Q: I need legal help with a vet clinic that falsely claimed my cat needed surgery, pressured me into credit, and still
Hi, I’m looking for legal advice regarding a veterinary clinic in Virginia that misled me into authorizing an unnecessary procedure for my pet. They insisted my cat needed an emergency C-section, refused to let me take her home, and pressured me into applying for credit. I later discovered she had given birth naturally, yet they are still demanding payment for the procedure. This has caused me financial and emotional distress, including damage to my credit score. I have documentation to support my case.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
It sounds like you’ve been through a very stressful and unjust situation with the veterinary clinic. If the clinic misled you into authorizing an unnecessary procedure, you may have grounds for a claim against them. You should gather all your documentation, including receipts, medical records, and any written communication that shows the clinic’s pressure tactics and misrepresentation of your cat’s condition.
Start by sending a formal letter to the clinic, outlining the situation and demanding that they cancel the charges related to the unnecessary surgery. Make it clear that you did not authorize the procedure under informed consent and that you will take legal action if they continue to demand payment. If they refuse to resolve the issue, you could consider filing a complaint with the Virginia Department of Health Professions or the Better Business Bureau.
In addition to pursuing these steps, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney who deals with consumer protection or fraud. They can guide you on how to potentially recover damages, address the harm to your credit score, and pursue any legal action necessary to resolve this matter.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
