Claims Happen

Real-World Scenarios for Vet Clinics

Even the best practices aren’t immune to mishaps. These are real-world examples and common claims veterinary clinics can face - showing why having the right insurance (and risk-management protocols) isn’t optional.

Post-Surgery Complication Leads to Malpractice Allegation

Policy Triggered: Veterinary Professional Liability (Malpractice / E&O)

What Happened:
A 6-year-old Golden Retriever underwent a routine mass removal. The surgery went smoothly, but the owners reported vomiting and lethargy later that evening. Despite follow-up instructions, the owners delayed returning to the clinic. The dog’s condition worsened, and they sought emergency care at a different hospital — where the dog sadly passed away.

The owners blamed the original clinic, alleging:

improper surgical technique
inadequate post-operative instructions
failure to diagnose internal bleeding

Claim Filed:
Malpractice claim for $62,000 in treatment costs, emotional distress, and “failure to meet the standard of care.”

Insurance Outcome:
The malpractice carrier appointed a defense attorney, covered expert witness fees, and ultimately settled the claim for $28,000 — all within the policy’s limits.

Lesson:
Even perfect medicine can have imperfect outcomes. Good documentation and strong professional liability coverage matter.

Dog Escapes During Drop-Off - Later Struck by a Car

What Happened:
During a busy Monday morning, a large mixed-breed dog slipped out of its collar in the parking lot as a tech transferred the pet from the client to the clinic. The dog ran into the street and was hit by a car.

The owners alleged:

poor handling
failure to use appropriate restraint
improper transfer procedures

Claim Filed:
$19,700 for emergency surgery, reconstruction, and long-term rehab.

Insurance Outcome:
Animal Bailee coverage paid the veterinary bills and associated costs, protecting the clinic from out-of-pocket expenses.

Lesson:
If your clinic handles pets outside (parking lots, turf areas, potty walks), bailee coverage is a non-negotiable.

Anesthetic Machine Failure = Patient Death

Policy Triggered: Property + Equipment Breakdown & Professional Liability

What Happened:
A routine dental procedure took a tragic turn when an anesthesia machine malfunctioned due to an internal electrical short. A small-breed dog went into respiratory arrest and did not survive.

The owners filed a claim alleging negligence.
The clinic discovered that the equipment failure was mechanical, not technician error.

Claim Filed:

$50,000 malpractice claim
$7,800 equipment replacement claim

Insurance Outcome:

Equipment Breakdown coverage paid for repair and replacement
Professional Liability covered defense and settled the claim with the family

Lesson:
Equipment fails. If your clinic relies on anesthesia, imaging, monitoring, or surgical tools, equipment breakdown insurance is essential.

Client Slip-and-Fall in the Lobby

Policy Triggered: General Liability

What Happened:
A client entering the lobby slipped on melted snow near the front entrance. They suffered a fractured wrist and required surgery.

Claim Filed:
Medical costs + pain and suffering totaling $42,000.

Insurance Outcome:
General Liability paid out the claim and covered legal and medical costs. The clinic did not pay out of pocket.

Lesson:
Something as simple as wet floors or overcrowded spaces can lead to costly claims.

Data Breach Exposes Client Records

Policy Triggered: Cyber Liability

What Happened:
A phishing email appeared to be from the practice’s cloud software provider. A staff member clicked the link, entered login credentials, and unintentionally gave a hacker access to the clinic’s records.

The breach exposed:

client names
phone numbers
pet medical records
limited payment data

Claim Filed:
Regulatory fines, required client notifications, and IT forensics totaling $31,000.

Insurance Outcome:
Cyber coverage paid for:

forensic investigation
notification letters
credit-monitoring services
legal consultation
regulatory requirements

Lesson:
Veterinary clinics are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals — especially those with cloud-based medical records.

Kennel Assistant Bitten by Fractious Cat

Policy Triggered: Workers’ Compensation

What Happened:
A kennel assistant was holding a nervous cat for vaccines when the cat bit down on her right hand. The injury required stitches, antibiotics, and six weeks of occupational therapy.

Claim Filed:
Medical bills + partial lost wage reimbursement.

Insurance Outcome:
Workers’ Compensation covered all medical costs and lost wages.

Lesson:
Animal handling injuries are among the top workers’ comp claims in vet clinics.