Expert legal representation for medical negligence, hospital negligence, serious personal injury and
damages claims throughout South Africa.
When medical treatment goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating — physically, emotionally and
financially.
At O’Reilly Law, we assist individuals and families with complex medical negligence and serious personal
injury claims. We investigate what happened, assess whether the treatment fell below the required
professional standard, quantify the losses suffered, and pursue appropriate compensation.
Medical negligence claims are often medically and legally complex. We work with experienced advocates,
medical specialists and other expert witnesses where required to build and prosecute properly supported claims.
Medical negligence can arise in private hospitals, public hospitals, specialist practices, GP practices, dental
practices and other healthcare settings.
Typical matters include:
Medical negligence claims are complex damages actions requiring proper litigation strategy.
We work with advocates and appropriately qualified medical and financial experts where required.
We assess merits, evidence, damages and litigation risk before committing significant resources.
Serious injury matters require careful understanding of the individual and family affected.
We discuss the anticipated legal and expert costs upfront and, where appropriate, alternative fee arrangements.
Generally, a successful claim requires evidence that a healthcare professional or institution failed to exercise the degree of skill and care reasonably expected in the circumstances and that this failure caused legally recoverable harm.
Medical records and independent expert evidence are therefore often critical.
There are also prescription periods and procedural requirements that can affect medical negligence claims. Obtaining advice early is important.
Our process generally starts with an initial consultation and preliminary assessment. Where further investigation is justified, we agree on the next phase, including obtaining medical records and engaging appropriate experts.
Depending on the circumstances and merits of the claim, alternative or contingency-based fee arrangements may be considered.
The key question is not simply whether something went wrong, but whether the treatment fell below the legally required standard of care and caused you harm. Independent medical expert evidence is frequently required.
Potentially. Liability will depend on who was responsible for the negligent conduct and the particular contractual and professional relationships involved
Potentially, yes. Claims involving organs of state are, however, subject to particular procedural and notice requirements and should be investigated promptly.
Depending on the case, damages can include medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning capacity, care and rehabilitation costs and general damages.
Complex cases can take considerable time because medical evidence must be obtained, damages quantified and expert evidence prepared. Some matters settle before trial; others require litigation.
If you or a family member has suffered serious harm following medical treatment, speak to O’Reilly Law about whether further investigation is warranted.
O’Reilly Law | Cape Town | Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Lawyers
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