Evaluate allegations of veterinary negligence, diagnostic errors and deficient pre-purchase examinations using the clinical record and independent expertise.
A poor outcome is not itself negligence
A claim generally requires a legally relevant breach, damage and a causal connection. The scope of the agreed examination or treatment, the professional standard at the time, clinical findings and the available alternatives are central. A veterinarian does not ordinarily guarantee recovery.
Evidence and the burden of proof
The patient’s human-medicine rules cannot simply be transferred wholesale to animals. German case law recognises evidential consequences of a gross veterinary treatment error in appropriate circumstances, particularly concerning causation. This does not mean every negligent act reverses every burden of proof.
Assessing the loss
The assessment may include reasonable treatment costs, loss of value and other recoverable consequences. Veterinary costs are not automatically capped at the animal’s market value. Claimed business losses need careful proof, and insurance involvement should be considered early.
Example: a disputed pre-purchase examination
The report must be read against the agreed scope and the information available on the examination date. Later imaging alone does not answer whether a finding should have been identified and communicated earlier. We organise the questions for an independent expert and evaluate settlement or proceedings.
Preparing for advice
Please provide the relevant contracts or official correspondence, a dated account of events and any technical or veterinary reports. Identify the parties, the country or German state involved, and every known deadline. We will agree the appropriate next step after reviewing the documents.
Related services
Legal framework & further reading
Reviewed 8 November 2026. Examples are illustrative and do not describe reported client matters.
Discuss your matter
Send a short description, the parties involved and any deadline. We check conflicts and agree the scope and fees before starting work. For urgent matters, telephone our office as well.