TRAIN & RAILWAY ACCIDENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Your Preferred Legal Partner In Train & Railway Accident Claims In South Africa
WHAT DO TRAIN & RAILWAY ACCIDENTS ENTAIL IN SOUTH AFRICAN LAW?
On a routine basis, a big portion of our people in South Africa make use of public transportation. A substantial portion of this population uses rail transit (and these figures are rapidly increasing, thanks to the launch of the “Business Express” and the Gautrain, geared at the upper-end financial part of the population). The rail services sector is controlled and run mostly by para-statal entities. These entities, in turn, owe various responsibilities to the public commuter, such as the duty of care, whereby a commuter/passenger is entitled to a minimum level of safety while on public transportation services.
In the past recent years, injuries and deaths include fatalities caused by train accidents and derailments, which mostly involved Transnet and PRASA. South African law dictates that any person who has suffered damage owing to bodily injuries to himself or herself or bodily injuries suffered by someone else may institute legal proceedings against the appropriate authorities.
WHAT CLAIMS CAN BE MADE IN A TRAIN OR RAILWAY ACCIDENT?
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.
The following train & railway accidents claims can be made against PRASA:
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 for pain, suffering and disfigurement (General Damages);
Claims for loss of support and/or funeral expenses, where a breadwinner passed away as a result of injuries sustained.
WHO MAY INSTITUTE A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES AGAINST PRASA?
Any person who has sustained bodily injuries whilst embarking or disembarking a train;
Any person injured by a train whilst at the station;
Any person who has substained an injury whilst transiting a train;
A surviving husband/wife and children who have lost their spouse/breadwinner of the family may claim for damages suffered as a result of a loss of support due to the death of the breadwinner;
If a minor sustained injuries and has to receive medical care/treatment, the parent/primary caregiver can institute a claim, for medical costs incurred.
INSIST ON DEALING WITH EXPERT TRAIN & RAILWAY ACCIDENT LAWYERS
PM Attorneys are one of Pretoria’s leading personal injury claims firms, practising from our offices in Centurion. Our specialist personal injury lawyers have successfully been operating since 2008, delivering clients across South Africa with the best legal solutions based on experience and knowledge of South African Laws and their successful interpretation. PM Attorneys’ train and railway accident experts employ a formidable litigation team with extensive experience in dealing with PRASA, Transnet and other entities across South Africa. Be sure to trust PM Attorneys professionals with your personal injury claims, contact us immediately for a consultation.
PM Attorneys boast extensive experience, knowledge and years in practice, making us the preferred legal partner in South African Law. Contact us for professional, expert advice and effective legal solutions to your train and railway accident claim matters.
