Deon Francis

Deon Francis is the practice area leader for our insurance practice in South Africa. Apart from managing the insurance team, he represents insurers, underwriters and brokers in a range of insurance related matters. Deon's practice currently comprises a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. His contentious practice focuses largely on issues surrounding the question of liability. This includes all aspects of professional, public and product liability. In addition, Deon often advises on questions surrounding coverage disputes. Deon has represented some of the leading insurers in a variety of contentious disputes. He has also acted on behalf of some of the largest hospital chains in South Africa, medical doctors, attorneys, intermediaries and trustees in a range of professional indemnity disputes. Together with his team he has advised on the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, working closely with insurance brokerage Aon. Deon has also represented the insurers to some of the leading retail stores in the country. From a non-contentious point of view Deon often assists clients with the creation, development and implementation of various insurance products and wordings. Furthermore, he represents clients where issues have arisen with various regulatory bodies such as the Financial Services Board. Representative experience: Assisting a client with the transfer of a Group Assistance Benefit Scheme involving 42 000 policy members with an annual premium of approximately ZAR75m. Providing advice relating to an appeal in terms of section 26 of the Long Term Insurance Act. Representing the insurers to the largest hospital group in South Africa in a claim regarding the administration of thrombolytic therapy in South Africa. Representing medical professionals who have been implicated in medical malpractice claims. Currently he is defending claims against an orthopaedic surgeon as well as a gynaecologist. Representing the Attorneys Insurance Indemnity Fund dealing with a wide range of professional negligence claims against attorneys. Representing a well-known financial advisor who has been sued for damages allegedly resulting from incorrect investment advice. Representing the trustees of a provident fund in a dispute lodged with the Pension Fund Adjudicator regarding allegations of financial mismanagement.

Education:
BA LLB (University of the Witwatersrand)

Formal Admissions:
Admitted to the High Court as an attorney in January 2002.

Admission Status:
Practicing Roll

Languages:
Afrikaans, English

Direct Contact:
  +27 (0)11 286 6900