updated: 04-Jun-17
When it comes to Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims, no name pops into your head faster than that of de Broglio Attorneys Inc. With their catch phrase, “If it wasn’t your fault, it shouldn’t be your problem,” this distinguished law firm has become a household name in South Africa when it comes to RAF claims. They recently settled an RAF claim for an exceptional amount that will surely change the life of their client forever.
Zimbabwean maths teacher Tafadzwa Chirau* was a passenger in a motor vehicle, which was involved in a serious accident on a South African road in 2012. Tafadzwa was trapped in the car and only freed by a rescue team. He was taken to hospital where he was told that everything was fine and he was then sent home.
At home he realised that he could not walk anymore or move as he did before the accident and he rushed back to the hospital. Another doctor informed him that he had sustained a severe spinal injury and he lost all feeling from his neck down. This had a devastating affect on all spheres of his life including his employment and family life.
His attorney said, “This is a passenger claim and we settled the merits directly with the fund. Our client is from Zimbabwe and worked in Kwa-Zulu Natal as a contract Maths Teacher before the accident. The accident left him completely paralyzed thereby leaving him wheelchair bound as his means to move from one place to the other.”
A member of his legal team commented, “It is probably the worst thing, to have a completely able mind but a body that is failing you and, living with this for the rest of your life.”
De Broglio Attorneys Inc. bought a motorised wheelchair for Tafadzwa. He was absolutely thrilled! “Until we bought him an electric wheelchair, he was dependent on other people to push him around. As a result of the accident, he lost his job and had to move back to Zimbabwe where he is looked after by his younger sister,” reported his attorney.
His matter was settled in the North Gauteng High Court for the staggering amount of R4,486,739.00.
Tafadzwa’s attorney said, “At the day of court, our client was so happy that for the first time I saw him smiling in all the 5 consultations I have had with him. He even cried out of joy.”
*Names have been changed to protect client confidentiality.
Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.