Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Georgia

I came home to my neighbor's cat bleeding and laying on the ground on Friday. My neighbor wasn't home and I didn't know which vet she used, so I took her to my vet. When I got back from taking her to my vet, I talked to my neighbor and told her that her cat was at my vet and they would examine her cat tomorrow morning. I asked her if it was okay for me to have taken her to my vet and she said yes. They did a surgery on her next morning and the bill was $320, which I paid for (because I went to pick her up). I showed the bill to my neighbor and asked her to pay me back, but she said that she didn't authorize me to take her cat to the vet and she wouldn't pay me back.

Can I force her to pay me back legally, or is this something I did out of my kindness and she is not responsible to pay me back?

Thanks.


Asked on 12/13/10, 6:08 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

Your heart got in the way of your head. You should have discussed with her BEFORE making the expense on the surgery. For $320, consider it a lesson learned. Now you know a good bit about your neighbor.

Best of luck.******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.********

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Answered on 12/18/10, 6:50 am
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

I disagree with Phillip. Print out my response and show it to you neighbor.

First of all the whole woprld now knows she is a jerk and doesn't care about her cat.

Second, while it is not clear you would win in court, I'd sue her in small claims court. It will be up to a judge to determine if you reacted reasonably. In a worst case scenario, the judge commends you, lectures her, but doesn't award money. In a best case, the judge gives you the money you spent, plus court costs.

Either way, your neighbor has a lawsuit against her on her credit history for 7 years (and the embarassment of being a jerk).

Congratulations to you on your compassion. There is a special place in heaven for people like you, whether or not you collect the money.

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Answered on 12/18/10, 7:25 am


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