Author Archives: Maxine Davy

Injuries Not Serious Enough? Your Rights After a RAF Rejection

Scene of a motor vehicle accident, highlighting the importance of support for injured victims

Written by Rorisang Phahlane This article explains the rights and processes available to Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants whose injuries have been assessed and determined as “not serious” by the RAF, or where the RAF has failed to decide timeously on whether the claimant’s injuries are serious or not serious. This matters because a claimant […]

Charged a High Cancellation Fee on a Fixed-Term Contract?

Mobile users engaged with their phone devices

Written by Tammy Maaladiatla Ending a consumer fixed-term contract early, such as a cellphone or data contract, a gym membership, a streaming subscription, or any other ongoing service, should not feel like a fight. Yet for many South African ordinary consumers, a routine cancellation turns into a confusing, expensive back-and-forth over fees that feel exploitative. […]

Why Legal Expertise Matters in Road Accident Fund Claims

Written by Teboho Mofokeng Every year, thousands of South Africans are injured in motor vehicle accidents. For many, the Road Accident Fund (“RAF”) provides an important source of financial support to compensate for serious injuries, loss of income, medical expenses, and the financial consequences of losing a loved one. While the RAF exists to compensate […]

Automotive Liability Crisis: Your Rights and Remedies Explained

Rows of parked vehicles at a distribution yard representing automotive liability and consumer protection law in South Africa.

Written by Kemeshan Moodley Thousands of South African motorists purchase vehicles believing they are safe, reliable and fit for purpose. Increasingly, however, consumers are discovering that some vehicles are affected by recurring defects, misleading performance claims, inadequate recalls and other systemic failures that may give rise to legal remedies. These issues are no longer isolated […]

Slip, Trip and Fall Claims in South Africa

Slip and fall injury claims lawyer South Africa

Written by Dayna Arnoldi   Slip, Trip and Falls in South Africa – Understanding Liability, Damages and Your Rights to Compensation. Slip, trip and fall incidents are among the most common causes for personal injury claims in South Africa. These incidents frequently occur in everyday environments such as shopping centres, restaurants, hotels, parking areas and public […]

Claims for Grief and Emotional Shock in South Africa

Emotional shock injury claims attorney South Africa

Written by Mercy Masuka   One moment life moves along its ordinary course, and the next it is interrupted by an accident, or life-changing event concerning a loved one. In the aftermath of such events, the physical damage is often visible – damaged property, broken bones and physical pain and suffering. But the emotional impact […]

When Healthcare Fails: Understanding Medical Negligence Claims

Medical negligence concept with gavel, stethoscope and mask representing healthcare malpractice and legal claims

Written by Ankia Witte   Medical treatment does not always produce the desired outcome. Even where care is appropriate and diligent, complications may arise. However, where harm results from substandard medical treatment, the law recognises a claim for medical negligence. Understanding the distinction between an unfortunate outcome and actionable negligence is critical in determining whether a […]

Consumer Rights and Product Safety: Lessons from the UFS Study

Multiple sanitary pads arranged in a diagonal pattern against a teal blue background, illustrating product safety and consumer protection themes in the context of menstrual hygiene products

Written by Samantha Loomes and Roxanne Vermaak   Since the recent publication of the scientific study from the University of Free State, which identified the presence of hormone-disrupting chemicals in various sanitary products, the public discourse surrounding consumer rights, product safety and transparency in marketing has intensified. Following thorough investigations, media statements from the Minister […]

Class Actions in South Africa: Unlocking Access to Justice

A raised fist bearing the colours of the South African flag, symbolising collective strength and the pursuit of justice.

Written by Farah Moola “The law is a scarce resource in South Africa … [and] justice is even harder to come by”.[1] South Africa’s constitutional democracy is founded on the promise of equality before the law and meaningful access to justice. Yet, for many individuals and communities, particularly those affected by systemic wrongdoing, corporate misconduct, […]

Understanding the Road Accident Fund Claim Process

Road Accident Fund Claims South Africa

Written by Tshifhiwa Nemulalate   Navigating the legal process after being injured in a car accident can be stressful. Many claimants believe that lodging a Road Accident Fund (“RAF”) claim is as simple as filling out a form and waiting for compensation. In reality, achieving a successful outcome takes meticulous planning, strict adherence to statutory deadlines, thorough […]