Dog Attacked - Can I get the Vet Bills Repaid

[VaBelleinTN]

My dog was seriously attacked at a local park in March of this year. She has undergone extensive surgery and recovery. Thus far my boyfriend and I have paid all the vet bills out of pocket and have close to 1200 dollars worth. We filed criminal charges against the owner of the other dog under our city's dangerous dog law and the other owner was found guilty of owning a dangerous dog based solely on the attack on my dog. My question is, is there any reason that in the event we are forced to sue for recovery of the vet bills we would lose the case. I have been told many times that once someone is found guilty in a criminal case, they have no footing in a civil proceeding because the burden of proof is much greater with a criminal case over a civil case. Therefore, if we were able to the criminal charges then the civil liability is automatic. Can someone please provide some insight as well as suggestions on how to approach the other owner about the vet bills? We really can't afford to hire an attorney. Thanks

[aaron]

Laws are different in each state. This sounds like something you would pursue yourself through small claims court.

[Betty3]

The owner's homeowners ins. might pay - the attack didn't necessarily have to happen on his property for his homeowner's ins. to apply. You might send the bills to the owner requesting he pay. If he or his ins. doesn't, then go ahead & sue him for payment in small claims court.