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Knowing What to do After a Personal Injury
Due to the unexpected nature of personal injury, one may be too overwhelmed to know what to do after a personal injury. You may find yourself in a challenging and overwhelming situation and can incur unexpected expenses. It’s crucial to take specific steps to protect your well-being and ensure you’re taking the necessary actions to address the problem correctly. Here is a general guide on what steps to consider after a personal injury: Seek Medical Attention The first and most important step is to seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the top priority. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to assess the extent of your injuries and receive proper treatment. Report the Incident If the injury occurred in a public place, at work, or in any other location where there may be liability, report the incident to the appropriate authority. This
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) Amendment Bill 2023: A Look into Proposed Changes and Potential Impact
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has long been a subject of scrutiny and criticism in South Africa. Time and again, it has faced challenges in fulfilling its responsibilities to those affected by road accidents. Now, in light of these issues, the Department of Transport introduced the draft RAF Amendment Bill, 2023. A Brief Overview The draft bill, made public in August 2023, aims to alter the RAF’s future operations. The public has less than a month to add their voice to these amendments. What are the significant amendments? Overall, the draft suggests moving away from the current system, which compensates victims based on the actual damages suffered to a “structured benefit” structure. The amendment Bill represents a watered-down version of the RABS Bill which was rejected in its entirety in August 2017. 1. Structured Benefits Over Compensation Instead of compensating for actual damages, the RAF would cater for a structured
The Top 5 Most Common Personal Injury Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Accidents happen, but some are more serious than others. Personal injury accidents can have long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Fortunately, many accidents can be prevented by taking simple precautions. This blog post lists the top 5 most common personal injury accidents and how to avoid them. Slip and Fall Accidents Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury. These accidents can occur on wet floors, uneven surfaces, and stairs. Always be aware of your surroundings and wear slip-resistant shoes to avoid slip and fall accidents. Use handrails when available, and avoid rushing or running on slippery surfaces. If you notice a wet floor, report it to the appropriate person so that it can be cleaned up promptly. Car Accidents Car accidents are another common cause of personal injury. To avoid car accidents, always wear your seatbelt, obey traffic laws, and avoid distracted driving
Prevalence of Substandard Medical Care in Rural South Africa
South Africa is grappling with the issue of substandard medical care, a serious problem that affects the most vulnerable in our country each year. One of the primary factors contributing to this problem is the lack of access to adequate and comprehensive healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Patients in these areas are often faced with challenges in accessing and obtaining quality care. As such, tackling substandard care in rural areas of South Africa is an urgent and ongoing issue that requires attention and action. Challenges in tackling substandard care in rural South Africa: Conclusion Tackling substandard care in rural areas of South Africa is a complex and challenging issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes increasing the number of healthcare professionals in rural areas, improving access to healthcare, improving the quality of healthcare services, and improving communication and collaboration between healthcare providers. By working together to address these issues,
4 Common Causes of Road Accidents: Understanding the Risks
Road accidents are a significant cause of injury and death in South Africa. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, there were over 10,000 deaths on South African roads in 2020 alone. At Gert Nel Inc Attorneys, we have seen the devastating effects of road accidents firsthand and are committed to helping victims seek justice and compensation. This blog explores some common causes of road accidents and how you can prevent them. Reckless or negligent driving One of the most common causes of road accidents is reckless or negligent driving. This includes speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and distracted driving. According to Gert Nel, “Reckless or negligent driving is a significant contributor to road accidents, and it is essential for drivers to understand the risks associated with these behaviours.” In fact, a study by the South African Medical Journal found that 71% of fatal accidents in
Your Right to Claim from the RAF
South Africa’s roads are recognized as some of the most hazardous globally, with thousands of road accidents and fatalities recorded every year. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, you have the right to claim compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF). What is the RAF & how do people claim? The RAF is a state-run organization that compensates road accident victims. The RAF is funded through a fuel levy that all South African motorists pay at the pump. The RAF compensates victims for medical expenses, loss of income, loss of support, and other related costs. To claim from the RAF, you need to meet specific criteria. You must have been involved in a road accident that was caused by the negligence of another person or party, and you must have suffered bodily injury or death as a result. The accident must have taken
Personal Injury Attorneys Who Care
In the month of love, we wanted to write about how the attorneys at Gert Nel Incorporated show the public how much they care. As a starting point, we asked ChatGPT about the general opinion of attorneys and received this very balanced response: What is the general opinion about attorneys? The general opinion that the public has of attorneys can vary depending on a number of factors such as their personal experiences, exposure to media portrayals, and general societal attitudes towards the legal profession. However, some common perceptions of attorneys include: Necessary Evil – Many people view attorneys as a necessary evil, someone they only turn to when they are in legal trouble or need to resolve a legal dispute. While they recognize the importance of having a good lawyer, they may not have a positive view of the legal profession as a whole. Overpriced and Unscrupulous – Some people
Everything You Should Know About Personal Injury Claim Scams
Personal injury-related insurance fraud is a severe crime that can result in serious criminal charges. This type of fraud typically involves falsely claiming that someone was injured in an accident or exaggerating the extent of the injuries. It is also common for people to file claims after staging or planning accidents, or making false statements about theft, arson incidents, and car crashes. Different Types of Insurance Fraud. In the world of insurance fraud, there are two categories you need to be aware of: accidental fraud and intentional fraud. Accidental fraud occurs when an insured person makes a mistake (such as a clerical error or failing to disclose information) which results in them receiving benefits they were not entitled to receive. Intentional fraud, unfortunately the most common type of insurance fraud, occurs when someone knowingly or deliberately makes false statements or misrepresents facts on their insurance application form with the intent
A Patient’s Right to Informed Consent
If you believe that you received medical treatment without having given your informed consent, learn more about a patient’s right to informed consent and how to get assistance here. A patient must provide his/her informed consent for any medical treatment that he/she receives. The aforementioned principle was established in the matter of Stoffberg v Elliot, 1912 CPD, and has since formed a vital part of the South African legal system. The requirements of informed consent were formulated in the matter of Castell v De Greeff, 1994 (4) SA 408 (C) A, as follow: The patient must bear knowledge of the harm or risk, or must be aware thereof. The patient must understand and appreciate the nature and extent of the harm or risk. The patient must consent to the harm or risk. The patient’s consent given must be intelligible, in other words, having the necessary knowledge of the risk or