Recently, Hannah Riley could not have imagined she’d spend the next week searching for one of the most important parts of her life. “If you can’t tell, I haven’t slept since she went missing,” Riley said of her appearance Wednesday afternoon. Riley rescued her dog, Hazel, a Papillion, six years ago. They’ve been inseparable ever since. “She’s my heart dog,” Riley said. “I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime relationship I’ll have with an animal.” Workers at Saint Francis Specialists and Emergency lost Hazel on Sunday. She had ingested a potentially poisonous substance left out by the dog sitter while Riley was on vacation in Canada. “I honestly can’t think about the vet without white-hot rage,” she said. Riley quickly flew back to Atlanta and went to the vet, who she says has not communicated well with her. “They have done incredibly little,” Riley said. The physical location of Saint Francis, which sits along a very busy Dekalb Industrial Way, adds to the worry. Feeling like the vet wasn’t doing enough, Riley’s viral Twitter post asking for help accelerated the search.
Wednesday afternoon, we vet workers distributing flyers around the neighborhood. Saint Francis did provide a statement apologizing for the incident, saying:
“We are deeply sorry about an incident that occurred on Sunday, March 17 at Saint Francis Veterinary Specialists and Emergency location in Decatur. A dog named Hazel escaped from the hospital property after a staff member took her outside the gated area before she was leashed. This action violated hospital policy and procedures, and corrective action has been taken to prevent any future incidents of this nature. Since yesterday, we have been in contact with the owner, who is understandably worried about her beloved dog, and we’re taking all available measures to locate Hazel. If anyone sees a dog matching Hazel’s description, please contact Saint Francis Veterinary Specialists and Emergency immediately at 404-924-20000, open 24/7, or local animal control. We understand that pets are family, and we are committed to bringing Hazel back to her loved ones. Please continue to share Hazel’s missing dog flyer. We will update everyone involved in the search and provide additional information as it becomes available.”
Riley says nearby Waffle House workers saw a dog matching Hazel’s description rescued from traffic around the time she escaped. It’s possible her rescuer doesn’t know Riley is looking for Hazel. She says witnesses say the dog was last seen in possession of what appeared to be a woman in a head scarf and a young teen. “Every shelter has been checked,” Riley said. “Every vet knows about this.” So, instead of working or sleeping, Riley is spending her days worrying. “She has a serious heart murmur. She’s almost 10.” Riley explained. “ I get that she’s not my child, but she is sort of my life. She is one of the most important relationships that I have.”
UPDATE: Hazel is back with Riley
Possible Personal Injury Case for Lost Dog
If a veterinarian or veterinary clinic loses a dog in their care, several potential grounds for a personal injury case could be pursued:
Negligence: The most common basis for a personal injury claim would likely be negligence. If the veterinarian or staff failed to exercise reasonable care in handling and supervising the dog, leading to its escape or loss, they could be held liable for any resulting damages. Negligence in this context could include leaving gates or doors open, inadequate supervision, or failing to follow established protocols for handling animals.
Breach of Duty: Veterinarians owe a duty of care to their patients and their owners. If they breach this duty by failing to take reasonable precautions to prevent a dog from escaping or becoming lost while under their care, they may be held liable for any resulting harm or losses suffered by the owner.
Emotional Distress: Losing a beloved pet can cause significant emotional distress and suffering to the owner. In some cases, courts may allow owners to seek compensation for emotional distress caused by the negligent actions of the veterinarian or clinic staff.
Veterinary Malpractice: If the loss of the dog resulted from a veterinarian’s failure to meet the accepted standard of care in their profession, the owner may have grounds for a veterinary malpractice claim. This could involve errors in diagnosis or treatment that directly contributed to the dog’s escape or loss.
Breach of Contract: If the owner had a contract with the veterinarian or clinic outlining specific terms of care and supervision for the dog, and the veterinarian breached those terms, the owner may be able to pursue a claim for breach of contract.
Ultimately, the specific legal grounds for a personal injury case would depend on the circumstances surrounding the loss of the dog and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. Owners who believe their pet was lost due to the negligence or wrongdoing of a veterinarian or veterinary clinic should consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in animal law or personal injury litigation to discuss their options for seeking compensation.
Call For a Free Consultation
If you have been the victim of an injury or emotional distress due to someone else’s negligence, please call us as soon as possible. The dedicated personal injury attorneys at Humphrey & Ballard Law will help you get the justice you deserve. Our experienced legal team has been fighting for injured victims in Atlanta for over 20 years – and we know how to maximize compensation for your injuries and losses.
Don’t wait to call us at 404-446-9854 for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case. At Humphrey & Ballard Law, we handle all types of personal injury claims, including:
With convenient offices in Lenox Center Tower, we make it simple to meet our attorneys face-to-face. We’ll review the details of your case at no cost, advise if you have grounds to pursue a claim, and discuss your legal options moving forward.
At Humphrey & Ballard Law, every client matters. Our No Fee Guarantee means we only get paid if we win money for you. We won’t rest until you receive maximum compensation. All it takes is one call to 404-446-9854 to get started. You can also visit us online at https://hbinjurylawyers.com/Contact/ to request your free case evaluation today.
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. The dedicated Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Humphrey & Ballard Law will fight for you. Call 404-446-9854 now to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve after your accident in Georgia.
