only way to approach your sadness and anger is to forgive the dog - his owners are to blame. He wasn't trained properly, wasn't taken care of, was acting out of something instinctual, which we'll figure out. Next, forget about going to court - it will only enmesh you in frustration, anger, money, and innumerable wasted hours to get back in damages (money) what will never suffice to replace what you've lost, your best friend. Take comfort in the fact that you loved your dog, you took the best care possible of it, it knew you loved in, it was happy and had the best that you could provide. When you're ready (which may be several years or months) go to the pound and find an outlet for all that love you have to give.
2007-03-21 12:01:14
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answer #3
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answered by Elmer&Mattie 1
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It makes me so so angry when people let their dogs run loose.
A young man in NE swerved to avoid a loose dog and he lost control of the car, ran into a telephone pole and was killed. Loose dogs are a huge hazard.
You should sue for pain and suffering. Courts are slowly realizing that pets are like family, but we're not there yet. Ask a lawyer if its worth your time.
If you don't sue, write a letter to the owner about how much you've suffered. If he's a human being, he will feel terrible.
Read this webstie, its really helpful
http://www.pet-loss.net/
I'm so sorry about your beloved buddy.
2007-03-21 12:05:32
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answer #4
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answered by kary e 1
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What a heartbreaking loss.
The sad fact is: you only get the value to buy another dog.
I know, it seems unfair. Hopefully someday the law will recognize the value of animals as equal to losing a person. It can be as hard as losing a child very nearly for many people, because animals are pure and innocent.
Til then, my heart goes out to you, and i will say prayers that your dog is in a better place now and you will be together again. My very best to you. Hang in there.
2007-03-21 12:03:14
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answer #5
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answered by boo_farms 1
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It sounds like you loved your little puppy like she was your own child, so you need to take that into account. Have you missed work because of it, have you been going to see your family doctor more. Missed days of work, doctor and vet bills, the cost of cremation or burial of your loved one will be part of the cost. The value of your loved one's life and the trauma you went through during her death and since then will be hard to put a price on and have the Judge agree with it, but I would go with an amount that you would have taken out in life insurance if you were getting some for her. Try to make it more then you want since the judge will lower it a bit, say $500,000 for the value of her life and $150,000 for the trauma that you went through.
P.S. I am so sorry that you lost your loved one and I feel for you, I would hate to lose my loving little puppy like that. Hugs.
2007-03-21 12:05:10
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answer #6
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answered by Wolfmanscott 4
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I think you can have the dog put to sleep but I'm not sure. Call your local ASPCA and find out. If it happened once it can happen again. Also, what about leash laws. You had your dog on a leash and she got killed. How crappy!!! I feel for you. You may be able to prevent more heartache for someone else if you find out what you can do with the dog that killed yours.
2007-03-21 12:32:11
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answer #7
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answered by KDodge 2
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To me, my dog is priceless. No amount of money could ever being him back. I think you'd have to evaluate the length of emotional trauma you've undergone and other factors such as the upkeep of the dog et cetera; but even then what's the point? You are out to prove the other party guilty and have him held culpable for your dog's demise, not to make a quick buck out of the whole issue. Let a tribunal decide on an appropriate punishment.
2007-03-21 11:56:29
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answer #8
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answered by Marcao 3
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I dont think you can..i lost my 13yr old cat and 6 yr old dog in a house fire about 3yrs ago and im still suffering from the loss the problem is i could have sued the fire dept. because they stood outside my house for a hour and half and did absolutely nothing but talk and laugh with eachother and i literally watched my dog in the window for a hour and thirty mins suffer from the smoke until he stopped coming to the window thats when the fire dept decided to enter the house. they were priceless to me i dont think i could have put i price on their lives because i grew up with them they were all i knew since i was 3 when i got my cat and 8 when i got my dog
2007-03-21 12:00:48
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answer #9
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answered by Ambegurl 3
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Ask the maximum small claims will allow. I believe it's $5000. It will never replace your beloved pet, but it sure sends a stiff message to the owner of the other dog. I'm sorry to hear about your baby.
2007-03-21 11:58:38
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answer #10
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answered by RanaBanana 7
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