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Personal Injury and Third-Party Claims

Personal Injury and third-party claims can be daunting, not only because sustaining a personal injury is an unforeseen event and can be a life-changing experience. Whether the injury results from a vehicle accident, a slip and fall, or some other event, the road to recovery can be overwhelming and filled with unexpected challenges. One avenue available to injured parties is the concept of third-party claims. Understanding this process can help you navigate your situation more effectively and get you the compensation you deserve. What are personal injury claims? A personal injury claim arises when an individual suffers harm due to another person’s negligence or intentional act. This could range from minor injuries to severe, life-altering conditions. The essence of personal injury law is based on the principle that those who cause harm should be held responsible for their actions. Common types of personal injury claims include: Motor vehicle accidents: Injuries

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When is RAF Bridging Finance a Good Idea?

“When is RAF bridging Finance a good idea?” is a question we often get asked at Gert Nel Inc Attorneys. In the aftermath of a road accident, individuals often face not only physical and emotional distress but also financial strain. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) compensates those affected by road accidents. However, claiming from the RAF can be a lengthy and cumbersome process, leaving victims in financial limbo. This is where Road Accident Fund Bridging Finance comes into play, offering a financial lifeline to those awaiting settlement. In this blog, we explore whether selecting RAF Bridging Finance is a good decision, emphasising that while it can be beneficial, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding Road Accident Fund Bridging Finance RAF Bridging Finance is designed to provide immediate financial relief to individuals awaiting compensation from the Road Accident Fund. These bridging loans offer a portion of the expected settlement in advance,

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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

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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