Dear Prudence is Slate’s advice column. Submit questions here .

Dear Prudence,

My 9-year-old son, “Thomas,” was going door-to-door in our neighborhood selling candy for a school fundraiser last week. When he got to “Mrs. Moore’s” house, her chihuahua ran out of her front door when she opened it. Sadly, the dog ran into the street just as a car was coming and was struck and killed. Now, Mrs. Moore is threatening a lawsuit if my husband and I don’t pay her the $2,500 she claims the dog cost. We, of course, feel terrible for her loss, but I don’t think Thomas is responsible; this could have happened with anyone she answered the door to. Should we just ignore her, or do we need to speak to a lawyer?

—Dog Disaster

Dear Dog Disaster,

Most lawyers will give a free consultation, so i

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