Court date this week

I have a court date this week regarding the death of my cat Luna. The vet left her alone over night and she died 'gasping for air" (his words). She had contracted pyothorax. He admitted her for supervision, but concealed that he would be leaving. I found out he left from his technician and office manager who involuntarily gave up this info while trying to explain what happened. I asked him to show me the surveillance so I can rest, and of course he refused. Prior to my discovery, the office manager had revealed to me there is no one here but they have cameras positioned at every angle, watching the patients (my sister is a witness to this statement.) They gave me Luna's blood work reports but not her chart or x rays. I tried to get them before letting them know of my intent to file a case against the vet. Now I've obtained the medical chart through his lawyer, and looking at them i feel so angry. He has clearly added stuff on to cover his behind. The chart says 12/13, which is the day i brought her in. He has added info to show he worked on her through the night 12/14, but the potentially modified part of his notes does not say 12/14. It lists the time he supposedly performed those procedures. I know he's lying because he NEVER mentioned to me that Luna went into cardiac arrest, that he performed CPR on her, or gave her epinephrine to revive her. I met him twice after her death and before I revealed my intent to file a case against him, and he never once mentioned them or asked me to pay for them. These procedures are not listed in the bill. In fact i asked him to pay me back for some of the procedures he didn't perform, and even then he didnt mention these procedures to me.

I have filed a subpoena for him to bring the surveillance tapes, but i duno if he will. From the chart enteries, i duno how i would prove he wasn't there. I have two witnesses, my sister and another friend in front of whom the technician and the office manager mentioned they left around 10-11. I have no hard record. The office manager showed up at my brother's business and asked him to drop the case and that he could give us another cat. I duno if this would help me in court? I have surveillance of his two visits.

What should i do? I am sad and heartbroken that I can't even seek justice for my baby. She died under so much physical stress, in a cage all by herself. I didnt even get to say good bye to her.

I do think you have good points.
I had heard of vets leaving critical care pets at night alone!!
I think you have a great case but by law you're entitled
to get the medical expenses back and the value of your cat.
If you win this case please turn him in to the licensing board.
I'm so sorry for your loss of your sweet baby!!

Hi, Jodie. Thanks for replying. I'm a little nervous, as the burden of proof lies on me. All I have are witnesses. He seems to have added to her medical record to cover his end. He also has a lawyer and I don't.

I will tell you that my husband beat a D.A. who Never lost a case. My husband represented himself. That D.A. was so pissed he stormed out.
Just have confidence! Witnesses are very important!

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I don't have any experience of the US legal system so I can't offer you any advice. I just wanted to say I'm sorry you lost your girl this way.

Thanks Norachan, i have been trying to deal with the loss best way i can. She was so young and playful. Everything happened so fast and unexpectedly....and now im left with a broken heart...

don't give up on yourself and your abilities. You have witnesses. I hope the judge that presides over this case is also a pet owner, and can understand the pain you had to go through.

We are all rooting for you. Winning this case will not alleviate the pain that resides in your heart from losing Luna, but know you are doing the right thing. Have confidence. You are fighting for Luna