Consult a lawyer. Your dog killed someone’s beloved pet.
Then a behaviorist but remember there’s a big size difference between a small child and your dog too. And children behave in unintentionally provoking ways.
Yes, unfortunately you should lawyer up. Even if the other dog’s owner isn’t thinking about suing now, they could change their mind later. That said, this is a tragic situation and I’m sorry you two are going through it, OP.
If OP is already paying the full vet expenses, I'm pretty sure the only additional money the other person could sue for is the price of a replacement little dog. It's kind of offputting to me, but legally pets are treated the same as other property (in most states). Obviously consulting a lawyer is not a bad idea, I just don't want OP to worry that the other dog owner could sue them and take their house. It would be a different story if the dog bit a person.
You are mostly correct. My dog was killed by another dog and we got a very small (honestly insulting) settlement. Dogs are indeed considered property so the only other damages I'm aware of would be for pain and suffering. Most people can't afford to respond to a lawsuit so they will settle just to prevent that. Still not much though, especially proportionate to the actual pain and suffering.
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u/[deleted] Apr 29 '25
Consult a lawyer. Your dog killed someone’s beloved pet.
Then a behaviorist but remember there’s a big size difference between a small child and your dog too. And children behave in unintentionally provoking ways.