Railway accidents
For commuters and members of the public injured on trains, at stations, or by rail operations.
What this covers — and what it doesn't
Railway accident claims deal with injuries connected to trains and railway facilities — falls from or between trains, incidents on platforms and at crossings, and injuries linked to unsafe facilities, equipment or operations.
These claims are typically brought against large corporate entities or state-linked transport providers. They defend claims robustly, and the evidence of what happened — and of the conditions that allowed it — is decisive. We investigate, secure that evidence, and hold the responsible operators accountable.
Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income and other damages flowing from the injuries, depending on the facts of the matter.
- A fall from, or between, a moving or stationary train
- Injuries caused by open doors, overcrowding or platform gaps
- Incidents at level crossings
- Injuries linked to derailments, collisions or faulty equipment
- Unsafe station facilities contributing to an injury
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
- Get medical attention and keep the records
- Keep your ticket or any proof that you were travelling
- Report the incident to the operator or station staff and note to whom
- Photograph the location, conditions and your injuries if safe
- Keep witness names and contact details — fellow commuters are often decisive witnesses
Claims against rail operators and public entities can involve statutory notice requirements with short time limits. Early advice protects the claim.
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
Where, when, and the circumstances — crowding, doors, staff response, conditions.
Evidence and notices
We secure evidence early and comply with any statutory notice requirements that apply to the operator.
Liability investigation
We identify the responsible parties — operators, contractors or others — and build the liability case.
Claim and resolution
Negotiation with the operator's representatives, and litigation where needed.
- I did not have a ticket — can I still claim?
- Possibly, depending on the circumstances; it is a factor rather than an automatic bar. Be honest about it with your attorney from the start so it can be dealt with properly.
- The incident was not reported at the time. Is it too late?
- Not necessarily — but reporting gaps make evidence more important, and statutory notice periods may still be running. Get advice as soon as possible.
Answers last reviewed 15 July 2026 · Jurisdiction: South Africa · see the disclaimer.
Who works on these matters
From the briefing room
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.
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.
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.