Train Accident Claims in South Africa

If you or a dependant has been injured, or a family member has been killed, in a rail accident caused by the negligence of PRASA or any other rail service operator, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Rail operators have a legal duty to ensure that trains, railway lines, stations and all related infrastructure – including signalling systems and railway booms – are safe and properly maintained. If this duty is breached, and injury or loss results, the operator may be held liable.

Anyone injured while travelling on a train or while on railway property may have a valid claim. Read on for more information or jump directly to our Frequently Asked Questions section below.

?

Do I have a claim?

As personal injury specialists, the team at DSC Attorneys has the legal skill and practical experience to guide you through every step of the claims process. Call us on 0861 465 879 or contact us online for reliable legal advice and expert representation.

See if you have a claim

At DSC Attorneys, we focus on personal injury claims, including train and rail-related accidents. Our established panel of medico-legal experts enables us to accurately assess your injuries and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

You may be entitled to compensation if you:

  • were injured in a train accident
  • are the dependant of someone who died in a rail accident
  • fell or were pushed on a station platform
  • fell or were pushed from a moving or stationary train
  • fell while boarding or disembarking from a train
  • were injured on Metrorail or other rail property.

What damages can be claimed?

If you have been injured in a train accident, you may be able to claim compensation for:

  • hospital and medical expenses already incurred
  • future medical and hospital costs
  • past and future loss of income or earning capacity
  • general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenities of life.

Rail operators in South Africa

It is possible to claim compensation from any rail operator in South Africa where negligence can be proven. At DSC Attorneys, we handle:

  • claims against PRASA and its divisions, including Metrorail and Shosholoza Meyl
  • claims against luxury rail services such as Rovos Rail
  • Transnet injury claims where members of the public have been harmed.

Proving negligence in a court of law

In personal injury matters, the standard legal principles of negligence apply. Two key questions must be answered:

  • Did the injury result from a negligent act or omission by the rail operator?
  • Was it reasonably foreseeable that such conduct could cause harm?

If the answers to both questions are “yes”, the operator may be found legally liable.

Proving negligence in rail accident cases can be complex. It often requires specialised legal knowledge, access to expert witnesses, detailed investigation and technical evaluation of equipment, infrastructure and safety systems. This is where experienced legal representation is essential.

  • My wife Felicity had an unfortunate accident on Fish Hoek Station.

    This was purely due to construction negligence. Metro would not even listen to our complaints.

    I was put in contact with Kirstie Haslam and her amazing team at DSC Attorneys. Although they had a long battle with Metro which lasted a few years, she was eventually rewarded.

    Well done Mrs Haslam, Mrs Peters and their amazing team. You are a real asset to the community and I will strongly recommend you to anyone who needs legal advice.
    Freddy Williams
    Train Accident Claim

Frequently asked questions about PRASA and train accident claims

PRASA is responsible for operating and maintaining most public passenger rail services in South Africa, including Metrorail. Many claims arise from failures such as defective train doors, inadequate security, overcrowding, vandalised infrastructure and poor maintenance of stations and tracks.

Yes. Trains must be operated in a manner that prevents passengers from falling from or being ejected from moving carriages. Injuries caused by open or defective doors are a common basis for PRASA and Metrorail claims.

PRASA has a duty to take reasonable steps to protect passengers from foreseeable harm. This includes providing adequate security measures, particularly where overcrowding, criminal activity or prior incidents are known risks.

PRASA is a state-owned entity, which means strict legal procedures and time limits apply. Claims often require early investigation, formal notices and detailed evidence to succeed, making legal expertise especially important.

Yes. Many successful claims do not involve collisions. Liability often arises from unsafe conditions such as overcrowding, defective equipment, poor crowd control or inadequate maintenance of stations and platforms.

Useful evidence may include incident reports, medical records, witness statements, CCTV footage and proof of train or station conditions at the time of the incident. Early legal intervention can help secure this evidence before it is lost.

Yes. Claims against PRASA are typically opposed and require careful preparation. Proper investigation, expert input and accurate valuation of damages are essential to achieving a successful outcome.

Yes. Claims against PRASA are subject to strict notice and prescription periods. Delays can result in a valid claim being lost, so prompt legal advice is critical.

Call 0861 465 879 or email us through the form below to see if you have a claim.

Call 0861 465 879, chat with us on WhatsApp or email us through the form below to see if you have a claim.

Your privacy is important to us. By using this form you consent to and give us permission to process your personal information.

Related content from our blog

  • World Association for Medical law
  • American Association for Justice
  • AA
  • American Board of Independent Medical Examiners logo
  • Australian Lawyers Alliance
  • Discovery Health logo
  • Legal Practice Council
  • Cape Chamber