Q: Is there any recourse against a company that let a dog out of a family's house that I ended up hitting and killing?
Bosco was a Yorkie that I hit and killed when he got out of a house that a company was working in and ran across a street. The local police were able to get in touch with the owner while I waited. When the wife called me about the dog, I immediately started bawling like a baby. I still get upset thinking about the accident and reaction of the family, especially the father, who was absolutely inconsolable. I watched as he double-checked to make sure his beloved Bosco was really dead. I still see Bosco's eye popped out of his socket yet still attached to his head. I have a Yorkie-sized chunk out of my bumper that I try daily not to look at. I just received a check from my insurance company less my deductible. As it is winter, I am contemplating waiting to get it fixed just in case I am involved in any sort of accident due to snow, ice, etc. I will not go after the family for my deductible since emotionally, I still feel it is my fault for not seeing the dog in time.
A: You can consider suing the company for negligence, but I'm not sure it'd be financially worth your time. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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