Medical Errors: How not to throw your colleague under the bus

Bronwyn Orr is a final year veterinary student from James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. After completing several externships with a state veterinary departments focusing on disease prevention and biosecurity, Bronwyn became interested in animal and veterinary policy development. When she saw the externship program at VBA, she thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about the law and how it pertains to veterinarians. Additionally it meant she was able to travel to the other side of the world, which is always a bonus. Bronwyn has done work for WWF, the RSPCA and several zoos in Australia. She has an associate diploma in Speech and Drama and Communications from Trinity College in London, writes regularly for literary journals in Australia and is a stellar waitress at a Mexican restaurant, which helps pay for vet school. In her free time she enjoys walking her dogs on the beach or trail running. Bronwyn aims to get into public policy and agricultural market access with the federal department of agriculture.

The Texas Supreme Court reversed an appellate court ruling that allowed a family to seek emotional damages for a pet.  The court stated while they acknowledge the emotional attachment to pets, they must base damages on the law versus an owner's subjective feelings.  In the eyes of the law, pets are property.  The court was concerned if they allowed sentiment-based damages there would be a flood of pet based claims.  This would increase liability to veterinarians, shelters and even dog sitters. 

How do you feel about this ruling?  Let us know!