Question

Veterinary sciences: For the malpractice to be subject to litigation, what three elements must be proven by the plain tiff

Answer 1

The laws ensuring the quality of veterinary services include,

1. Practice acts
2. Common law malpractice
3. AWA (Animal Welfare Act)

The common law imposes a legal duty on the veterinarian to provide the necessary medical or surgical care to the client’s animal if he/she agrees to treat that animal. If the veterinarian fails to serve this duty, it is referred to as malpractice or professional negligence.

For the malpractice to be subject to litigation, the following three elements must be proven by the plaintiff:

1. A proof showing that the veterinarian agreed to treat the animal
2. The proof showing the failure of a veterinarian to exercise the particular legal obligation
3. Injury caused to the patient due to the professional negligence