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HomeMedico-LegalCourts should not be used by 'predatory' lawyers — Ramaphosa

Courts should not be used by 'predatory' lawyers — Ramaphosa

<strong>SA</strong>’s "already burdened" courts should not be used by "predatory law firms" to fight medical-negligence battles and putting "immense pressure" on provincial and national budgets, said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Sowetan reports that Ramaphasa said despite the state's efforts to better the lives of the people, they continue to see the socio-economic rights of citizens being degraded by others, and “even more regretfully, neglected by the state”.

“This is a sobering reality that must give us cause for reflection here today," he said. "Our courts face significant resource challenges and are already burdened with huge caseloads and backlogs as they strive to uphold the rights of our citizens. At a time when the public purse is severely constrained, It should not be that claims against the state continue to soar, particularly cases of medical negligence in our public health facilities, but also against the South African Police Service (SAPS).

"This is putting immense pressure on provincial and national budgets. The actions of predatory law firms who exploit our people and take the lion’s share of pay-outs are worsening an already bad situation,” Ramaphosa is quoted in the report as saying.

[link url="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2019-11-08-ramaphosa-officially-opens-the-first-high-court-in-mpumalanga/"]Sowetan report[/link]

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