Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
Divorce, Maintenance, Personal Injury, Medical Negligence
There was a lot of news in the media, some time ago, with the big train accident when PRASA offered the claimants up to R10 000,00 in compensation if they immediately signed away their rights. There was the predictable flood of people who ran to go and get the compensation, under the guise that it would take much longer to get compensation from attorneys, and that their fees will end up eating up most of your award.
It is amazing that such approach works, but it does, and people rush to go and get their R10 000,00 and sign a waiver to accept that settlement in full and final settlement of their claim. It does indeed take longer with attorneys and obviously, if an attorney is involved that attorney is going to earn fees, but the 6 or 7 cases that we have taken on from the same accident have left most of our clients getting about eight times more than what PRASA offered, and quite a few of them in excess of R100 000,00. I would much rather wait 18 months to get R100 000,00 than I would to get R10 000,00 now - and that is over R100 000,00 after the deduction of our fees.
Sadly the people who need to read articles like this, never do, and it is unfortunate that there is no media coverage a year and a half later to let people know what did happen with those who went to attorneys to get compensation, because those who signed up for the R10 000,00 and were fooled into accepting it, would now feel totally ripped off.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Wednesday 20-Feb-13
Post a Comment
Comments
Nicky said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 05:01 PM
Its sad to see how institutions take advantage of people in a vulnerable and desperate position, especially when they are aware that they are ripping people off.
Catherine said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 02:09 PM
There are a couple of facts in play here: I believe that there was not enough information out there to enable people make informed decisions, secondly people nowdays are sceptical of Lawyers and believe that they are out to reap them off and the level of poverty is just alarming.
Corné said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 01:56 PM
It is terribly sad that people got ripped off because of their ignorance but it is actually everybody’s own responsibility to make informed decisions.
Lorette said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 12:56 PM
Most of the people think that R10 000.00 is a large sum of money compared to their salaries. But I have to agree that I would also wait longer to get the money owed to me.
thembi said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 10:12 AM
People run for quick cash because they are hungry and need cach ASAP.They only realise after a while that it was worth nothing comparing to their injuries becuase R10 000 won't even last for long.
Genevieve said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 09:40 AM
People are naive. When money is involved they will take anything. But go to court and they want more than what they would have originally take. Can never please everyone. It's actually so sad how people are not willing to go the extra mile and put in a little effort like Robyn said.
Robyn said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 06:50 AM
A lot of people are also lazy and they don't want to make an effort and then they complain afterwards anyway. So many people are ignorant on purpose.
Thabitha said:
on Thursday 21-Feb-13 12:51 PM
Sometime people do stupid things when money is involve and nowadays people wants quick cash they don't want to wait for good things or get more information before making mistake of their life.
Sinead said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 03:08 PM
I agree with Brumilde. People do think about now rather than later. It's quite sad really. As Angelique says: it's people's greed and stupidity
Benita said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 03:07 PM
It's amazing how many people get ripped off because of their ignorance. One should always think just before doing something. Sometimes a bit of scepticism is not a bad thing
Angelique said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 02:59 PM
I think it should have been more advertised so that people would be aware of how to claim. R10 000 does not get you that far these days and I'm sure that it gets taxed? People should be more aware infact PRASA or the government should make it a requirement that they consult with an attorney especially if their injuries are really bad. If they after that want to accept the R10 000.00 then its their own greedy and stupidity.
Brumilde said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 12:44 PM
Take into consideration as well that people don;t really trust attorneys. And some think about the now rather than the later
moenisha said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 11:37 AM
People are gulable i guess if i needed money and didn't know better, heard R10,000 wow that's a lot of money i don't have, if i was desperate i would also take it
cherise said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 11:11 AM
I would also think that people dont stop and think about if their injuries only start to affect them at a later stage and they will need more than R10 000.00 for their treatments.
Sadly people need money and when an amount that seems high is available to them immediately they will Jump at it. I would wait.
Lucretia said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 11:11 AM
I have to second what Michael has said. In fact it has taken us less than 18 months to settle the matters and our clients are smiling all the way to the bank. Not only have they received proper advise from our experts but they have been paid out for future medical expenses based on this advise. I understand that time is tough financially but, those who took the money from PRASA are going to experience even tougher financial difficulties when the time comes for them to undergo treatment for their injuries. There is an old Afrikaans saying, "Goed koop is duur koop", the same will apply when they need the money for the treatment, the little the got now "in a hurry" from PRASA is going to haunt them.
Julie said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 11:11 AM
Brenda said exactly what I was about to say - lots of poor people who would rather grab the cash - and yes, sad indeed.
Brenda said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 10:55 AM
Any body who is living in today's times will know that it is tough out there, and people are struggling financially. PRASA took this to their advantage and knew that people would grab the opportunity for free cash! It was sly and yes, they ripped a lot of people off.
It is a sad truth that most people would rather take immediate cash rather than wait a few months for more, but that is the level of desperation we have reached in this country.
Cornelie said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 10:38 AM
I totally agree with Allexis and Sarah if you get a pay out at any stage for something that happened to you and it is not your fault, at a Hospital or like this instance obviously they are hiding something. Just wish that people will first consult with attorneys then just to take money which won’t even last you long.
Tanith said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 10:36 AM
I think cases like this they depend on the people acting impulsively and not actually think of it in the long run. and maybe some people were "forced" - due to whatever circumstances, to just take that money now, and couldnt wait... who knows?
Sarah said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 07:52 AM
Obviously they have something to hide or they were in big trouble but in this case the people were fooled. Even if they got R10 000 how far does that moeny take you these days?
Alexis said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 07:26 AM
The best way to see it is WHY would they be so quick to offer a cash payout. Means that they know they are in trouble and that you could take them for a lot more. The people who went to attorneys were way smarter and deserved the compensation that they received wheras others, it would have seemed like a good deal, however how far does 10 grand actually get you....?
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
