R7-million payout for road accident victim
A British woman who was injured in a road accident in Boksburg, last year, has received a R7-million payout from the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
Laura Alexander (25), who was represented by Adams and Adams Attorneys, had her leg amputated following the incident.
Initially, the RAF settled for R1.3-m plus coverage of medical expenses and any future medical costs that may arise as a result of the accident, such as a hospital stay.
According to attorney Jean-Paul Rudd, of Adams and Adams Attorneys, compensation for loss of income and past medical expenses was also pursued.
At the time of the accident, Laura was employed by Cape Union Mart at its Boksburg and Bedfordview branches.
Rudd said Laura’s intention was to reside permanently in South Africa and to pursue a career.
“She was so bright in her duties that she was earmarked for a managerial position,” he added.
But, after the accident, she ended up being given two written warnings for poor performance.
Rudd said Laura realised that she was eventually going to be fired so she resigned.
“The accident has not only affected her leg, but she also sustained head injuries which prevented her from fully carrying out her duties,” he explained.
Rudd added that Laura was also a keen ballerina who hoped to give ballet lessons for an income.
The attorney said he took into consideration all the factors above and approached RAF with the intention to claim for loss of income, which resulted in the North Gauteng High Court ordering an additional payment of R5 751 067.
Laura has since returned to Britain, as she felt she didn’t have any relatives or anyone here to take care of her.
