Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
I'm being sued by a Veterinarian for work done on an injured stray.
I turned in a seemingly injured stray feline to a Veterinarian�s office, explaining I'd found it across the street. It seemed friendly, so I didn�t want to call the pound knowing they'd put the cat to sleep. I took it to the Vet hoping they�d be willing to help. When turning in the stray, I told the receptionist that I'd even be willing to adopt the animal myself rather than let it go to the pound, but only if it was in descent health and wouldn�t cost me. I told them though that I would not be willing to pay for tests or lab work, because #1 it's not my cat, and #2 I can�t afford the Vet bill. I can barely afford to take my own household pets to my normal Vets office for visits. The Vet office contacted me the next day to find out if I was still interested in adopting the stary, and also said that the cat looked like it might have problems that would need blood work and tests (at my expense). I had to decline, because as I said, I can't afford what they wanted to do. They ended up sending me a bill a week later for the work that they did right after I gave them the cat. I told them again I wasn�t going to pay, so now they're suing. I told them from the beginning that I wouldn't pay costs for work done on a stray. Please advise!
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: I'm being sued by a Veterinarian for work done on an injured stray.
This would be a case for the "People's Court." If you can't work it out informally, then the best you can do is go to court and explain everything to the judge. If you had a witness to the conversations, so much the better. However, you should not let them get a judgment against you by not showing up for trial. In small claims court, they often have mediators who will help to arrive at a settlement. Good luck! -Robert F. Cohen, Esq.
Re: I'm being sued by a Veterinarian for work done on an injured stray.
what is the total cost of the bill they are trying to get you to pay now? from the facts given so far, you have a very strong defense to any lawsuits they may threaten you with regarding this stray animal. if you would like further legal assistance, feel free to email my office directly with more details.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
