WE ARE

The Specialists in Extreme and Life Changing Injuries.

We are dedicated to helping those affected by life-changing injuries on a no win, no fee basis. We have a proven track record of success, earned through more than four decades of experience.

What is Personal Injury Law?

Personal Injury Law covers situations in which a person’s body, mind or emotions are hurt; usually due to someone else's negligence or carelessness. If you feel that you have a case - chat to us today!

It can include: Wrongful death, or situations where an injury proves fatal.

It's Simple.
No Win. No Fee.

We handle a variety of personal injury cases in South Africa and work on a contingency basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case.

We are also strictly a plaintiff only firm meaning we avoid any conflicts of interest as we will never represent any defendant who we are suing on your behalf.

Can I Claim?

We cover the following cases:

Road Accident Fund

Road Accident Claims

We have a 40-year track record (with several record-breaking judgements) in RAF work, acting on behalf of passengers, drivers and pedestrians.

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Medical Malpractice Claims

Medical Malpractice Claims

When medical, dental, hospital and related services fail this might be as a result of negligence. This is one of the most complex aspects of fatal and injury work - let our firm, with its proven track record, handle your case.

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Medical Malpractice Claims

South Africans Injured Overseas

Our international networks via overseas lawyers associations enable us to manage such claims via top level injury lawyers in most overseas countries.

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Fatal Injuries Claims

Dog Bite Claims

We specialise in the field of dog bite claims. Our top tier experts assess the physical injuries (visible scars and internal injuries) as well as the emotional and psychological trauma often caused by a dog attack.

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Vocational Disability Claims

Fatal Injuries Claims

The loss of the breadwinner who has supported his or her family is a life changing experience. We offer empathetic and expert advice towards achieving the best compensation for loss of support (as well as emotional shock).

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Vocational Disability Claims

Pharmaceuticals

There is a growing trend of pharmacists dispensing the wrong medication, sometimes with catastrophic results. You are entitled to compensation where such negligence results in damages or losses.

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Life-Changing Injury Claims

Life-Changing Injury Claims

These are claims that will have a lasting affect on your body, your psyche, your mobility, your income producing capacity and your general enjoyment of life. The law reports contain many record-breaking cases won by our firm in the extreme injury category (including spinal injury/paralysis; brain damage and amputations).

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Dog Bite Claims

International Accidents in South Africa Claims

As an Honorary Consulate for Canada, Henry Shields has been recognised for his services in assisting foreign visitors who have been injured in South Africa. In view of the fast evacuation of foreigners, we respond on a 24/7 basis to calamities and emergencies.

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Dog Bite Claims

Assault

You have a Constitutional right in respect of your physical integrity. Any assault of a physical or sexual nature may entitle you to compensation.

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Our Process

1. Case Selection

Following an initial consultation, should the situation prove to be a viable option, we will proceed to establish the necessary documentation and formalize our agreement.

2. Taking Instructions

This can be a delicate and meticulous process, where we thoroughly examine all aspects of the matter and which may involve obtaining statements from partners, parents, children, friends, etc.

3. Assessments

You will be interviewed or examined by a medical, psychological, or income loss expert. In some situations, multiple assessments may be necessary. Our experts are top in their field.

4. Claim Lodgement

In the case of claims filed with the Road Accident Fund, we will submit the official request within the required timeframe. For all other types of claims, we will notify the party against whom the claim has been made.

5. Trial

After the serving of the summons - there’ll be an application set for a trail date. All relevant documents will be be produced more detailed information is accumulated.

6. Settlement

We successfully settle a vast majority of claims without going to trial. This is due to our thorough case selection process, use of respected experts, and clear presentation of evidence that encourages out-of-court settlements.

Our Impact in Numbers

It’s the lives that we’ve touched, not the numbers that we churn, that make it all worth it. But here are some interesting stats to give you an idea of the impact that we’ve had to date.

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3000+

Cases Settled

Our team have won or successfully settled more than 3 000 cases.

1B

In Settlement Revenue

The combined total revenue from our cases exceeds R1000 000 000.

99.5%

Success Rate

We are proud to a success rate of close to 100%, thanks to our experienced legal team's tireless dedication to advocating for our clients' rights.

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Team Members

Our small, dedicated team allows us to deliver a personalized, hands-on approach to each case, ensuring that every client receives the highest level of attention and care.

American association for justice

We Change Lives

“In 1979 I suffered a below knee amputation in a horror crash at the Oranjemund Diamond Mine in Namibia. My young lawyer, Henry Shields, really took my case to heart. The Road Accident Fund used the biggest law firm in the country to fight the case every inch of the way.

Henry arranged the hire of a small aircraft and he took advocates and a team of experts to Oranjemund to reconstruct the accident. In the 3rd week of the trial we got what I believe was one of the biggest settlements ever in South Africa, for a leg amputation.  

I had been a construction carpenter.  I was able to buy a house bond free and open my own wood machining and carpentry business.

A bit later, on my son happened to be born on Henry’s birthday and I honoured my lawyer by naming my son after him."

Keith Papier
1979

“My experience of Henry Shields with my difficult case against Pick n Pay was dealt with in a very professional manner. Henry and his staff were always there for me and every query (and there were many) was dealt with immediately.

It was a long and trying case of which they never gave up.

Ultimately, we won the case and received a very satisfactory settlement. I absolutely recommend Shields Attorneys.”

Mati Dobrin
2023

“My first email communication with Arno Gunter, an Attorney at Henry Shields Attorneys was on the 16th of Jan 2020. Arno's prompt response clearly indicated to me the efficient, exceptional service I could expect. From the onset of our first meeting on the 24th of Jan 2020, Arno's authenticity and empathy resonated with me. His expert legal counsel was most apparent. 

I pursued the RAF claim process on 3 June 2020. By the 30th of June 2020, I had already had consults with an orthopaedic surgeon, a plastic surgeon, a psychiatrist, and an upcoming consult with a hand-and-upper limb orthopaedic surgeon. The final consult for claim purposes was with an earnings specialist, on the 15th of July 2022.

Arno continues to keep me updated regarding the progress. I am most grateful to him; he is undoubtedly part of an exceptional legal team. With Shields Attorneys I am in most capable hands.”

Charmaine Taljaard
2020

“In 2001 I had a cycling accident that rendered me paralysed from the chest down. It was a particularly difficult case as no vehicles were involved and called for a legal team who could think creatively and litigate effectively. 

My case was viewed as a very ‘long shot’ by many experts but despite the odds, Shields Attorneys managed to secure a favourable settlement which went some way to ease the financial burden of a life changing injury. 

I found them to be exceptional practitioners who were professional and knowledgeable, but who also had a personal touch and were always accessible. 

I can’t recommend them more highly.”

Anonymous
2023

“I could not have asked for a more professional, well informed, equipped, passionate and understanding group, than Arno and the team.

I felt that they are trustworthy. They always made me feel comfortable and save. They always had me and my families’ best interest at heart. I know the team and especially Arno went out of his way for me, I will always be grateful.  

Shields Attorneys will walk this road with you all the way. I am thankful to have had them by my side these years, I am grateful for the wisdom and understanding, they had for my case.”

Marthie-Thea Cloete
2023

“With my Loss of Support Claim/RAF Claim now completed, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for a great job you did representing my interest and getting the case concluded.

You were knowledgeable, committed, and professional from the beginning to end. You showed stable problem-solving skills in the solutions to the situation that were part of my case.

I am particular pleased with your sensitivity towards my loss of support claim. It was difficult for me, but you handled the process wonderfully for which I am extremely grateful."

Anonymous
2023

“My son Lyle was in a terrible car accident on August 2017. We approached a lawyer, but unfortunately, they could not help us.

At the time there were a lot of press people and reports in the newspapers, but no progress. I found Shields Attorneys' Facebook Page and from day one they were very helpful and made the process quicker, help set up the appointments, first with an orthopaedic surgeon and then with a physiotherapist.

Shields Attorneys are good people.

Antoinette Smith
2017

“All I can say is, is that Henry Shields is extremely professional and has loads of empathy as well. He and his team are a pleasure to work with.”

Lynn Fourie
2023

"Special thanks for your support in this matter, I enjoyed your help and your excellent cooperation"

Dr. P. Merten
2023