Woman sues lawyer for R1.6m
2005-01-28 10:22
Nicolize Mulder
Pretoria - An advocate is facing a damage claim of nearly R1.6m before the Pretoria High Court after he allegedly impregnated a 15-year-old girl and had her undergo an abortion.
The woman (now 19) from Pretoria North is being assisted by her father in this civil case.
Court documents indicate that she has been suffering from depression, eating disorders and insomnia since her pregnancy and abortion in August 2000.
She has apparently contemplated suicide.
R1m of the claim is for the pain and humiliation that she allegedly suffered. The woman is also demanding R400 000 for future medical costs, including anti-depressants and medication for her eating disorder and insomnia.
The rest of the amount of the claim is for the loss in income that she will allegedly suffer in future. Because of the pregnancy and abortion, she could not complete Grade 9.
In court documents, the woman and her family claim that the 32-year-old advocate should not have had a sexual relationship with her since she was a minor.
He should also have taken the necessary precautions to prevent her from falling pregnant.
When the pregnancy did happen, he should not have encouraged her to undergo an abortion without the knowledge of her parents.
The documents show that the man initially had a relationship with the woman's older sister, but then started dating her.
He allegedly took the woman to a friend who is a doctor to have the pregnancy confirmed.
The doctor accompanied her to an abortion clinic in Midrand.
The advocate was not present.
The advocate is opposing the claim and is denying all allegations against him. A rape charge against him is pending in the Pretoria regional court.
- Beeld