Legal Assistance
Money matters explained
Simon received a summons stating that he was liable to pay an outstanding amount, but before going to court, he decided to examine his options.
“When Simon called, he was quite angry as he felt he should not be held accountable for this money,” said Khosi Buthelezi, “so I asked him to explain the whole situation.”
Once Khosi heard the full story she was able to inform Simon that University Law clinics can help with free legal defence, however in his case he is liable for the amount and it would be best if he made arrangements to pay it.
“As an Absa Flexi account holder, Simon made use of the free legal advice and saved himself a lot of money,” said Khosi, one of the highly trained legal advisors manning the assistance line.
Price of surgery too much for the pocket
At the best of times, a surgical procedure can cost thousands, but for Mr MD de Bruin, it became a cost he could not afford.
“Fortunately Mr de Bruin is an Absa Assist member and made use of the free telephonic legal advice offered,” explains Rose Shongwe, one of the highly qualified lawyers manning the assistance line.
Mr de Bruin explained to Rose that when the subject of surgery first came up, he asked the surgeon whether he charged medical aid rates or not. The doctor replied that he did and surgery went ahead.
Then Mr de Bruin received an account for much more than the agreed price and was even handed over to debt collectors.
“I told him to pay the medical aid rate as agreed to by the doctor and to request a letter stating that this done. If the doctor did not agree with is, then Mr de Bruin needs to report him to the Medical and Dental Association. He was very happy with the help he received” said Rose.
“Measuring up” to the Law
A Jet Club member recently called the Careline for advice following an unfortunate experience when he purchased land through an estate agent.
He realised soon after the purchase that the measurements of the land were wrong and when he informed the Agent, they apologised. However, the client suffered damages in that he was charged a lot of money to rectify the problem.
The client explained to the legal advisor answering his call, “when I complained about the amount of money I would have to pay for a mistake that was clearly not mine the agent told me that I could not afford to take them to court as they had a lot of money to defend the matter and that I would not be in any position financially to fight them.”
The legal advisor explained to the Jet Club member that he could lodge a complaint in writing with the Estates Agents Board. He also explained that the correct measurements could be obtained from the Town Council as proof as well as the amount he would need to pay for rates and taxes on the property. The advisor carefully explained that he would need to then calculate the difference he was supposed to have paid and claim that from the Agents concerned. If the amount was less than R7000.00 the client could then use the Small Claims Court. The procedure to follow to claim was then explained to him.
The Jet Club member expressed his thanks for the helpful information and said he now understood what he needed to do.
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