Jeff Bloch & Associates was incorporated in 2015, and previously traded as a sole proprietorship from 2003 to 2015. Our Dedicated Team of staff will work speedily to ensure your legal matter is dealt with Professionally.
Jeff completed his Articles at Woodroffe and Kleyn, where he gained experience in all areas of law. He was admitted as an attorney in 1988.
RAF Claims
Motor Collision Litigation
Insurance Litigation
Magistrate Court Litigation
High Court Litigation
Correspondents (Agency Work)
We act as local correspondent attorneys of record for Attorneys in other jurisdiction that require a local attorney. We appear and can act in the following Magistrate’s Court In KZN.
Debt collections
Deceased Estates
Personal injury
Medical Negligence
A deceased estate is the property and assets of a person who has died. In South Africa, it is necessary to open a deceased estate when the value of the estate exceeds R250,000, or if the person who died owned any immovable property (such as a house or land), regardless of the value of the estate.
Opening a deceased estate involves a legal process, which includes the appointment of an executor to administer the estate. The executor is responsible for gathering all the assets of the estate, paying any outstanding debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs in accordance with the deceased's will or in terms of the Intestate Succession Act if there is no will.
The process of opening a deceased estate can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to seek the assistance of a lawyer who specialises in deceased estates to guide you through the process. A lawyer can assist with the drafting of the necessary legal documents, advise on the tax implications of the estate, and ensure that the estate is administered in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
If a person dies without a will in South Africa, their assets will be distributed in accordance with the rules set out in the Intestate Succession Act.
Under the Act, the deceased person's assets will be distributed to their surviving spouse or partners and children in specific proportions, depending on the number of surviving spouses or partners, and the number of children. If there is no surviving spouse, partner, or children, the assets will be distributed to the deceased person's parents, siblings, and other close relatives in a specific order.
It is important to note that the distribution of assets under the Intestate Succession Act may not align with the deceased person's wishes. This is why it is important to have a valid will in place, which can specify how the assets should be distributed.
If there is no valid will and the estate is intestate, it will be necessary to open a deceased estate and appoint an executor to administer the estate. The executor will be responsible for gathering all the assets of the estate, paying any outstanding debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs in accordance with the Intestate Succession Act.
To open a deceased estate in South Africa, the following steps need to be taken:
It is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer who specialises in deceased estates to guide you through the process and ensure that the estate is administered in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
The administration of a deceased estate in South Africa involves the following steps:
The administration of a deceased estate can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is important to seek the assistance of a lawyer who specialises in deceased estates to guide you through the process and ensure that the estate is administered in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
The process of administering a deceased estate in South Africa can vary in duration and can depend on various factors, including the complexity of the estate, the number of assets and liabilities, and whether there are any disputes among beneficiaries or creditors.
In general, the administration of a deceased estate can take between 12 months to 3 years or longer. The process involves various steps, including advertising the estate to allow creditors to come forward, gathering and securing the assets, paying the estate's debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. This can be a complex and time-consuming process that requires the attention and assistance of an experienced lawyer who specialises in deceased estates.
It is important to note that the process can be delayed if there are disputes or challenges to the estate or if the executor encounters any legal or administrative obstacles. To ensure a smooth and efficient administration of a deceased estate, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a lawyer who can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
There are several fees involved in the administration of a deceased estate in South Africa, including:
It is important to note that the fees involved in the administration of a deceased estate can vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate, and it is advisable to consult with a lawyer who specialises in deceased estates to obtain a clear understanding of the costs involved.
The executor of a deceased estate in South Africa has various responsibilities, including:
It is important to note that the executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and to administer the estate in a responsible and transparent manner. The executor may be held personally liable for any losses incurred by the estate as a result of their negligence or misconduct. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer who specialises in deceased estates to ensure that the executor's responsibilities are properly fulfilled.
Failing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations can result in the case being dismissed by the court. So, it is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations and act accordingly to protect your legal rights.
Fault in a motor collision lawsuit is determined by investigating the circumstances of the accident and identifying the party or parties responsible for causing the collision. Typically, fault is determined by analyzing the evidence presented by both parties, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and expert opinions.
The investigation will consider factors such as the speed of the vehicles, the condition of the road, the weather, the driver's behavior, and any other relevant factors that may have contributed to the accident. In most cases, the party found to be negligent or at fault will be responsible for paying damages to the other party or parties involved in the accident.
It is important to note that fault may be assigned in different degrees or percentages, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. In some cases, multiple parties may be found to be at fault for the accident, and fault may be divided between them. An experienced attorney can help you understand how fault may be determined in your specific case.
Insurance litigation is the process of resolving disputes between insurance policyholders and their insurance companies through legal action. Insurance litigation typically arises when an insurance company denies a claim, fails to provide coverage, or disputes the amount of damages that are owed to the policyholder.
Insurance litigation can involve a variety of legal claims, including breach of contract, bad faith, fraud, or misrepresentation. The goal of insurance litigation is to seek a resolution to the dispute, either through a settlement agreement or a court judgment.
Insurance litigation can be complex and time-consuming, requiring extensive legal knowledge and experience. For this reason, it is often advisable to hire an experienced insurance attorney to represent you in an insurance litigation case. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies to help you obtain a fair resolution to your dispute.
There are several types of insurance disputes that can lead to litigation. Some common examples include:
It's worth noting that insurance disputes can arise from any type of insurance policy, including auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and disability insurance, among others.
If you need to file an insurance lawsuit, the following are the general steps you should take:
It is important to note that the specific procedures and requirements for filing an insurance lawsuit may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your case.
An insurance attorney plays a crucial role in an insurance litigation case. The attorney's primary role is to advocate for the rights and interests of their client, the policyholder. Here are some specific tasks an insurance attorney may undertake in an insurance litigation case:
Overall, an experienced insurance attorney can help guide the policyholder through the complex and often confusing insurance litigation process, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their losses.
The length of an insurance litigation case can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case, including the type of insurance, the complexity of the legal issues, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate a settlement. Some cases may be resolved in a matter of weeks, while others may take years to reach a resolution.
Factors that can impact the length of an insurance litigation case include:
In general, insurance litigation cases tend to take longer than other types of civil litigation because of the complexity of the issues involved and the often contentious nature of the disputes. It's important to have realistic expectations about the timeline for your case and to work closely with an experienced insurance attorney who can help guide you through the process.
The length of time it takes to resolve a court litigation case can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and the court and jurisdiction in which the case is being heard. Some cases may be resolved relatively quickly, while others may drag on for months or even years.
In general, a typical court litigation case can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve, depending on the circumstances. For example, a straightforward breach of contract case may be resolved within a few months, while a complex business dispute involving multiple parties and a large amount of evidence may take several years to litigate.
There are several stages in the litigation process that can affect the length of time it takes to resolve a case. These include the discovery process, pre-trial motions, and trial itself. Additionally, the parties involved in the case may engage in settlement negotiations at various stages of the litigation, which can either speed up or slow down the process.
Overall, it's difficult to predict with certainty how long a court litigation case will take to resolve. However, an experienced attorney can help advise you on the likely timeline for your case and develop a legal strategy that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Medical negligence can take many forms, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries, and failure to diagnose a condition in a timely manner.
To prove medical negligence, you must show that a healthcare professional failed to provide the appropriate standard of care and that this failure caused harm to the patient. This typically requires expert testimony from a qualified medical expert who can testify as to what the appropriate standard of care would have been in the given circumstances.
If you are successful in a medical negligence case, you may be able to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. The specific damages that you may be able to recover will depend on the facts of your case.
While it is possible to pursue a medical negligence case on your own, it is generally advisable to hire an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal and medical issues involved in these cases. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is a statutory body established in terms of South Africa's Road Accident Fund Act. Its primary purpose is to provide compensation to individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of a motor vehicle accident. The RAF is funded by a fuel levy imposed on petrol and diesel in South Africa. The compensation provided by the RAF includes medical expenses, loss of income, and general damages. The RAF provides compensation to both drivers and passengers involved in accidents, as well as to pedestrians and cyclists who are injured or killed by motor vehicles.
In South Africa, you can claim various types of damages from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident. These damages include:
It is important to note that the damages you can claim may depend on the specific circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries. We can provide more detailed information and guidance on the types of damages you may be able to claim.
It is important to note that the claims process with the RAF can be complex and time-consuming. It is very difficult to do on your own and far better to consult with a lawyer who specialises in RAF claims to assist you.
In South Africa, the time limit for lodging a claim with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Generally, there are two time limits to be aware of:
There are some exceptions to the three-year time limit, such as if you were a minor at the time of the accident . In these cases, the time limit may be extended.
It is important to note that it is always advisable to lodge your claim as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that you have enough time to gather the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim. If you are unsure about the time limit that applies to your case, you should consult with a lawyer who specialises in RAF claims.
The amount of compensation that you may receive from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) in South Africa will depend on a number of factors, including the nature and extent of your injuries, the financial losses you have suffered, and the circumstances of the accident.
In general, the amount of compensation that you can expect to receive from the RAF will depend on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your financial losses. In cases where the injuries are severe and have a significant impact on your quality of life, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.
It is important to note that the claims process with the RAF can be complex, and it is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer who specialises in RAF claims to guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. A lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence and documentation, communicate with the RAF on your behalf, and ensure that your claim is processed as efficiently as possible.
If a person who was injured in an accident dies before their claim with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) is resolved in South Africa, their claim may be continued by their dependents or heirs, under certain circumstances.
In cases where the person who died was the sole breadwinner of their family, their dependents may be entitled to claim for loss of support. This can include loss of income, loss of financial support, and loss of household services. In cases where the person who died was not the sole breadwinner, their dependents may still be entitled to claim for loss of support, but the amount of compensation may be lower.
It is important to note that the claims process with the RAF can be complex, and it is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer who specialises in RAF claims to guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. A lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence and documentation, communicate with the RAF on your behalf, and ensure that your claim is processed as efficiently as possible, even in the event of a claimant's death.
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E301B Hampden Court
7 Hampden Road
Morningside
Durban
South Africa, 4001
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Jeff Bloch & Associates was incorporated in 2015, and previously traded as a sole proprietorship from 2003 to 2015.