Legal Practice Areas at BCW

Our firm here at BCW boasts a team of highly professional attorneys who obtain Master degrees in all legal practice areas such as Road Accident Fund Claims (RAF), Medical Negligence Claims, Personal Injury Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Law Services, Debt Collections, and Administrative Law and Local Government. Our legal services go further than the above mentioned and can be viewed under “Other Litigation”
Road Accident Fund Claims (RAF)

If you have sustained injures and losses as a result of a motor vehicle accident you may well have a viable claim against the Road Accident Fund (RAF) for compensation. Such compensation generally consists of hospital and medical expenses (past and future), loss of income (past and future), loss of support in the case of a breadwinner dying and so called general damages. Our team can assist you in: gathering all the necessary information and documentation to formulate and lodge a claim with the RAF; lodging a claim on your behalf; having the injured party assessed by medical experts to determine the nature and extent of the injuries and the consequences thereof, which helps to establish the amount of the damages; instituting legal proceedings and prosecuting same to finality. Given positive merits in a matter, our firm is able to act in such matters on a “no win, no fee” basis.

Medical Negligence Claims

Our firm boasts professional staff at Masters degree level in Medical Law who handle claims in this complex area of the Law.  Each potential claim is thoroughly researched, hospital and medical records are obtained using the Promotion of Access to Information Act, and we source suitable medical experts and obtain medico-legal reports from them on the merits of any particular claim.

We deal with potential claims across the entire spectrum of medical mishaps and across all fields of medical science.  Depending on the positive merits of a matter and the financial viability thereof, we are able to act in medical negligence/malpractice claims on a “no win, no fee” basis.

Other Personal Injury Litigation

Services offered include the following:

  • Professional malpractice actions e.g. attorney’s negligence
  • Public liability insurance claims e.g. dog bite claims, slip and fall claims
  • Product liability claims where personal injury has resulted
  • Unlawful arrest, detention and assault by law enforcement
  • Injury through shooting or other forms of violence where some form of weapon is used
  • Injury through an industrial accident
Commercial Debt Recovery

We offer a range of services (litigious and non-litigious) to assist small and large entities in recovering outstanding debts efficiently.    Our debt recovery solutions address various challenges, including:

  • Outstanding Invoice Recovery: Recover unpaid invoices (relating to services rendered and/or goods delivered) swiftly.
  • Breach of Contract Disputes: Recover outstanding payments and pursue legal remedies for contractual breaches.
  • Late Payment Penalties: Recover late payment penalties or interest as specified in agreements.
  • Debt Negotiation and Settlement: Negotiate settlements for partial recovery when full recovery is not feasible.
  • Litigation and Enforcement: Escalate matters to court proceedings, including obtaining judgments and enforcing them.

Our objective is to handle these matters promptly, maximizing recovery and minimizing your exposure to unpaid fees or costs.  We aim to make the recovery process as seamless and financially beneficial as possible.

Administrative Law And Local Government

We are able to offer, within these areas of specialty, a wide range of services, including:

  • Local government litigation
  • Eviction proceedings
  • Rates and debt recovery
  • Judicial review and appealing of administrative decisions
  • The interpretation of bylaws / regulations and ordinances
  • Tender processes
  • Expropriation claims and disputes
  • Valuation appeals
Maritime

At Berkowitz Cohen Wartski Attorneys, we are proud to have established long-standing partnerships with key role players in the maritime industry, serving as their trusted legal representatives for several years.  

Our services cover:

  • Recovery of Demurrage: Assisting in the collection of fees charged for delays in cargo offloading or container return.
  • Uncleared Containers: Legal actions to recover expenses related to containers that have not been cleared through customs.
  • Storage Fees: Pursuing outstanding fees incurred due to the storage of goods or containers.
  • Actions in Rem: Legal actions directed at maritime vessels or cargo in disputes.
Labour Law

We represent both employers and employees in a wide array of workplace issues. Our labour law practice covers employment contracts, discrimination and harassment claims, wrongful termination, and collective bargaining, striving for fair and effective resolutions in every case.

Family Law

Recognizing the sensitive nature of family matters, our family law practice offers compassionate and strategic counsel. We assist with divorce, child custody, support agreements, and related disputes, helping clients navigate challenging transitions with care and clarity.

 

Estates

The step by step process of administering a deceased estate, from the appointment of an executor to the distribution of assets.

Insurance Law

Our practice represents both insurance companies and individual policyholders. We handle a broad spectrum of issues—from coverage interpretation, claims disputes, and allegations of bad faith to underwriting and regulatory compliance. By leveraging a deep understanding of the industry, we deliver tailored legal strategies that protect the interests of insurers and individuals alike.

Other Litigation

Other litigation services offered are wide ranging and include the following:

  • The representation of clients in all recognized courts of law
  • Landlord and tenant disputes
  • Motor vehicle accident claims to recover the damages to vehicles
  • Long term and short term insurance litigation
  • Commercial litigation
  • Debt collection
  • Mortgage bond foreclosure
  • Insolvency or liquidation proceedings
  • Asset recovery litigation
  • Defamation actions
  • Repossessions in terms of instalment sale transaction
  • Will disputes
  • Building / Construction
  • Family law litigation
  • Wrongful arrest and imprisonment