If you have a dog or cat, how would you like to be told – “Our policy holder may have damaged your pet. And even though they might have been negligent, at best we would only replace it but not repair it.“
That was the position recently held by a national insurance company. Your furry family member is nothing more than an inanimate object, and could never be a living breathing companion worth repairing.
A few months ago, I took my healthy 8-year-old Shetland Collie to an Odessa groomer in preparation for the hot summer weather. We went in with her walking on all four legs, and now I’m picking her up hobbling on three.
Still refusing to put her leg down later that afternoon, I take Katie to meet up at Animal Clinic #1 with the groomer manager. Vet #1 takes radiographs (x-rays) to diagnose the damage. “There’s no broken bones. We’re most likely looking at a soft tissue injury.” I find out later in this adventure that damaged ligaments or tendons is called a “soft tissue injury”.
We return two weeks later for a follow-up visit. Katie is still not able to put weight on her leg. Vet #2 at the same clinic takes more radiographs from different angles. Her notes indicate an orthopedic specialist is recommended for the injury.
The owner of the grooming company asked that we go to another vet clinic to get a second opinion. So we fast forward past five splints (a support cast with layers of gauze and tape), a walking boot, and a neoprene support sleeve. Vet #3 from Animal Clinic #2 wants to refer her to an orthopedic surgeon to repair her damaged leg. At this point, the grooming owner turns this over to her insurance company.
The insurance adjuster says via phone conversation “At best, we might replace ‘the puppy’, but very doubtful we’d pay to repair the injury. This is going to be tricky. After all, it would be cheaper for our insurance company to replace ‘the puppy’ than it would be to surgically repair the injury.“
It was at this point two things happened. First of all, she’s not a little puppy! We’ve shared eight fun years of bonding and companionship. Secondly, the groomer – your client – was negligent and I could care less which is going to be cheaper for your company.
Katie is a documented Emotional Support Animal and my companion. It hurts my heart to watch her continue to have to “three leg around” at the hands of the groomer, accident or not.
Did Katie get out of an open gate and get hurt down the alley? Was she chasing a cat across a busy street and get hit by a car? No, she was left in the care of a groomer, and they were negligent and failed to protect my little girl while in their custody. Full stop! It’s really pretty simple and not that difficult. The insurance company and its adjuster don’t want to do the right thing.
Which national company is it? I’ll just say this. They are not on your side, a pet’s side, or anyone else’s side. Next time you pay your premiums, know what kind of insurance company your helping make money. Do they treat living beings like they are inanimate objects that are to be just thrown away after getting injured?
Want to reach out to Katie,
or have some legal advice?
EMAIL US