Veterinary Negligence Expert Witness

Veterinary negligence claims require expert evidence from a qualified veterinary professional who can assess whether the treating veterinarian met the expected standard of care. Animal Expert Witness Service connects solicitors and insurers with experienced veterinary experts across all species and specialties.

Can You Sue a Vet for Negligence in Australia?

Yes. Veterinary practitioners in Australia owe a duty of care to the animals they treat. When that standard of care is breached and the animal suffers harm as a result, the animal's owner may have grounds for a negligence claim. These claims can involve companion animals, horses, livestock, and other species.

To succeed, the claimant typically needs to establish three elements: that the veterinarian owed a duty of care, that the duty was breached (i.e., the treatment fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent veterinarian), and that the breach caused the loss or damage.

How Our Experts Help

Our veterinary expert witnesses can provide independent, objective opinions on:

• Whether the standard of care was met in diagnosis and treatment
• Whether a different course of treatment would have changed the outcome
• Assessment of injuries, suffering, and prognosis
• Valuation of the animal and consequential losses
• Review of veterinary records and clinical notes
• Oral evidence in court or tribunal proceedings

Common Veterinary Negligence Scenarios

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a treatable condition
• Surgical errors or post-operative complications
• Failure to obtain informed consent for procedures
• Incorrect medication dosage or drug interactions
• Failure to refer to a specialist when appropriate
• Anaesthetic complications and monitoring failures
• Inadequate follow-up care or discharge instructions

Our Veterinary Experts

Our network includes veterinary surgeons with 20+ years of clinical experience across general practice, emergency medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, equine medicine, and livestock production. Many hold specialist qualifications and have published in peer-reviewed journals.

All our experts understand their duty to the court and provide independent opinions regardless of which party engages them. They are experienced in preparing reports that meet the requirements of Australian courts and tribunals.