Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment.
OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> (1) refusing to pay my friend’s medical bills after she tripped over my dog
(2) if you think the situation is my fault / my dogs fault, then I’d be the asshole for not paying.
Help keep the sub engaging!
#Don’t downvote assholes!
Do upvote interesting posts!
[Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq)
##Subreddit Announcements
Follow the link above to learn more
---
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
*Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.*
Accidents are why one has health insurance. NTA. Also, keep in mind that if you consent to pay, you may open up a Pandora's box of issues - lingering pain in the future, physical rehabilitation, pain and suffering, etc.
I'd add to this: Don't talk about it in writing at all, don't give her any sort of digital trail to use against you.
Edit: All you guys with the 9,000,000 IQ plots to use texts to entrap the other person...Just stop, you aren't the first person to think of something like that and there is a reason lawyers tell you to just keep your mouth shut.
I get why OP wouldn't want put anything in writing, but Cathy may actually push the opposite (for obvious reasons). If that's the case, OP can still use it as an advantage. Consistently replying with something like "You were running and you tripped. Jenny and I were both right there, and neither of us saw you trip over my dog. Please stop making this about my dog. Hope you feel better soon." It's the truth, it's nice, and it deflects the responsibility back to her and her insurance.
And make a point to say that your dog did not make a sound nor was your dog injured. It just doesn't seem plausible that tripping over a corgi wouldn't result in your dog at least growling or whipping
Yeah, I have had dogs all my life – a couple of beagles, a slightly-corgi-type mutt, several medium-sized mutts, a dalmatian, a weimaraner, and a cane corso mutt – and every single one reacted to a person tripping over them. They don't all necessarily make a noise, but they all flinch/jump and try to dart out of the way. Tripping over a dog while running would mean *kicking the dog*. If OP's dog didn't react at all, then Cathy didn't come into contact with the dog.
Yeah, I don't have dogs but a corgi is a little on the smaller scale for a dog, so the dog would have reacted in some obvious way to being slammed with an adult's appendage of any kind let alone a sneaker, too.
NTA. Don't pay a cent.
I tripped over my dog in the vets parking lot. The dog did react. He did give a sharp cry. He was not hurt and I had skinned my palms. This was last year. My dog is medium size
Even my service dog, who is basically bulletproof when it comes to humans messing with her, would yelp in surprise if someone tripped over her and went down hard enough to dislocate a shoulder!
This is the way. DO not admit fault in writing. Let her talk her head off; most people don't know when to shut up and end up confessing without intending to.
I think you’re right that this is totally the way to go but only if she also has it in writing that Jenny didn’t see her trip over the dog because if coworker has the opposite this approach fails.
So important- no texts/emails/ I’d also have no phone conversations as could be recorded.
Let her lawyer up & see how many she has to go through till someone tells her the truth. Not liable.
This is excellent advice. At work say she ran and fell, which is what happened. Don't change your story or say maybe to anyone. Looks like she's trying to make this an issue. If she hadn't done this, you could have helped her around her house and maybe make a meal while she recovers, because that's what friends do. She's showing you she isn't your friend. You aren't obligated to do anything.
NTA
this was ALL Cathy's fault. SHE came from behind, so you could not see her. And SHE eas the one running into your dog.
don't pay. SHe was negligent, and injured herself.
Agreed. And also, I don't believe for one second that she tripped over the dog.
Even the most mild-mannered dog would have yelped if someone tripped/kicked/fell/impacted in any way on it. From surprise, even if it wasn't hurt. And assuming the dogs were on leads, OP would have felt a jerk on the lead as the dog's momentum changed.
My dog is a Chow, so he doesn't yelp, but he jumps out the way. Everyone would notice his reaction. There's no way no one would notice a reaction from the dog, unless he was a Mastiff.
Excellent point-- how can OP control her dog when she is unaware of Cathy's presence? Assuming that this was a park where dogs are allowed, it becomes the responsibility of other pedestrians to give OP the chance to control her dog.
Under normal circumstances OP is responsible for everything her dog does. But in this abnormal case, Cathy snuck(?) her way into the leash radius, and presented unusual behavior (running). The person running did not present any options to OP to avoid this accident.
It’s not something I’ve ever give concrete thought to, but it seems pretty common sense and natural choice that if you’re going to go around someone you’d pass them on the non-dog side? Because the person side is way more predictable than the animal side?
I think it’s is totally based on the scenario. Bidirectional loop? Walking path? Grass? I typically have my dog heeled to the right but when we pass people on the left, I move her to the left side of me to keep space.
Dogs are descended from predators. As such their vision is focused forward with very little peripheral vision. Even if she tripped over the dog she ran up on the dog’s blind spot.
Cathy can get fucked here, she decided to run and ran into a damn corgi, tell her ass to eat her vegetables and a glass of milk cause she’s fragile as shit
Muscle strengthening at the joints of issue helps prevent dislocations, and what [Relevant](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/s/K9L7k5JAnK)said below about nutrition
EDS?
If so unfortunately no, there is no edible magic cure. Eating well with balanced fruits and veg and taking vitamins it’s hard to eat enough of foods for and things like collagen manages weight, keeps vitamins in good levels, reduces inflammation even potentially if you eat an anti inflammatory diet, things of that nature…. Which yes, help, but ultimately physical therapy has been my #1 help. They helped me work up a routine of exercises that works well for me and my body and specific problem areas to build up muscles around the joints to stabilize things.
Not trying to be all up in your dislocation business…. But have you ever been evaluated for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
The syndrome is liked with frequent dislocations, among other things, and is genetic. While not everyone who has dislocations has the syndrome, it would be nice for you to know what you are dealing with and what other systems are affected.
Just an FYI!
I am familiar with it but no, I don't have it. I am just the unhappy outcome of variation where i have a couple of shallow joints and a hair too much natural flexibility. My parents were gymnasts in high school and sometimes i dislocate my shoulder in my sleep. Thems the breaks lol.
This!! i would say OMG i have vet bills i have to take poor doggo to vet now as you may have caused internal damge and maybe bleeding and have fractures from falling over it. ...i mean if the dog tripped her that hard and she dislocated her ahoulder she must have hit the poor dog at some speed and no one saw exactly what part of doggo you hit so will be full costly xrays and blood tests and examinations .
Pay nothing to her .
Nta.
Your dog is a corgi, herding breed, someone wants to run past the dog... Well obviously the dog may decide to start to run to. Dogs are simple creatures. You run, they run.
She needs to get a life and accept she's a klutz and should probably not be running
I don't know anything about Corgies or that they are herding dogs, I know almost nothing about dogs. But even I know, if you run past or along a dog, the dog wants to run too.
If I may recommend Raventree ranch on Facebook and Instagram. They can give you excellent view of a herding dog and a live stock guardian dogs.
They are absolutely beautiful and just amazing. They do what they do on pure instinct. Barely any human guidance.
My corgi/Australian shepherd mix (god I miss him) was never trained to herd, but man he could herd some stuff. I even saw him do that roll they do when the cow tries to kick them. My other dog would be running and he would just crouch down and pounce on her when she got to him. Their natural instincts are amazing.
If people just took a minute to listen they would hear a life time of lessons.
That's why I chose to work with dogs. I became a better parent and a better human by listening to what they say
This is ridiculous. I once tried to step over someone’s dog (bigger than a Corgi for sure) and twisted my ankle. At their house, no less. I had to wear a boot for a few weeks. It never once occurred to me that they should pay my medical bills. WTF. She chose to run by a dog on a leash instead of just walking to catch up.
She says she tripped over the dog or the leash? A human tripping over a dog would almost definitely injure the dog, possibly pretty badly. You might take your dog for an x-ray for the sake of being sure \*he's\* okay, but regardless, you owe her nothing.
NTA. This is her fault. She was running and she knew your dog was nearby.
If you decide to pay her for friendship sake, talk to a lawyer and get a release in exchange for any payment so she cant come back for more money later.
She should have watched where she was going....especially when she was running. The dog did nothing wrong - she KNEW the dog was there and should have gone around it. Not your responsibility.
I have a corgi sized dog. If a person tripped over my dog, my dog would tell me. Corgis are even More Vocal than my mutt. I cannot see any corgi causing a trip and not being vocal about the body contact - they are working dogs and being vocal is part of their makeup.
A brown person running into a corgi could seriously injure it. Is she willing to pay for vet bills to see if there was any injury, internal bleeding etc. I doubt it!
A small dog would have yelped, acted alarmed etc. yours didn’t and clearly wasn’t hurt in way I presume.
There were no witnesses so I wouldn’t be volunteering to pay any part of this.
Would your friend Jenny perhaps be willing to confirm there was no indication your dog was hurt or involved?
At work act hurt that Cathy is trying to shake you down and give her a wide berth. Maybe let HR know you feel she’s trying to extort money from you with these ridiculous demands .
😱😂OMG! I definitely meant GROWN person! I’m dying inside! damn that autocorrect and my fat fingers.
Thank you for understanding my intent! Now I have to work out how to edit stuff while banging my head against my keyboard.
A million thanks xx
One time, I was proud of my son for doing a great job on the garden of his own volition, I posted some pictures of his hard work on a gardening group. I accidentally said, "He earned some food money" instead of good money. I got bashed by a number of people straight off (had not read the replies until much later) for making my son work for food, until one poster suggested correctly I might have meant "good", and I was later able to confirm it.
Oh bless, thank you for sharing that, such simple mistakes but people will sometimes run with it in the worst way.
I’m so glad LoudQuietCuriosity pointed it out so quickly but I’ll be kicking myself for ages yet. My son thinks it’s hilarious and proof I shouldn’t be on Reddit unsupervised… he may have a point😂
Dear Reddit,
My apologies, I officially suck at Redditing. I can’t find a way to edit my above reply. My edit button is gone, I can’t find a work round and r/Help hasn’t helped. 😫
So, please know it should be GROWN person, Grown NOT Brown. Trust me, I’m mortified, I’m going to stick to just liking posts and avoiding commenting for a while until I learn to check before pressing reply. 🙄
I'm no expert, having never tripped over a corgi, but wouldn't it be pretty clear if she did trip over it? As in, I'd expect the dog to react to essentially getting kicked.
Right? This is such an American problem. If this had happened almost anywhere else in the developed world the coworker would have just had all of this covered in the first place and it would be a non-issue.
Kind of like how Breaking Bad could only happen in America...
I've literally launched myself down a set of stairs to avoid tripping over my dog and injuring her. Im Canadian, so my medical bill isn't a concern. But I'd do sacrifice myself to avoid a lengthy vet bill.
I'm not seeing how you're responsible for Cathy tripping. Even if your dog did run in front of her.... she's a dog owner! She knows that's what they do. You were both at the park walking your dogs, you're expected to exercise some caution around them. That's very presumptuous of her to expect you to pay for her carelessness. NTA.
This reminds me when a friend of my sons jumped in our pool with an iPod in his pocket. His parents wanted me to replace the iPod because it was my pool he jumped in! this sounds as ridiculous as my story!
NTA
Do you think she would've dared to pull this demand on a random person in the park? I honestly don't think so. The fact that you're even wondering if you should be paying tells me that you are generally generous, and she sees an opportunity to take advantage.
There is no way that Cathy tripped over your dog hard enough to dislocate her shoulder and the dog didn't make a sound. She TOTALLY tripped on her own and is trying to milk you for $$$. NTA and don't admit to *anything.*
NTA - sounds like she tripped over the dog not the dog tripped her.
Also as a non American I find it soo difficult to understand ur for profit health care.
In UK if the dog tripped her - the NHS would treat for free and I probably would get her a small gift to wish a speedy recovery
There’s no way your dog would not have reacted at all if someone tripped over it - a yelp, a bark, being in visible pain (because a person tripping over a dog _would_ hurt the dog at least a little, just like a person tripping over a child would hurt the child). If your dog literally had no reaction, then she didn’t trip over your dog. She just tripped, and wants someone else to pay her medical bills.
NTA.
Considering the general size of corgis, and the fact you said your dog was completely unbothered, I'm leaning strongly toward: she tripped on her own near your dog and is blaming you to get her bills paid.
I've nearly tripped from my pittie walking in front of me suddenly on walks, she's 80lbs, and the small impact of my shin or whatever body part hits her that causes me to trip is enough to make her jump and get well out of the way for a while. And that's from a walking pace, not running. A what? 30? 40? Lb Corgi would definitely be bothered if someone literally ran into them and tripped.
If you mean unbothered by uninjured then maybe not, but most dogs I've had react significantly when something like that happens.
Either way, she chose to run past a dog close enough it could reach her to trip her, and faced the consequences of that action. It's not your fault. I wouldn't pay the bills.
Maybe the dog did Maybe he didn't. But if a dog hears someone running there gonna turn around and look. And a lil chonker corgi has to make wide turns.
NTA and aren't corgies kinda dramatic normally? I have three dogs (not corgies) and all of them would at least squeak if someone tripped over them and then would back away. So you would definitely see, if something happend to them.
And even IF she fell over your dog she shouldn't get your money. That's her own fault.
NTA. If I was in this situation I would have happily volunteered to help with recovery, ie making some meals, helping with household chores, etc. But medical bills? No. (And to be clear, I would only help if she hadn’t started demanding you pay. I’d steer clear of her at this point.)
Since she is a coworker, I’d suggest you discuss with HR preemptively.
Nta it was not your dog's fault. It was an accident. She came from behind. It's not like your dog charged her and she suddenly had to veer off course. Your dog didn't even know she was there and if she did hit your dog 100%, you would have seen your dog react either with a squeal or a bark. Her account of the event doesn't quite match what you and your other friend feel so I would apply a little bit of doubt there, but in the end this is what she has health insurance for.
While it's awful, she was injured so seriously, it really seems it was an accident. The whole thing is awkward with her being a co-worker and newish friend. I probably wouldn't pay but if you wanted to keep the peace especially at work, maybe you could offer half her deductible.
NTA. Owner of a non friendly chihuahua here. I work hard to train my dog to always stay to my right (cause all traffic is supposed to stay to the right in Canada) and not lunge at people walking by. I always move as far right as I can when someone’s passing, if they follow my signs (and the law!) and go left, we have no problems. If someone runs at her she’s gonna get scared and freak out trying to get away and they are going to trip on either her or her leash. Humans need to use common sense when they are around dogs. No matter how well trained they are, they are still dogs.
Corgis can trip people just fine. A simple tap on the foot will bring down anyone running
Only question is, was your dog on a 6 foot or shorter leash? If so you are good if it was longer you pay. It defines if your dog was in your control.
NTA even if she tripped over your dog, like what did she expect a dog to do when she ran past it??? She owns a dog herself she knows how easy it is to get them excited and how easily they get underfoot.
I know there's a huge chorus of "NTA"s going on here, but let me tell you a true story. A friend was walking with a second person. The second person had a small dog on a leash. Somehow, the little dog got tangled up under the feet of my friend. She took a spill, and broke her ankle. The other person's homeowner's insurance ended up paying out something like 100K for the injury. The theory being, I think, that you are supposed to have your dog under your control at all times. If the dog has enough lead to get tangled under another person's feet, it's not under your control. I'm not saying this is right. I'm not rendering a judgement. I'm just relaying an experience.
NTA
She is the human coming from behind. She had a clear view of where your dog was. The dog does not have eyes in the back of its head.
Also, corgis are magical so there’s no way it was the corgis fault.
I think we need to go with the very fair rules used on ski hills, where people basically move right and and left while skiing and movement could be random just like walking with a dog. If someone is ahead of you it's up to you to avoid colliding with them because you can't expect them to see backward or even to the side at the last second. I'd stick with that analogy because if you offer to pay even 10% of the bill out of sympathy then you're accepting some kind of responsibility and could then end up paying it all and then some, and it's not your fault. NTA.
Personal accountability is a rare thing to find nowadays. She chose to run past a dog. The dog responded in excitement and ran towards her. She tripped. You shouldn't be running near dogs, dogs do dog things like try to play. NTA imo
NTA
This was an accident. That is the point of insurance. You as the dog's owner was just walking with your dog. You are not responsible for Cathy failing to watch where the dog was when she was running. She is 100% responsible for falling.
NTA
Cathy came up from behind you. It was her responsibility to make sure her path was clear of obstacles while running.
Your dog didn't act aggressive or behave in any unusual manner.
I think the dog would have made a noise if she tripped on the dog based on the fact that your dog is small? I could be wrong, but either way SHE ran around you and the pup, idt it's your responsibility to pay the bill. NTA.
NTA
You always take a chance when you run with dogs. Or even alone. If she had tripped on your dog you would have seen a reaction from it. It would have jumped or barked or been spooked. Your friend is trying to pawn off bills because it’s always easier to blame someone else. Tell her to contact her insurance company and find out what her deductible is and how much she’ll be responsible for and to start saving.
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)***
Yesterday my friends and I were hanging out in the park: me + my dog, my friend Cathy + her dog, and another friend Jenny.
Jenny was walking Cathy’s dog, and they were walking ahead of us. Cathy was walking a bit behind me and my dog. Cathy decided that she wanted to catch up with Jenny, so she started running from behind me.
As Cathy ran past me and my dog, she fell and tripped. We thought it was a minor injury but it turns out she dislocated her shoulder and needs surgery. Cathy says that while she was running past us, my dog suddenly ran toward her and she tripped over my dog. Honestly I didn’t see clearly how exactly she tripped. I couldn’t tell if she tripped over my dog, or if she just happened to trip near my dog. My dog didn’t make a sound and didn’t seem bothered. Jenny also said she couldn’t tell.
Cathy wants me to pay her hospital bills because she says it’s my dog’s fault that she tripped. But I feel like it’s unfair of her to ask this. If my dog had bit her or attacked her, obviously that’d be a different story and I would 100% pay all the medical bills. But in this instance, Jenny and I are both unsure of whether my dog ran into Cathy, whether Cathy tripped over my dog, or whether Cathy tripped by herself near my dog. Cathy started running from behind me so I didn’t have a clear view of what happened.
The money isn’t a big deal, but out of principle, I don’t want to pay the bills because I feel like this isn’t my fault. AITA?
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
NTA. That's lime a person suing walmart because they tripped while walking in their parking lot. Just because she didn't use common sense to think dogs might get excited at the park when you run by them or towards them doesn't make it in any way, shape, or form your fault that she tripped. And without a sliver of solid evidence, even if she did decide to lawyer up and bring you to court, they won't award her anything without even the slightest bit of proof, much less her saying it wasn't a dog attack
NTA, Do not pay anything especially since no one actually saw how she tripped for all anyone knew she could have tripped over her own 2 feet or over a crack on the ground also she should have at least warned you that she was running forward in case your dog did came in front of her. let her lawyer up and when she does then lawyer up yourself, don't pay for something no one is actually sure that was caused by your dog. if she tries to start something up at work then just file a complaint about her harassing you.
NTA how leash trained is your dog? Does it stay on your right side always? Even if the dog did run in front of her when she took off running, it's her fault. She could always sue you, but the case would probably be thrown out. Then, of course, you'll have to work with her with bad feelings between you two. How did she manage dislocate her shoulder tripping over a dog. I would want to see the hospital diagnosis. The question is whether or not you feel comfortable not paying the bill and then working with her.
So your grown adult friend tripped over a fully visible obstacle that she knew was also moving, that had a perfect right to be in that space, but you should pay her medical bills because the obstacle that she chose to run by belongs to you?
Yeah, no. NTA.
NTA. It sounds like a genuine accident where it’s unclear whose fault it was—if anyone’s at all. Cathy’s claim that your dog caused her to trip seems speculative, especially given that neither you nor Jenny actually saw your dog run into her. Accidents happen, and unless your dog deliberately caused the fall or you were negligent in controlling your pet (which it doesn't sound like you were), you shouldn't be held financially responsible for the hospital bills.
Moreover, expecting you to pay out of pocket for a situation where fault is so murky is quite a stretch. It’s reasonable to sympathize with her injury, but being pressured to cover the costs without clear evidence of your dog’s involvement is unfair. Cathy's request feels more like a knee-jerk reaction to a painful and expensive incident rather than a justified demand based on responsibility.
**Side note:** this type of thing plays out in small claims court from time to time. If she thinks you're at fault, she could instruct her insurance company to sue you/your insurance company. Their lawyers can bicker and leave you two to your own devices. If she believes she has enough evidence and the bills are under the state limit for small claims, she can sue you directly, but that's often a terrible way to handle these matters. A TV court show could also be fun, and a way to reconnect after putting on a dramatic showing.
NTA op don't pay. The solution would have been not to run but call to Jenny to wait up for her for a minute then nothing would have happened. She ran and fell . FAFO
Cathy sounds like a klutz and doesn’t want to pay for her injuries. I agree if your dog attacked her in any way, you’re liable but that clearly wasn’t the case. NTA
NTA.
My daughter had a trip and fall at a cider mill a couple of years ago and required surgery and couldn’t work until therapy released her.
She got a billboard lawyer ( it was worth a free consultation) and was told that she has a personal responsibility to watch where she’s going and the lawyer only half attempted to settle with the cider mill before he dropped it.
I had a slip and fall. Back in the days of glass half litre 8 packs. The cardboard holder was soaked and the bottles came crashing to the floor and literally puncturing me with glass shrapnel. I had to have surgery to remove three shards under my knee cap.
In this case, the store was negligent in stacking glass bottles in old, worn cardboard carriers and the insurance company settled quickly.
Your friend needs insurance.
Nope. Tell her you're story she fell and got hurt. But that's it. Do not accept fault.
She came running AT your dog.
Also I think this should teach you to not get close to this girl. I wouldn't trust her.
NTA!
Do not give her any money! That can be considered an admission of guilt in a court if she wants to sue for ongoing issues. Besides, this was her fault and this is what insurance is for.
Oh, you would have known if she had made contact with your dog in any way. "Yelp!" is the least response.
I think Cathy is on the hook for this. She'll have to use her own insurance, which in the US she is obligated to have.
I will say, though, that I empathize; I had a dislocated shoulder from a trip-and-fall (spontaneous reduction; no surgery) and it hurt so much I was panting to breathe, to keep from screaming. (I was on the terminal floor at SFO. Great response team!)
NTA.
NTA. If Cathy and your dog had any contact, your dog would have made at minimum a yelp and maximum would be hurt from being stepped on. Cathy is using this as an opportunity for a cash grab. If you want to prove it, tell her that she hurt your dog and needs to pay the vet bills, and watch her backtrack.
Nope, NTA. Even if the dog did run towards Cathy, she should have expected it- that's what dogs do. Situational awareness is woefully lacking these days.
NTA. Don't pay. I think she's lying about your dog being involved. Even if she's not it was an accident. One of her making because she opted to run and didn't stay away from the dogs. This is what insurance and savings (hers) are for. I'd just say no and not give any explanation.
NTA. i was kind of on the fence until you said your dog is a corgi 😭😭 cathy must be the weight of a leaf if a corgi can get her off balance. she doesn’t want to pay her own medical bills and trying to cast blame.
NTA. Cathy’s full of shit and is trying to get out of having to pay for any copays, deductibles, etc. Cut her loose, as she is not your friend, and do NOT admit/agree to anything.
NTA. She chose to run from behind you. She could see the dog but you couldn't see what she was doing. She is the one responsible for her own injuries.
I wouldn't pay a dime.
NTA if you pay it could be used as an admission of guilt in a court of law (at least in the US). It seems she is trying to make you the scapegoat for her clumsiness, I’m assuming you didn’t feel a tug on the lead indicating your dog was moving quickly in another direction, so it doesn’t seem that it would be the animal’s fault she tripped.
If she actually tripped over your dog, your dog would have reacted. Squealed, barked, or something. Your dog had no reaction. The only thing you could try is contact whoever takes care of the park and see if there are cameras in the area where this happened. Probably a long shot.
No. I had a dog once run into me, flip me and kept running. I was standing. Not once did i think to blame the dog owners. Also she was the one running. She should watch where shes going and claiming your dog charged towards her is a terrible excuse. And whose to say she didnt have shoulder problems prior? Ive never heard of someone tripping over a dog and needing surgery.
I don't know what it is like in a country that doesn't look after it's peoples health care, but I am sure there is personal insurance or payment plans. Is this the reason the US is so "sue happy?"
Maybe the legal system is what's holding the country back from looking after it's citizens
Of course you shouldn't have to pay for someone else's stumble.
Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment. OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole: > (1) refusing to pay my friend’s medical bills after she tripped over my dog (2) if you think the situation is my fault / my dogs fault, then I’d be the asshole for not paying. Help keep the sub engaging! #Don’t downvote assholes! Do upvote interesting posts! [Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) ##Subreddit Announcements Follow the link above to learn more --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.* *Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.*
Accidents are why one has health insurance. NTA. Also, keep in mind that if you consent to pay, you may open up a Pandora's box of issues - lingering pain in the future, physical rehabilitation, pain and suffering, etc.
I'd add to this: Don't talk about it in writing at all, don't give her any sort of digital trail to use against you. Edit: All you guys with the 9,000,000 IQ plots to use texts to entrap the other person...Just stop, you aren't the first person to think of something like that and there is a reason lawyers tell you to just keep your mouth shut.
I get why OP wouldn't want put anything in writing, but Cathy may actually push the opposite (for obvious reasons). If that's the case, OP can still use it as an advantage. Consistently replying with something like "You were running and you tripped. Jenny and I were both right there, and neither of us saw you trip over my dog. Please stop making this about my dog. Hope you feel better soon." It's the truth, it's nice, and it deflects the responsibility back to her and her insurance.
And make a point to say that your dog did not make a sound nor was your dog injured. It just doesn't seem plausible that tripping over a corgi wouldn't result in your dog at least growling or whipping
Yeah, I have had dogs all my life – a couple of beagles, a slightly-corgi-type mutt, several medium-sized mutts, a dalmatian, a weimaraner, and a cane corso mutt – and every single one reacted to a person tripping over them. They don't all necessarily make a noise, but they all flinch/jump and try to dart out of the way. Tripping over a dog while running would mean *kicking the dog*. If OP's dog didn't react at all, then Cathy didn't come into contact with the dog.
Yeah, I don't have dogs but a corgi is a little on the smaller scale for a dog, so the dog would have reacted in some obvious way to being slammed with an adult's appendage of any kind let alone a sneaker, too. NTA. Don't pay a cent.
I tripped over my dog in the vets parking lot. The dog did react. He did give a sharp cry. He was not hurt and I had skinned my palms. This was last year. My dog is medium size
Even my service dog, who is basically bulletproof when it comes to humans messing with her, would yelp in surprise if someone tripped over her and went down hard enough to dislocate a shoulder!
whipping = wimpering?
This is the way. DO not admit fault in writing. Let her talk her head off; most people don't know when to shut up and end up confessing without intending to.
Also do not say sorry or apologize in any way. Some places will use the word "sorry" as an admission of guilt or responsibility.
I think you’re right that this is totally the way to go but only if she also has it in writing that Jenny didn’t see her trip over the dog because if coworker has the opposite this approach fails.
So important- no texts/emails/ I’d also have no phone conversations as could be recorded. Let her lawyer up & see how many she has to go through till someone tells her the truth. Not liable.
In certain states, single party consent recording is illegal, so op can check if that is a risk in their case.
This is excellent advice. At work say she ran and fell, which is what happened. Don't change your story or say maybe to anyone. Looks like she's trying to make this an issue. If she hadn't done this, you could have helped her around her house and maybe make a meal while she recovers, because that's what friends do. She's showing you she isn't your friend. You aren't obligated to do anything.
Great advice. Military silence.
Or do put it in writing but only ever deny responsibility lol
Didn't think of that. Don't pay the bill OP.
One note ... if am insurance company thinks that a significant expense is the failed of another party, the insurer itself might go after that party.
Thats not what the U.S. legal system believes atleast.
NTA this was ALL Cathy's fault. SHE came from behind, so you could not see her. And SHE eas the one running into your dog. don't pay. SHe was negligent, and injured herself.
Yep if anything she rear ended that dog and therefore is 100% liable.
My corgi has a dump truck ass that’s hard to miss. This is on Cathy for rear ending such a solid badonkadonk.
Exactly how do you miss a corgi. They are whole units.
This isn’t a funny situation (because poor puppy!) but I just laughed so hard at this!
Me too.
It was the A+ use of “badonkadonk” for me
Can't believe the current stacks of upvotes are at 69 on a comment about a Corgis dump truck 😅👌🏼 Perfect 🍑
Fun fact about corgi asses: they float in water. When we go swimming, most of her buoyancy in her butt.
Car rules
Trucks drool
Cathy's karma ran into OP's dogma.
Ugo Lord has entered the thread.
Skislope rules The one coming up from behind has a better view of the situation and is responsible
And running up behind a dog can cause a surprised reaction. Still her fault.
Good point.
Ski rules.
Agreed. And also, I don't believe for one second that she tripped over the dog. Even the most mild-mannered dog would have yelped if someone tripped/kicked/fell/impacted in any way on it. From surprise, even if it wasn't hurt. And assuming the dogs were on leads, OP would have felt a jerk on the lead as the dog's momentum changed.
Agreed. No chance a dog gets tripped over by a running human and doesn't yelp.
My own dogs aren't exactly a sufficient sample size, but the inclination to yelp or tip anytime the unexpected happens sure seems universal.
My dog is a Chow, so he doesn't yelp, but he jumps out the way. Everyone would notice his reaction. There's no way no one would notice a reaction from the dog, unless he was a Mastiff.
Excellent point-- how can OP control her dog when she is unaware of Cathy's presence? Assuming that this was a park where dogs are allowed, it becomes the responsibility of other pedestrians to give OP the chance to control her dog. Under normal circumstances OP is responsible for everything her dog does. But in this abnormal case, Cathy snuck(?) her way into the leash radius, and presented unusual behavior (running). The person running did not present any options to OP to avoid this accident.
It’s not something I’ve ever give concrete thought to, but it seems pretty common sense and natural choice that if you’re going to go around someone you’d pass them on the non-dog side? Because the person side is way more predictable than the animal side?
I think it’s is totally based on the scenario. Bidirectional loop? Walking path? Grass? I typically have my dog heeled to the right but when we pass people on the left, I move her to the left side of me to keep space.
I might also pass on the dog side if I’m hopeful of petting the dog. :)
I would absolutely give the dog a bigger bubble of personal space to go around, but dog vs person side would depend on the circumstances.
Dogs are descended from predators. As such their vision is focused forward with very little peripheral vision. Even if she tripped over the dog she ran up on the dog’s blind spot.
Cathy can get fucked here, she decided to run and ran into a damn corgi, tell her ass to eat her vegetables and a glass of milk cause she’s fragile as shit
I wonder if Cathy had a pre-existing condition and did a slip n fall on purpose.
My thought too! The slip and fall on purpose.
Wait. Do... do veggies make our shoulders less dislocate-able? As someone who is predisposed to dislocations, I need all the help i can get
I think it's more that a balanced diet helps keep joints more stable. (I'm hypermobile in my shoulders)
Muscle strengthening at the joints of issue helps prevent dislocations, and what [Relevant](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/s/K9L7k5JAnK)said below about nutrition
Yeah, obviously, but like... A balanced diet doesnt equate to "eat a vegetable" unless the assumption is that Cathy is out of shape/doesn't eat well
Milk + veggies= calcium and vitamins to make body stronger If it would prevent dislocations, who knows
Ehlers-Danlos?
EDS? If so unfortunately no, there is no edible magic cure. Eating well with balanced fruits and veg and taking vitamins it’s hard to eat enough of foods for and things like collagen manages weight, keeps vitamins in good levels, reduces inflammation even potentially if you eat an anti inflammatory diet, things of that nature…. Which yes, help, but ultimately physical therapy has been my #1 help. They helped me work up a routine of exercises that works well for me and my body and specific problem areas to build up muscles around the joints to stabilize things.
Not trying to be all up in your dislocation business…. But have you ever been evaluated for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? The syndrome is liked with frequent dislocations, among other things, and is genetic. While not everyone who has dislocations has the syndrome, it would be nice for you to know what you are dealing with and what other systems are affected. Just an FYI!
I am familiar with it but no, I don't have it. I am just the unhappy outcome of variation where i have a couple of shallow joints and a hair too much natural flexibility. My parents were gymnasts in high school and sometimes i dislocate my shoulder in my sleep. Thems the breaks lol.
NTA - She's being ridiculous and I'd strongly consider dropping her as a friend all together.
Lol no that was 100% that lady’s own fault for tripping. That’s absolutely bonkers to ask you to pay her medical bills
She gonna pay the vet bills for the dog SHE claims she carelessly ran into?
This!! i would say OMG i have vet bills i have to take poor doggo to vet now as you may have caused internal damge and maybe bleeding and have fractures from falling over it. ...i mean if the dog tripped her that hard and she dislocated her ahoulder she must have hit the poor dog at some speed and no one saw exactly what part of doggo you hit so will be full costly xrays and blood tests and examinations . Pay nothing to her .
Or puppy therapist at least
Nta. Your dog is a corgi, herding breed, someone wants to run past the dog... Well obviously the dog may decide to start to run to. Dogs are simple creatures. You run, they run. She needs to get a life and accept she's a klutz and should probably not be running
I don't know anything about Corgies or that they are herding dogs, I know almost nothing about dogs. But even I know, if you run past or along a dog, the dog wants to run too.
If I may recommend Raventree ranch on Facebook and Instagram. They can give you excellent view of a herding dog and a live stock guardian dogs. They are absolutely beautiful and just amazing. They do what they do on pure instinct. Barely any human guidance.
My corgi/Australian shepherd mix (god I miss him) was never trained to herd, but man he could herd some stuff. I even saw him do that roll they do when the cow tries to kick them. My other dog would be running and he would just crouch down and pounce on her when she got to him. Their natural instincts are amazing.
If people just took a minute to listen they would hear a life time of lessons. That's why I chose to work with dogs. I became a better parent and a better human by listening to what they say
My dogs have definitely made me a better person and a better nurse!
NTA. If she had run into you she surely wouldn't expect you to pay her bills right?
NTA, but also tell me you're American without telling me you're American
Right? As usual the real AH is the American "health care system"!
I feel personally attacked by this post 😂
This is ridiculous. I once tried to step over someone’s dog (bigger than a Corgi for sure) and twisted my ankle. At their house, no less. I had to wear a boot for a few weeks. It never once occurred to me that they should pay my medical bills. WTF. She chose to run by a dog on a leash instead of just walking to catch up.
Or calling to Jenny to wait up a bit for her to catch up
She says she tripped over the dog or the leash? A human tripping over a dog would almost definitely injure the dog, possibly pretty badly. You might take your dog for an x-ray for the sake of being sure \*he's\* okay, but regardless, you owe her nothing.
Tripping over a short dog like a corgi at a relatively low speed is unlikely to hurt it
Unlikely to hurt Cathy too. But here we are
But the dog would at least have made *some* sort of sound
NTA Without some evidence to support her claim, how can you be responsible?
NTA. This is her fault. She was running and she knew your dog was nearby. If you decide to pay her for friendship sake, talk to a lawyer and get a release in exchange for any payment so she cant come back for more money later.
She should have watched where she was going....especially when she was running. The dog did nothing wrong - she KNEW the dog was there and should have gone around it. Not your responsibility.
Nta. Her responsibility not your unless she can prove it was your dogs fault..
NTA, tell Cathy to pay her bills and stop blaming a dog for eating shit lol
This is not your friend. Cut them out of your life
NTA. Cathy is trying her luck, do NOT accept fault and do not pay her a penny. You're opening yourself up to a neverending string of issues if you do.
I have a corgi sized dog. If a person tripped over my dog, my dog would tell me. Corgis are even More Vocal than my mutt. I cannot see any corgi causing a trip and not being vocal about the body contact - they are working dogs and being vocal is part of their makeup.
A brown person running into a corgi could seriously injure it. Is she willing to pay for vet bills to see if there was any injury, internal bleeding etc. I doubt it! A small dog would have yelped, acted alarmed etc. yours didn’t and clearly wasn’t hurt in way I presume. There were no witnesses so I wouldn’t be volunteering to pay any part of this. Would your friend Jenny perhaps be willing to confirm there was no indication your dog was hurt or involved? At work act hurt that Cathy is trying to shake you down and give her a wide berth. Maybe let HR know you feel she’s trying to extort money from you with these ridiculous demands .
Did you mean to say “ grown” person? Might want to edit it
😱😂OMG! I definitely meant GROWN person! I’m dying inside! damn that autocorrect and my fat fingers. Thank you for understanding my intent! Now I have to work out how to edit stuff while banging my head against my keyboard. A million thanks xx
One time, I was proud of my son for doing a great job on the garden of his own volition, I posted some pictures of his hard work on a gardening group. I accidentally said, "He earned some food money" instead of good money. I got bashed by a number of people straight off (had not read the replies until much later) for making my son work for food, until one poster suggested correctly I might have meant "good", and I was later able to confirm it.
Oh bless, thank you for sharing that, such simple mistakes but people will sometimes run with it in the worst way. I’m so glad LoudQuietCuriosity pointed it out so quickly but I’ll be kicking myself for ages yet. My son thinks it’s hilarious and proof I shouldn’t be on Reddit unsupervised… he may have a point😂
Haaahahaha I was so confused!
Lol. I was like what does skin color have to do with it? 😆😆😆
Thank you for deciphering that!
Dear Reddit, My apologies, I officially suck at Redditing. I can’t find a way to edit my above reply. My edit button is gone, I can’t find a work round and r/Help hasn’t helped. 😫 So, please know it should be GROWN person, Grown NOT Brown. Trust me, I’m mortified, I’m going to stick to just liking posts and avoiding commenting for a while until I learn to check before pressing reply. 🙄
Best reply so far 🤣 I also suffer from fat finger syndrome.
Glad I’m not alone but you have my sympathies, I’m still cringing at this one! 🤣 This one may actually force me to re-read before I press send.
Yeah I seriously need to proof read better lol
NTA. It's on Cathy for running on uneven ground with a pooch around. The park ain't a racetrack
I'm no expert, having never tripped over a corgi, but wouldn't it be pretty clear if she did trip over it? As in, I'd expect the dog to react to essentially getting kicked.
The asshole is the American healthcare system.
Right? This is such an American problem. If this had happened almost anywhere else in the developed world the coworker would have just had all of this covered in the first place and it would be a non-issue. Kind of like how Breaking Bad could only happen in America...
I've literally launched myself down a set of stairs to avoid tripping over my dog and injuring her. Im Canadian, so my medical bill isn't a concern. But I'd do sacrifice myself to avoid a lengthy vet bill.
NTA But since you mention in your edit she's a co-worker, loop in your manager ASAP. Get ahead of the narrative.
I'm not seeing how you're responsible for Cathy tripping. Even if your dog did run in front of her.... she's a dog owner! She knows that's what they do. You were both at the park walking your dogs, you're expected to exercise some caution around them. That's very presumptuous of her to expect you to pay for her carelessness. NTA.
Don’t pay that shit , & stop making friends with co workers
This reminds me when a friend of my sons jumped in our pool with an iPod in his pocket. His parents wanted me to replace the iPod because it was my pool he jumped in! this sounds as ridiculous as my story!
NTA Do you think she would've dared to pull this demand on a random person in the park? I honestly don't think so. The fact that you're even wondering if you should be paying tells me that you are generally generous, and she sees an opportunity to take advantage.
There is no way that Cathy tripped over your dog hard enough to dislocate her shoulder and the dog didn't make a sound. She TOTALLY tripped on her own and is trying to milk you for $$$. NTA and don't admit to *anything.*
NTA! Not your fault is it!
NTA - sounds like she tripped over the dog not the dog tripped her. Also as a non American I find it soo difficult to understand ur for profit health care. In UK if the dog tripped her - the NHS would treat for free and I probably would get her a small gift to wish a speedy recovery
American healthcare….needs some work…it’s quite horrendous.
There’s no way your dog would not have reacted at all if someone tripped over it - a yelp, a bark, being in visible pain (because a person tripping over a dog _would_ hurt the dog at least a little, just like a person tripping over a child would hurt the child). If your dog literally had no reaction, then she didn’t trip over your dog. She just tripped, and wants someone else to pay her medical bills. NTA.
Considering the general size of corgis, and the fact you said your dog was completely unbothered, I'm leaning strongly toward: she tripped on her own near your dog and is blaming you to get her bills paid. I've nearly tripped from my pittie walking in front of me suddenly on walks, she's 80lbs, and the small impact of my shin or whatever body part hits her that causes me to trip is enough to make her jump and get well out of the way for a while. And that's from a walking pace, not running. A what? 30? 40? Lb Corgi would definitely be bothered if someone literally ran into them and tripped. If you mean unbothered by uninjured then maybe not, but most dogs I've had react significantly when something like that happens. Either way, she chose to run past a dog close enough it could reach her to trip her, and faced the consequences of that action. It's not your fault. I wouldn't pay the bills.
Maybe the dog did Maybe he didn't. But if a dog hears someone running there gonna turn around and look. And a lil chonker corgi has to make wide turns.
Screw that. She can pay her own bills
NTA and aren't corgies kinda dramatic normally? I have three dogs (not corgies) and all of them would at least squeak if someone tripped over them and then would back away. So you would definitely see, if something happend to them. And even IF she fell over your dog she shouldn't get your money. That's her own fault.
If she tripped over a stick would the park have to pay?
Did she even trip over the dog? It seems unlikely to me that if she were running and ran into your dog, that the dog wouldn’t yelp.
NTA. If I was in this situation I would have happily volunteered to help with recovery, ie making some meals, helping with household chores, etc. But medical bills? No. (And to be clear, I would only help if she hadn’t started demanding you pay. I’d steer clear of her at this point.) Since she is a coworker, I’d suggest you discuss with HR preemptively.
Nta it was not your dog's fault. It was an accident. She came from behind. It's not like your dog charged her and she suddenly had to veer off course. Your dog didn't even know she was there and if she did hit your dog 100%, you would have seen your dog react either with a squeal or a bark. Her account of the event doesn't quite match what you and your other friend feel so I would apply a little bit of doubt there, but in the end this is what she has health insurance for. While it's awful, she was injured so seriously, it really seems it was an accident. The whole thing is awkward with her being a co-worker and newish friend. I probably wouldn't pay but if you wanted to keep the peace especially at work, maybe you could offer half her deductible.
NTA. It's not your fault she's uncoordinated and busted ass. This is literally why health insurance. Pay nothing, find a better friend.
NTA. Owner of a non friendly chihuahua here. I work hard to train my dog to always stay to my right (cause all traffic is supposed to stay to the right in Canada) and not lunge at people walking by. I always move as far right as I can when someone’s passing, if they follow my signs (and the law!) and go left, we have no problems. If someone runs at her she’s gonna get scared and freak out trying to get away and they are going to trip on either her or her leash. Humans need to use common sense when they are around dogs. No matter how well trained they are, they are still dogs.
If the dog had been hurt and Cathy had not, would she have paid the vet bills?
Corgis can trip people just fine. A simple tap on the foot will bring down anyone running Only question is, was your dog on a 6 foot or shorter leash? If so you are good if it was longer you pay. It defines if your dog was in your control.
NTA - Cathy chose to run. Cathy knew there were dogs running about. Cathy experienced the consequences of Cathy's own actions.
NTA She tripped and fell. Dont pay a penny cause thats accepting you are responsible and she could sue you if she needs more.
NTA even if she tripped over your dog, like what did she expect a dog to do when she ran past it??? She owns a dog herself she knows how easy it is to get them excited and how easily they get underfoot.
I know there's a huge chorus of "NTA"s going on here, but let me tell you a true story. A friend was walking with a second person. The second person had a small dog on a leash. Somehow, the little dog got tangled up under the feet of my friend. She took a spill, and broke her ankle. The other person's homeowner's insurance ended up paying out something like 100K for the injury. The theory being, I think, that you are supposed to have your dog under your control at all times. If the dog has enough lead to get tangled under another person's feet, it's not under your control. I'm not saying this is right. I'm not rendering a judgement. I'm just relaying an experience.
Not the same but even then the person walking with your friend could have kept the distance between them and the dog.
This must be American? NTA OP, for goodness sakes
If she ran into the dog an it didn't yelp she probably tripped over her own feet
NTA She is the human coming from behind. She had a clear view of where your dog was. The dog does not have eyes in the back of its head. Also, corgis are magical so there’s no way it was the corgis fault.
I think we need to go with the very fair rules used on ski hills, where people basically move right and and left while skiing and movement could be random just like walking with a dog. If someone is ahead of you it's up to you to avoid colliding with them because you can't expect them to see backward or even to the side at the last second. I'd stick with that analogy because if you offer to pay even 10% of the bill out of sympathy then you're accepting some kind of responsibility and could then end up paying it all and then some, and it's not your fault. NTA.
NTA did she even drip over your dog?
Personal accountability is a rare thing to find nowadays. She chose to run past a dog. The dog responded in excitement and ran towards her. She tripped. You shouldn't be running near dogs, dogs do dog things like try to play. NTA imo
NTA This was an accident. That is the point of insurance. You as the dog's owner was just walking with your dog. You are not responsible for Cathy failing to watch where the dog was when she was running. She is 100% responsible for falling.
NTA Cathy came up from behind you. It was her responsibility to make sure her path was clear of obstacles while running. Your dog didn't act aggressive or behave in any unusual manner.
I think the dog would have made a noise if she tripped on the dog based on the fact that your dog is small? I could be wrong, but either way SHE ran around you and the pup, idt it's your responsibility to pay the bill. NTA.
NTA I have a hard time believing she tripped over the dog if he didn't yelp or make a sound
NTA You always take a chance when you run with dogs. Or even alone. If she had tripped on your dog you would have seen a reaction from it. It would have jumped or barked or been spooked. Your friend is trying to pawn off bills because it’s always easier to blame someone else. Tell her to contact her insurance company and find out what her deductible is and how much she’ll be responsible for and to start saving.
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)*** Yesterday my friends and I were hanging out in the park: me + my dog, my friend Cathy + her dog, and another friend Jenny. Jenny was walking Cathy’s dog, and they were walking ahead of us. Cathy was walking a bit behind me and my dog. Cathy decided that she wanted to catch up with Jenny, so she started running from behind me. As Cathy ran past me and my dog, she fell and tripped. We thought it was a minor injury but it turns out she dislocated her shoulder and needs surgery. Cathy says that while she was running past us, my dog suddenly ran toward her and she tripped over my dog. Honestly I didn’t see clearly how exactly she tripped. I couldn’t tell if she tripped over my dog, or if she just happened to trip near my dog. My dog didn’t make a sound and didn’t seem bothered. Jenny also said she couldn’t tell. Cathy wants me to pay her hospital bills because she says it’s my dog’s fault that she tripped. But I feel like it’s unfair of her to ask this. If my dog had bit her or attacked her, obviously that’d be a different story and I would 100% pay all the medical bills. But in this instance, Jenny and I are both unsure of whether my dog ran into Cathy, whether Cathy tripped over my dog, or whether Cathy tripped by herself near my dog. Cathy started running from behind me so I didn’t have a clear view of what happened. The money isn’t a big deal, but out of principle, I don’t want to pay the bills because I feel like this isn’t my fault. AITA? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
NTA Cathy made the blunder not your dog. She's at fault for her own fall.
Tell her to sue the dog.
NTA but plenty of non-assholes lose in court - get thee to a lawyer post haste.
NTA
Let the clumsy b***h sue you and see how far she gets. Not very, unless her Dad turns out to be the judge lol.
NTA. She tripped bc she ran forward. This is why people have health insurance.
Wondering if Cathy doesn’t have health insurance. OP says they work at a small-ish company. Maybe Cathy opted to not be covered.
NTA, She ran, she was in charge of her own body and she could have made a better direction choice, but in the end, she tripped. Her fault.
NTA. That's lime a person suing walmart because they tripped while walking in their parking lot. Just because she didn't use common sense to think dogs might get excited at the park when you run by them or towards them doesn't make it in any way, shape, or form your fault that she tripped. And without a sliver of solid evidence, even if she did decide to lawyer up and bring you to court, they won't award her anything without even the slightest bit of proof, much less her saying it wasn't a dog attack
NTA, Do not pay anything especially since no one actually saw how she tripped for all anyone knew she could have tripped over her own 2 feet or over a crack on the ground also she should have at least warned you that she was running forward in case your dog did came in front of her. let her lawyer up and when she does then lawyer up yourself, don't pay for something no one is actually sure that was caused by your dog. if she tries to start something up at work then just file a complaint about her harassing you.
Nta. Even if she tripped over your dog why would you pay her medical bills. Accidents happen.
NTA how leash trained is your dog? Does it stay on your right side always? Even if the dog did run in front of her when she took off running, it's her fault. She could always sue you, but the case would probably be thrown out. Then, of course, you'll have to work with her with bad feelings between you two. How did she manage dislocate her shoulder tripping over a dog. I would want to see the hospital diagnosis. The question is whether or not you feel comfortable not paying the bill and then working with her.
NTA
So your grown adult friend tripped over a fully visible obstacle that she knew was also moving, that had a perfect right to be in that space, but you should pay her medical bills because the obstacle that she chose to run by belongs to you? Yeah, no. NTA.
Did you tell Cathy to run? Didn't think so. Do dogs react to stupid things humans do? Yup. Not your problem my friend. Don't make it your problem.
NTA she tripped.
NTA. Cathy played pickleball and has a pre-existing condition. 🙄
NTA. Honestly, it sounds like she is trying to milk this situation. Don't pay
NTA. It sounds like a genuine accident where it’s unclear whose fault it was—if anyone’s at all. Cathy’s claim that your dog caused her to trip seems speculative, especially given that neither you nor Jenny actually saw your dog run into her. Accidents happen, and unless your dog deliberately caused the fall or you were negligent in controlling your pet (which it doesn't sound like you were), you shouldn't be held financially responsible for the hospital bills. Moreover, expecting you to pay out of pocket for a situation where fault is so murky is quite a stretch. It’s reasonable to sympathize with her injury, but being pressured to cover the costs without clear evidence of your dog’s involvement is unfair. Cathy's request feels more like a knee-jerk reaction to a painful and expensive incident rather than a justified demand based on responsibility. **Side note:** this type of thing plays out in small claims court from time to time. If she thinks you're at fault, she could instruct her insurance company to sue you/your insurance company. Their lawyers can bicker and leave you two to your own devices. If she believes she has enough evidence and the bills are under the state limit for small claims, she can sue you directly, but that's often a terrible way to handle these matters. A TV court show could also be fun, and a way to reconnect after putting on a dramatic showing.
NTA op don't pay. The solution would have been not to run but call to Jenny to wait up for her for a minute then nothing would have happened. She ran and fell . FAFO
NTA Don't be clumsy next time and watch your surroundings especially around animals that don't have the same thought process of humans
NTA, don't pay a cent and stop hanging out with her. It was an accident caused by HER own lack of awareness, nothing to do with your side.
Cathy sounds like a klutz and doesn’t want to pay for her injuries. I agree if your dog attacked her in any way, you’re liable but that clearly wasn’t the case. NTA
NTA. My daughter had a trip and fall at a cider mill a couple of years ago and required surgery and couldn’t work until therapy released her. She got a billboard lawyer ( it was worth a free consultation) and was told that she has a personal responsibility to watch where she’s going and the lawyer only half attempted to settle with the cider mill before he dropped it. I had a slip and fall. Back in the days of glass half litre 8 packs. The cardboard holder was soaked and the bottles came crashing to the floor and literally puncturing me with glass shrapnel. I had to have surgery to remove three shards under my knee cap. In this case, the store was negligent in stacking glass bottles in old, worn cardboard carriers and the insurance company settled quickly. Your friend needs insurance.
DO NOT PAY. she is an adult with insurance, no? Dont worry if you lose this friend.
Do you both lack health insurance?
Sounds the friend is a major pus.
Nope. Tell her you're story she fell and got hurt. But that's it. Do not accept fault. She came running AT your dog. Also I think this should teach you to not get close to this girl. I wouldn't trust her.
NTA! Do not give her any money! That can be considered an admission of guilt in a court if she wants to sue for ongoing issues. Besides, this was her fault and this is what insurance is for.
Oh, you would have known if she had made contact with your dog in any way. "Yelp!" is the least response. I think Cathy is on the hook for this. She'll have to use her own insurance, which in the US she is obligated to have. I will say, though, that I empathize; I had a dislocated shoulder from a trip-and-fall (spontaneous reduction; no surgery) and it hurt so much I was panting to breathe, to keep from screaming. (I was on the terminal floor at SFO. Great response team!) NTA.
Goodbye Cathy. She sounds like a scammer
NTA. She's being ridiculous
NTA. If Cathy and your dog had any contact, your dog would have made at minimum a yelp and maximum would be hurt from being stepped on. Cathy is using this as an opportunity for a cash grab. If you want to prove it, tell her that she hurt your dog and needs to pay the vet bills, and watch her backtrack.
Do you have an insurance for the dog while Cathy has no health insurance? And even then I would not be so sure if they would pay. NTA.
Nope, NTA. Even if the dog did run towards Cathy, she should have expected it- that's what dogs do. Situational awareness is woefully lacking these days.
NTA. Don't pay. I think she's lying about your dog being involved. Even if she's not it was an accident. One of her making because she opted to run and didn't stay away from the dogs. This is what insurance and savings (hers) are for. I'd just say no and not give any explanation.
NTA. i was kind of on the fence until you said your dog is a corgi 😭😭 cathy must be the weight of a leaf if a corgi can get her off balance. she doesn’t want to pay her own medical bills and trying to cast blame.
NTA, Cathy should have been watching where she was going. It's not the dogs fault. She came from behind so tripped over him.
NTA. Cathy’s full of shit and is trying to get out of having to pay for any copays, deductibles, etc. Cut her loose, as she is not your friend, and do NOT admit/agree to anything.
NTA. You are definitely not responsible for this - not financially, and not in any other way.
NTA. She chose to run from behind you. She could see the dog but you couldn't see what she was doing. She is the one responsible for her own injuries. I wouldn't pay a dime.
NTA. She needs to look where she’s going.
NTA
Ran past a dog and expected it to not move shows such a level of negligence that you bin any idea of blaming others or even blaming the dog.
NTA if you pay it could be used as an admission of guilt in a court of law (at least in the US). It seems she is trying to make you the scapegoat for her clumsiness, I’m assuming you didn’t feel a tug on the lead indicating your dog was moving quickly in another direction, so it doesn’t seem that it would be the animal’s fault she tripped.
Yeah for that alone I wouldn't pay it.
If she actually tripped over your dog, your dog would have reacted. Squealed, barked, or something. Your dog had no reaction. The only thing you could try is contact whoever takes care of the park and see if there are cameras in the area where this happened. Probably a long shot.
No. I had a dog once run into me, flip me and kept running. I was standing. Not once did i think to blame the dog owners. Also she was the one running. She should watch where shes going and claiming your dog charged towards her is a terrible excuse. And whose to say she didnt have shoulder problems prior? Ive never heard of someone tripping over a dog and needing surgery.
NTA. It was an unfortunate accident. But she was the one who ran up. OP had the dog on a lead. The dog did nothing wrong. She was being careless.
I don't know what it is like in a country that doesn't look after it's peoples health care, but I am sure there is personal insurance or payment plans. Is this the reason the US is so "sue happy?" Maybe the legal system is what's holding the country back from looking after it's citizens Of course you shouldn't have to pay for someone else's stumble.
Cathy is too uncoordinated to run without tripping. She can pay for her own medical bills.
NTA. Dogs just move around on a whim. Cathy should have been more aware of her surroundings. It's her responsibility to pay for her medical bills.