Move over lawyer-crazy Americans, South Africans are slowly cottoning on to the fact that they have legal rights. In recent years, more and more South Africans have been opting to sue for damages - whether it is for wrongful arrest, negligence, paternity fraud or pain and suffering.
It is not only the medical fraternity that has been put under the microscope; individuals are being lambasted by the law simply because they have not taken the precaution of adequate liability insurance.
Devastated father sues ex-wife for paternity fraud
In 2007, a Johannesburg man began proceedings against his ex-wife for alleged paternity fraud and is suing her for R1 million plus interest and court costs.
She allegedly lied to him for over 25 years about the paternity of his son, a man now well into his thirties. His son spilled the beans last year, claiming he was not his natural father, and since then the two have become estranged.
The man is claiming financial compensation for emotional pain and trauma and for the money he happily paid for his 'sons' upbringing, education and general well-being.
Woman sues hospital for sore on her bottom
In August 2008, a Pretoria woman started proceedings against a prominent South African private hospital chain. She is claiming R3.6 million in damages after she developed an unsightly and painful pressure sore on her buttocks.
She has claimed that the medical staff failed to render proper medical care and will have to undergo plastic surgery.
Kebble sues alleged murderers for maintenance
Another case that has dominated the headlines in South Africa is Roger Kebble's bid to sue the two men allegedly responsible for his son, Brett Kebble's murder. He wants R15 million from the men fingered for the 'assisted suicide' to help with the upkeep of his four grandchildren. Kebble settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money.
by Claire Pritchardhttp://www.chadwicks.co.za
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