Cat injureed by groomer, clinic refuses to accept responsibility

Question

Hello, my only long hair cat FurBall gets a shave every year for the Memphis TN Summer. Last year, to our surprise, Furby was returned with a severe soft tissue hip injury, causing considerable pain. We took her to our vet, not groomer for exploratory treatment. The groomer, who service is out of a vet clinic refuses to accept responsibility. I want a refund of the groomers cost and my vets cost to ensure they did not break a bone.
Please advise. I am currently beginning a BBB compliant. A groomer is not a vet service. I feel pet groomers should be held responsible for their mistreatment of our pets.

Answer

People who negligently harm or kill animals should be held accountable as should people who intentionally do so. People who have evidence that their animal was injured or killed at a grooming facility can sue. Many courts do not award money for loss of companionship or emotional distress (considered non-economic damages), but rather limit awards for such things as the monetary value of the animal and/or for veterinary bills (economic damages, which are for monetary losses and expenses). Although not directly on point to your situation, worth noting is a unique Tennessee law which states, in part: “If a person's pet is killed or sustains injuries that result in death caused by the unlawful and intentional, or negligent, act of another or the animal of another, the trier of fact may find the individual causing the death or the owner of the animal causing the death liable for up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) in noneconomic damages; provided, that if the death is caused by the negligent act of another, the death or fatal injury must occur on the property of the deceased pet's owner or caretaker, or while under the control and supervision of the deceased pet's owner or caretaker.” I hope your cat makes a full recovery.