AC De Sousa Attorneys

29/07/2026

What does it actually cost to prove a personal injury claim — and what happens to the money when you win?

Every serious High Court claim is built on evidence that must be paid for: specialist medico-legal reports, an actuary, counsel, court fees. These are disbursements — and we believe a client should understand every line of an account before a claim is finalised.

Our new article explains:
🔹 What disbursements are, and who funds them while the case runs
🔹 What a costs order really recovers from the other side
🔹 Why a gap can remain — and the protections that apply
🔹 The questions every client should ask before signing with any firm

📖 Read the full article: https://acdsattorneys.co.za/fees-disbursements-and-recovered-costs-how-the-money-works-when-your-claim-succeeds/

This post is general information, not legal advice.

29/07/2026

When a medical negligence claim brought for a child succeeds, the court will almost always order that the award be protected — usually through a trust.

For many parents this comes as a surprise, and sometimes as real distress: "I fought this case for my child. Why can't the money be paid to me?"

The answer is not about mistrust of any parent. It is about protecting a once-off award that must fund a lifetime of care.

Our new article explains, in plain language:
🔹 Whose money the award really is
🔹 Why the court insists on protection in every case
🔹 What a court-ordered trust means for the family, day to day

📖 Read the full article: https://acdsattorneys.co.za/why-the-court-orders-a-trust-when-a-child-is-awarded-damages-for-medical-negligence/

This post is general information, not legal advice.

20/07/2026

Medical negligence is when treatment received from a doctor, nurse or hospital, whether public or private, causes injury or harm that proper care would have prevented. It can take many forms: a missed or delayed diagnosis, a surgical error, a medication mistake, a birth injury, or a failure to act in time.

Not every poor outcome is negligence. Medicine carries risk, and some complications occur even with good care. The legal question is whether the treatment fell below the standard reasonably expected of the practitioner or hospital concerned, and whether that caused the injury.

If you believe treatment has left you or a family member injured or worse off, a few early steps protect your position. Request your complete medical records (you are entitled to them), write down the sequence of events with dates while it is fresh, and keep every account and prescription. Time limits are strict. Claims generally prescribe after three years, and claims against state hospitals require written notice within six months.

If you have concerns about treatment you or a family member received, we can assess whether there is a claim worth investigating. Call 0860 33 33 55, message the page, or visit acdsattorneys.co.za. A C De Sousa Attorneys, specialist personal injury litigation since 2004.

06/07/2026

One team, one season, all of us behind them. 🇿🇦 AC de Sousa Attorneys proudly supports the Springboks through the 2026 Nations Championship and beyond. Go well, Bokke!

25/06/2026

A question we are often asked: "The driver who hit me drove off and was never traced — do I have any claim at all?"

The answer is usually yes. Where neither the driver nor the owner of the other vehicle can be identified, you may still lodge a claim with the Road Accident Fund. These are commonly known as hit-and-run or "unidentified vehicle" claims.

There is an important difference to be aware of. An unidentified-vehicle claim must be lodged within two years of the date of the accident, and that deadline is strict. Supporting evidence also matters: report the accident to SAPS, keep the case number, and hold on to any witness details and medical records.

If you or a family member were injured by a vehicle that left the scene, we are happy to look at where you stand. Call 0860 33 33 55 or visit acdsattorneys.co.za. A C De Sousa Attorneys — specialist personal injury litigation since 2004.

18/06/2026

A recent Supreme Court of Appeal ruling has changed the position for many Road Accident Fund claimants. On 30 April 2026 the court set aside the RAF's revised claim form, and the process reverts to the earlier 2008 form.

In practical terms, this means claims that were rejected or not acknowledged under the newer requirements may be re-lodged — and treated as if they were lodged on the original date. Claimants have until 30 September 2026 to refile.

If an RAF claim of yours, or a family member's, was turned away on a technicality in recent years, it may be worth having it reviewed before that deadline. Ordinary time limits still apply, so it is sensible not to leave it late.

We are happy to look at where your claim stands and explain your options. Call 0860 33 33 55 or visit acdsattorneys.co.za. A C De Sousa Attorneys — specialist personal injury litigation since 2004.

11/06/2026