Personal injury claims
For people who have been physically or psychologically harmed because of someone else's actions or negligence.
What this covers — and what it doesn't
Personal injury law deals with harm caused to a person — physical injury, psychological injury, or both — where someone else may be legally responsible. Our firm represents injured people and their families in claims for compensation covering medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
We handle each stage of a claim: assessing what happened, gathering evidence and expert reports, engaging the responsible parties or their insurers, and, where necessary, litigating in court.
What this page does not automatically cover: injuries from road accidents involving motor vehicles are usually claimed through the Road Accident Fund process, and harm from healthcare is dealt with under medical negligence. Both have their own pages, and we will route your enquiry to the right process.
- A slip, trip or fall caused by an unsafe surface or obstruction
- An injury at work or at business premises
- Harm caused by a defective product
- An assault or incident where security was inadequate
- Psychological harm following a traumatic incident
Examples only — never a conclusive legal test. Whether a claim exists always depends on the facts and evidence of the specific matter.
What to keep safe, starting now
- Seek medical attention first — your health comes before any claim
- Keep every medical record, referral note, script and account
- Write down what happened while it is fresh, with dates and times
- Keep the names and contact details of witnesses
- Photograph injuries, the scene and anything that contributed, if safe to do so
- Keep damaged clothing or items as they are — do not clean or repair them
Claims prescribe (expire) if they are not pursued in time. Some time limits are short. Contact an attorney promptly rather than working out deadlines yourself.
Leshilo Attorneys Incorporated · 11 Rabe Street, Corner President Paul Kruger Street, Polokwane Central, Polokwane · 015 280 0070 · leshiloattorneys.com
The path to resolution
High-level stages — matters differ, experts may be involved, and honest uncertainty is part of proper advice.
Fees are agreed in writing before work starts — no verbal fee promises, here or anywhere. Depending on the matter, regulated contingency ("no win, no fee") arrangements may be available, subject to the legal caps and formalities. How fees work, in plain language.
Tell us what happened
A confidential conversation, by phone, in person or through a secure enquiry. No obligation, and no assumption that a claim exists.
Conflict and suitability review
We check that the firm can properly act for you and give an honest view on whether the matter is worth pursuing.
Consultation and engagement
If we proceed, we agree the mandate and fees in writing before work starts.
Investigation and progression
Evidence, expert reports, negotiation with the responsible parties, and litigation where needed. Steps vary from matter to matter.
- How long do I have to claim?
- It depends on the type of claim and who it is against. Many claims prescribe after three years, but some involve much shorter notice periods — for example, claims against organs of state require notice within months. Treat time limits as urgent and get advice early; do not rely on a general rule.
- What can be claimed?
- Depending on the facts: past and future medical expenses, past and future loss of income, and general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenities of life. What applies in your matter depends on its own evidence.
- Will my matter go to court?
- Not necessarily. Many claims settle. We prepare each matter as if it may go to court, which supports fair settlement negotiation.
Answers last reviewed 15 July 2026 · Jurisdiction: South Africa · see the disclaimer.
Who works on these matters
From the briefing room
The first 24 hours after an accident: what to record, keep and avoid
The evidence that decides injury claims is often created — or lost — in the first day. A practical, printable guide to protecting your health first and your claim second.
Prescription and time limits: why waiting can cost you your claim
Claims expire. Some quietly, some quickly, and some in ways that surprise people — notice periods for state defendants, special RAF rules, and the narrow exceptions. Why 'I'll deal with it later' is the most expensive sentence in personal injury law.
How personal injury legal fees work: mandates, contingency and costs
What you should expect to see in writing before any work starts, how 'no win, no fee' arrangements are regulated, and the questions worth asking any firm about money.
The confidential next step.
Call during office hours, or open a confidential enquiry — it reaches only authorised staff, never a marketing tool.
Submitting an enquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship. We confirm receipt, review conflicts and suitability, and agree any engagement in writing.
This page is general information, not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship exists until an engagement is agreed in writing. Outcomes depend on the facts, evidence and law of each matter, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Deadlines can be short — do not rely on this website to determine or preserve them.