Medical professionals have a duty to comply with a certain standard of care and to provide such medical care as can reasonably be expected from a practitioner with such qualifications and experience. If a medical professional’s conduct falls below the standard of care, it constitutes medical malpractice.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, you may have a claim for compensation against the Road Accident Fund (“RAF”). Any person involved in a motor vehicle accident can claim compensation from the RAF, except the driver of a vehicle whose negligence was the sole cause of the accident.

Lack of proper safety and ill-maintained railroad infrastructure often leads to injury or death. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (“PRASA”) is responsible for ensuring that trains, railway lines, train stations and railway crossings are safe and well maintained. If the agency neglects its duty, and you or a family member are injured and/or killed, as a result, you may have a claim against the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa.

The South African Police Services Officials and Tshwane Metro Police Officials are allowed to use force when strictly necessary in the execution of their duties, but the force used must always be proportional to the relevant circumstances. In the event that police officials use excessive and/or unnecessary force, they may be guilty of assault, and you may have a claim against the authorities. Equally, in circumstances where police officials fail, refuse and/or neglect to due diligence in effecting arrest and/or where an individual is unlawfully detained, such an individual may have a claim for damages against the relevant authorities.

Injuries sustained in shopping malls, retail stores, cinemas, restaurants, sports stadiums, airports, casinos caused by a falling object, a slippery floor, or treacherous stairs may be grounds for a damages claim. Due to the complex nature of these claims, it is advisable that you consult with us to determine whether a claim against the owner/occupier of the public area is valid.

If you are injured by a dog or other domesticated animal, you may have a claim against the owner of the animal if certain requirements are met. It is important to identify the owner of the animal and to establish the circumstances of the attack or incident. You will only have a claim if the animal acted contrary to the nature of that animal.

Claims against the Road Accident Fund (“RAF”) can be instituted as a result of bodily injuries, which will include the costs of past and future medical expenses, the past and future loss of earnings/salary and, subject to certain requirements, compensation for pain, suffering and disfigurement (General Damages).