“Imagine you are 20 years old and about to start your life. You work as a laboratory assistant and have a bursary from your employer to further your studies.  Life is great and you are going to achieve great things.

Then fate steps in…. one minute you are riding your motorcycle and the next thing you wake up in the hospital with head injuries, your left leg has been amputated below the knee, your right ankle is fractured and your right hand is broken.

Rijno’s family contacted Paul du Plessis Attorneys for assistance in instituting a claim with the RAF.  So began the journey to rebuild this life following the horrific accident.

Rijno was admitted to the Steve Biko Hospital for more than a month. He left the hospital in a wheelchair and later was able to use crutches until he was able to walk on his left leg prosthesis.   Fortune was not on his side and due to ill-fitting prosthesis provided by the State hospitals, he was re-admitted a few months later for amputation revision surgery.

He returned to work at the laboratory 7 months after the accident.  Unfortunately, he was unable to cope with the stress and the physical demands of the job and had no choice but to resign. For a short while, he worked as a car salesman but had to leave because he was unable to drive the vehicles.  It was extremely hard to find employment as most jobs require standing, walking, driving, lifting and bending.

Rijno did his best to appear unaffected by the accident and trauma, but shortly after the horrible accident, he became depressed.  Realizing the extent to which his life had changed, he reached out for help, was admitted to a psychiatric hospital and where he received therapy and medication to help cope with depression and learn how to deal with what he had been through.

Rijno returned to work again but he still struggled to stand all day. It was extremely painful where his leg had been amputated and the stump often bled due to the incorrect prosthesis. Feeling low, he was unable to cope at work and decided to resign.  The final straw was when he developed a large abscess on his amputated leg. He wondered whether things could get any worse.

Ultimately, Rijno’s case against the RAF was settled for a record-figure.  With the proceeds, Rijno was able to become a successful entrepreneur, working for himself, at his own pace. He was able to buy a suitable vehicle that is easy to drive. The settlement also ensured that Rijno will always have the best quality prostheses, which enable him to even take part in sport.

From the beginning of the case until the very end, it was a privilege to have met such an inspirational client and to have played a part in helping Rijno make the best of his life, in spite of the devastating motor vehicle accident.

A word of thanks to Paul du Plessis Attorneys …

Rijno Swart:

“Paul I want to start by saying thank you, as you know at times things were tougher than they are now. I currently own properties, cars everything I actually need and more. The event was unfortunate but in the end I have learnt so much and would definitely not own a business or a property if it did not come across my life. The absolute compassion and dedication you and the ladies has shown for me over the years were amazing, I thank you for that.

This Era is coming to an end and it’s actually sad to see this come to an end as you guys were part of some of my biggest life choices to date, thank you for your support.

Please thank Hermien for her part in this last couple of years. From friendly phone calls to arrangements to a room with a bath instead of a shower. Even my first business class flight I appreciate all she did for me.

Paul in short I am thankful for you and your love for the cause. I will recommend you over and over.”

“Once again I will never stop thanking you for all your effort helping us. Without you and your team, [Name omitted] would have never be able to do what she loves and enjoys it so much. A special thank you to each one of you for your dedication, hard work, commitment, encouragement and support over the past few years. No words can describe how I am feeling. These are tears of joy….. Every parent wants the best for their child. One of the challenges of having a blind child is that she becomes your life, and [Name omitted] is my life. I always worry about her future what is going to happen to her if I am not around. No money can bring back her eyesight, but one thing I know it can make her life a bit easier. Through this process I have learned so much about [Name omitted]. She is a little fighter, intelligent and a go-getter. Thank you Paul and team for all your emotional support, dedication and most of all for believing in us.”

“Our case has been settled out of court in January 2012.  The negligent doctor and hospital paid an amount which enables us to buy a house for our son where we all could live in.  There is also money available to pay for all the extra therapy and care he needs.  Financially, he will be taken care of for the rest of his life.”

“All the experts’ appointments were arranged and paid by Paul.  We had the opportunity to meet experts that we wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for our case.  The various experts established that our son has extra problems that we weren’t even aware of.  With the correct guidance and support, we are now able to help our son in the correct way.”