Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Hi, I'm in a horrible situation. I am a pet sitter and was house sitting for one of my clients. I have worked for this client for several years and they have always been happy with me until now. I made a terrible decision to take their 3 dogs in my car and to my house which is nearby. I did not have permission to do so. I thought they could run around my huge yard while I visited my husband and hang out for a little while. One of the dogs, a very small chihuahua breed is 10+ in age and also deaf and blind. I also have a large swimming pool in my yard. I made another stupid decision to leave them all where they were outside and go inside my house upstairs to go to the bathroom. Before I did, although Im not exactly sure on the timing I saw the deaf and blind dog off to the side on the bricks far enough away from the pool I thought at the time. She is not very mobile and mostly just stands there wherever she is so I didnt think she would go too far. I dont know how long I was gone, maybe 10 or 15 min, and when I came back down to check on them outside I did not see her. Then to my horror I saw her at the bottom of the pool in the shallow end. Needless to say, she had drowned!!! I had to call their parents vacationing in Costa Rica to tell them this news. To make matters worse my pet sitters insurance was not up to date at the time of the incident as I had let it expire which I also had to tell them because they asked for the info. I already gave them back all the money they originally paid me for the job as they always pay me in advance. I just sent them a check for the cremation and I plan on paying for subsequent vet bills. I feel sick about this and I want to do the right thing, whatever that is. Selfishly though, I just dont know what will happen and Im wondering if they can take me to court and what kind of damage they can do to me monetarily I guess. I dont really have any money, but can they go after my husband? He didnt have any involvement other than just being there. He was asleep in bed when it occured. Or, Can they go after my husbands grandparents who own the house we live in?


Asked on 9/20/16, 5:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Armen Tashjian Law Offices of Armen M. Tashjian

You've made some poor decisions, which you have owned. Having said that, this is not a case where you should worry about large monetary loss. In California dogs are considered chattel for the purposesecond of damages. So, your liability will be limited to the value of the dog. Meaning, whatever the monetary value is for a 10+ year old, deaf and blind chihuahua that's your liability.

Having said that, I'm sure the pain of losing their beloved pet in such a horrible manner must be very hard. So, think of doing something that will ease the pain in the memory of their pet.

Read more
Answered on 9/20/16, 9:48 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in California