legal action against a Vet

[judethepude]

Our dog died at our local Veterinary Surgery in the UK 9 years ago. The circumstances surrounding his death were unexplained and very suspicious. We were left completely unsupported by the Vets. Only now do I feel able to ask questions and wonder how long a Vet keeps records after a pet's death. Can I still take legal action after all this time? This event left my husband ill and nearly ended our marriage.

[Ethel]

I have answered the question you posted elsewhere.

The time limit for bringing an action for professional negligence is 6 years, so you are far too late for legal action.

[Lil'Lucy]

Gosh! 9 years ago. What happened and how come it has taken you so long to decide to take things further?

[judethepude]

Thanks again, Ethel. I read your other answer yesterday.

In reply to your questions, L'il Lucy, after some difficult treatment the Vet rang to say our dog was going to be OK. We were hugely relieved after a terrible few days thinking he wouldn't pull through, then the Vet rang back to say she'd 'opened him up' to look inside, and he had died.
She had no need to 'open him up'. We were devastated. There was no further communication at the time, and it wasn't until recently that I thought about how it had affected us at the time, and what grief it has caused my husband in particular over the years, that I first began to think I could have taken action against the Vet. I had never thought of it before. It may have been 'only a flaming dog' as someone else kindly reminded me, but we loved him a great deal.

[puddicat]

jude can well understand how you are feeling angry!!!but 9 years have passed and legally there is nothing you can do,i had to put my dog to sleep some years and how i cried she was only 4years old,anyway never replaced her, as my job prevents this due to my shifts,a cat found its way to me after being abandoned, wouldnt part with her now, but has soon as i retire will get a rescue dog!!!

[horselady]

My daughter's dog died while she was staying in boarding kennels. No reason, no apology-just "oh she may have been stung or something"

It eats away at you doesn't it?

[terambulan]

Lost confidence in vets eons ago. Latest (3y ago) to visit horse in field about wind-sucking......prognosis: "wrong grass"!

Horse did same whether on hay or grass!

[terambulan]

Jude.....what was the matter with the dog that it had to be 'opened up'?

Even if too late to act, at least u can vent ur frustrations with us.

[judethepude]

Thanks everybody. I got my answer from Ethel. I just wondered if it was too late to take legal action. Obviously, as I suspected, it is. The loss of our elderly cat a couple of weeks ago, in very different and caring circumstances - with a great Vet - just brought it all back to mind.

[Panic Button]

Surely the dog must have been pretty ill to be kept in at the vets anyway? Just because it died in the vets care doesn't mean the vet is responsible for its death.