Legal Question in Personal Injury in California
Property damage-basis for computation
What is the basis for computing damage or injury to a horse caused by a veterinarian's malpractice? Is is replacement cost, diminution of value, or some other
barometer? In addition, does California law recognize some form of emotional trauma recovery for
damage to one's horse or dog?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Property damage-basis for computation
No emotional damages. if it is a total loss then replacement or market value, otherwise diminution of value.
Re: Property damage-basis for computation
Thank you for posting your situation to my website.
In California, animals are considered personal property. The basis for computing damages to a sick, injured or deceased animal involves a number of criteria and can be a gray area. Likewise, there is some precedent for recovering emotional distress damages concerning an animal but this is also in a state of flux.
I suggest that you contact attorney Michael Rotsten in Encino, California at area code (818) 789-0256. Mr. Rotsten specializes in animal law and could give you more specific information.
If you call Mr. Rotsten, please tell him that I referred you to him.
Good luck with your horse.
Sincerely,
SAM M. EAGLE
ATTORNEY AT LAW
10101 SLATER AVE. #218
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA 92708
TELEPHONE: (714) 963-5123
FACSIMILE: (714) 964-9993
EMAIL: [email protected]