It started with a late-night emergency call. Dr. Landry, a seasoned veterinarian in Lafayette, saw an aging Golden Retriever with signs of pain and mobility issues. After a quick exam, he prescribed medication, gave instructions to the owner, and sent them home.
Three days later, the phone rang again—but this time the dog wasn’t walking at all. The owner was furious, claiming the medication made things worse and threatening legal action. Dr. Landry checked his notes. The dosage was correct. The label matched. But the damage to his reputation—and the looming cost of legal defense—was already in motion.
If you run a veterinary clinic in Louisiana, this kind of claim isn’t just possible—it’s increasingly common. And if you don’t have professional liability insurance, you may be wide open to risk.
Professional liability insurance—also called malpractice insurance—is designed to protect veterinarians from claims related to professional services gone wrong.
This coverage steps in when a client accuses you of:
Misdiagnosing an illness or injury
Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage
Making a surgical error
Failing to notice a serious condition
Causing unintentional harm during treatment
Even if you did everything right, a frustrated pet owner can file a claim—and defending yourself can be expensive.
If you’re sued for an error or omission while treating an animal, here’s how professional liability coverage helps:
Attorney fees alone can skyrocket. Your policy helps pay for lawyers, expert witnesses, court filing fees, and all those letters your attorney will need to write.
If you’re found liable—or if you agree to settle—the insurance helps pay out damages up to your policy limits.
If a complaint is filed with the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, your policy may help cover legal costs to defend your license.
In some states and cases, pet owners sue for more than just the value of the animal—they seek emotional damages. This can amplify the stakes significantly.
Here are common reasons why claims tend to occur that veterinarians and their staff should be aware of.
A tech accidentally gives Medication A instead of Medication B. The owner later claims negligence—even if the pet recovered.
You perform a routine spay surgery. The owner claims post-op complications were due to your care. A lawsuit follows.
You didn’t refer a complex case to a specialist fast enough, and now the pet’s condition has worsened. The owner alleges delayed treatment.
You clearly explained post-op instructions, but the owner misunderstood—or ignored them. Still, the blame comes your way.
In each of these, even if you’re not at fault, you could still face legal bills, lost time, and reputational damage.
There are differences in protection between general liability and professional liability insurance coverages.
General liability protects your clinic when someone is physically hurt on your premises—like a client tripping in the lobby.
Professional liability protects you when someone claims you did your job wrong—misdiagnosis, treatment errors, etc.
You need both if you want full coverage.
Veterinary clinics across Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and the surrounding areas face growing pressure from clients who treat their pets like family (as they should). But that also means increased expectations—and more potential liability.
Some trends we’ve seen:
Pet owners recording appointments and referencing them later
Threats of online reviews or lawsuits when outcomes aren't ideal
Legal action over high-bill procedures when results don’t meet expectations
In this climate, even great vets need backup.
If you run or work at a veterinary clinic in Louisiana, now’s the time to:
Review your current professional liability policy (if you have one)
Check your coverage limits and exclusions
Look into claims-made vs. occurrence-based coverage
Talk to a local, independent insurance agent who understands the veterinary field
Protect Your Reputation. Protect Your Practice.
At Kastner Insurance, we help veterinary professionals in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, New Orleans, and the surrounding parishes find the right insurance coverage for every stage of practice. Whether you’re a solo vet, run a multi-location clinic, or are just getting started, we’ll help you avoid costly gaps in protection.
Don’t wait for a claim to realize you’re exposed. Contact us today to get a professional liability policy built specifically for veterinary practices in Louisiana.
Founded in 2017, Kastner Insurance Group is a full-service, independent insurance broker based in Lafayette, LA. Our insurance agents specialize in offering a variety of insurance products tailored to individual and commercial needs, making sure clients receive personalized and comprehensive coverage options from a variety of insurance companies/insurance carriers.
With over 43 years of combined experience, the team at Kastner Insurance Group is dedicated to providing expert advice and exceptional service. They proudly serve professional offices and businesses across Lafayette city/parish, Youngsville, Broussard, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Alexandria, Acadiana, and statewide in Louisiana.
Call us today or visit our website for a customized quote.
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