Jogger wins fight for laser treatment reimbursement

THE Road Accident Fund has been ordered to reimburse a Western Cape resident for laser treatment she underwent after suffering severe facial injuries in a car accident while jogging in Hout Bay.

- ZELDA VENTER

The woman, known only as JA, testified in the Western Cape High Court that her appearance is crucial for her career in the tourism industry. Following the accident, she was left with significant facial scarring that impacted her self-esteem and hindered her ability to return to work, necessitating extensive laser treatment.

In February 2018, the plaintiff was running with friends along the shoulder of Northshore Drive, Hout Bay, when she was struck by a vehicle. The collision the result of the negligence of the driver, and the plaintiff sustained serious injuries.

These included facial injuries and lacerations, facial bone fractures, a severe left eye injury, as well as a skull fracture. As a result of the injuries, she was permanently disfigured.