Slip and Fall Accidents and the Law in South Africa
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property in South Africa, you might be eligible to claim compensation. Here’s a basic introduction to the legal framework:
The Foundation: Negligence
South African law uses the principle of negligence to determine liability in slip and fall cases. This means you’d need to prove three things:
- ✅ Duty of Care: The owner or occupier of the property owed you a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety.
- ✅ Breach of Duty: The owner or occupier failed to take those reasonable steps, creating a hazard.
- ✅ Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your slip, fall, and resulting injuries.
Key Points to Consider
- ✅ Not Automatic Liability: Even if you slip and fall, it doesn’t automatically mean the owner is liable. You might have contributed to the accident by not paying attention or wearing improper footwear.
- ✅ Evidence is Crucial: Gathering evidence like witness statements, photos of the scene, and medical records is vital to support your case.
- ✅ Time Limits: There’s a time limit (prescription period) to file a claim, typically three years from the accident date according to the Prescriptions Act.
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