Law Session 1 - Maintaining Your Veterinary License
What is the standard of care in veterinary medicine? The standard of care evolves over time based on advances in science,
veterinary colleagues, publications, guidelines from trade associations, CE
meetings, and law.
How is it determined that a standard of care was not • the diagnosis later proven to be incorrect
established? • the treatment failed to yield desired results
• you would have made a different diagnosis
and/or offered different treatment
What should veterinarians do when faced with a Remain calm, communicate effectively, listen to the client, show sympathy and
complaint? concern, coach the staff, apologize for result not ACTION or OMISSION, and
consult with an attorney and insurance carrier before agreeing to anything.
What is the client's duty in mitigating negligence? To seek medical care and follow the veterinarian's instructions.
What are common defenses against malpractice claims Pet owner negligence, assumption of risk by the owner, the use of consent
in veterinary medicine? forms, and statues of limitation.
What is the significance of necropsies in malpractice ◦ Key to proving or disproving proximate cause
allegations? ◦ Settlements are 2.8 times less expensive when necropsies have been
performed
◦ Preferably by an unbiased veterinary boarded pathologist
What is a statute of limitations in veterinary medicine Limits the ability for the client to bring up a complaint lawsuit about you (most
malpractice? need to be within 2 years)
Why do apologies matter in veterinary practice? They can restore integrity, facilitate learn from mistakes, and dilute anger that
often leads to lawsuits.
What is the best defense against malpractice Good proactive client
allegations? communication (return
phone calls, address
concerns, LISTEN... etc.). Honesty and disclosure
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, Law Session 1 - Maintaining Your Veterinary License
What are common types of small animal complaints? Miscommunication, medication complications, misidentification,
surgery/anesthesia complications, dentals, thermal burns, lack of referral, and
misdiagnosis.
What are some common equine complaints? PPE ~20%, consent issues, rectal tears, castrations, colic cases, corneal ulcers,
injection complications, and anesthetic complications.
What are some common food animal complaints? • Chute injuries
• Pregnancy misdiagnosis
• Incorrect medication, vaccinations
• Surgery complications
• Injuries from loading/unloading to/from trailer to facility
• Herd consultations
• Certificates of Veterinary Inspection
What are the common complications with dentals? • Extractions- One of the most common communication breakdowns
• Retained roots
• Tracheal tears in cats
• Fractured jaws
• Dental radiographs?
• Call the client before doing additional procedures
• Review your dental/surgery written consents/estimates
what are some common insurance issues? • Can multiple claims lead to increase in premiums or being dropped?
• What if the employer is insured but not the associate vet?: WATCH corporate
practices
• Which Party decides whether or not to settle a claim?
• What if there are insufficient proceeds to cover the claim?
What should veterinarians do before performing Call the client and review dental/surgery written consents and estimates.
additional dental procedures?
What issues can arise with veterinary insurance? Multiple claims can lead to increased premiums or being dropped, and
questions about who decides to settle claims.
What guidelines are important in veterinary practice? AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines, AAHA Referral Guidelines, and
AAHA Dental Care Guidelines.
What should practitioners do when a second opinion is They should timely refer clients to other diagnostic or treatment options.
needed?
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What is the standard of care in veterinary medicine? The standard of care evolves over time based on advances in science,
veterinary colleagues, publications, guidelines from trade associations, CE
meetings, and law.
How is it determined that a standard of care was not • the diagnosis later proven to be incorrect
established? • the treatment failed to yield desired results
• you would have made a different diagnosis
and/or offered different treatment
What should veterinarians do when faced with a Remain calm, communicate effectively, listen to the client, show sympathy and
complaint? concern, coach the staff, apologize for result not ACTION or OMISSION, and
consult with an attorney and insurance carrier before agreeing to anything.
What is the client's duty in mitigating negligence? To seek medical care and follow the veterinarian's instructions.
What are common defenses against malpractice claims Pet owner negligence, assumption of risk by the owner, the use of consent
in veterinary medicine? forms, and statues of limitation.
What is the significance of necropsies in malpractice ◦ Key to proving or disproving proximate cause
allegations? ◦ Settlements are 2.8 times less expensive when necropsies have been
performed
◦ Preferably by an unbiased veterinary boarded pathologist
What is a statute of limitations in veterinary medicine Limits the ability for the client to bring up a complaint lawsuit about you (most
malpractice? need to be within 2 years)
Why do apologies matter in veterinary practice? They can restore integrity, facilitate learn from mistakes, and dilute anger that
often leads to lawsuits.
What is the best defense against malpractice Good proactive client
allegations? communication (return
phone calls, address
concerns, LISTEN... etc.). Honesty and disclosure
1 of 7
, Law Session 1 - Maintaining Your Veterinary License
What are common types of small animal complaints? Miscommunication, medication complications, misidentification,
surgery/anesthesia complications, dentals, thermal burns, lack of referral, and
misdiagnosis.
What are some common equine complaints? PPE ~20%, consent issues, rectal tears, castrations, colic cases, corneal ulcers,
injection complications, and anesthetic complications.
What are some common food animal complaints? • Chute injuries
• Pregnancy misdiagnosis
• Incorrect medication, vaccinations
• Surgery complications
• Injuries from loading/unloading to/from trailer to facility
• Herd consultations
• Certificates of Veterinary Inspection
What are the common complications with dentals? • Extractions- One of the most common communication breakdowns
• Retained roots
• Tracheal tears in cats
• Fractured jaws
• Dental radiographs?
• Call the client before doing additional procedures
• Review your dental/surgery written consents/estimates
what are some common insurance issues? • Can multiple claims lead to increase in premiums or being dropped?
• What if the employer is insured but not the associate vet?: WATCH corporate
practices
• Which Party decides whether or not to settle a claim?
• What if there are insufficient proceeds to cover the claim?
What should veterinarians do before performing Call the client and review dental/surgery written consents and estimates.
additional dental procedures?
What issues can arise with veterinary insurance? Multiple claims can lead to increased premiums or being dropped, and
questions about who decides to settle claims.
What guidelines are important in veterinary practice? AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines, AAHA Referral Guidelines, and
AAHA Dental Care Guidelines.
What should practitioners do when a second opinion is They should timely refer clients to other diagnostic or treatment options.
needed?
2 of 7
