In late October 2024, Tiger Brands revealed that their attorneys have been engaged in discussions with the plaintiffs’ legal team to facilitate relief for qualifying individuals requiring immediate assistance. Picture: Cindy Waxa / Independent Newspapers
TIGER Brands, along with legal representatives Richard Spoor Inc and LHL Attorneys, has made a significant advance in the ongoing listeriosis class action by agreeing to provide interim payments to individuals facing urgent medical needs.
This development comes amidst a protracted legal battle as the first stage of the class action unfolds, during which liability has yet to be established.
In late October 2024, Tiger Brands revealed that their attorneys have been engaged in discussions with the plaintiffs’ legal team to facilitate relief for qualifying individuals requiring immediate assistance.
This move, although made without an established legal obligation, aims to address compelling medical circumstances faced by the claimants, illustrating a compassionate response during a challenging time.
Tjaart Kruger, CEO of Tiger Brands, said the legal process has proved long and arduous.
Kruger said even though liability has not yet been determined and Tiger Brands has no legal obligation to provide interim relief at this stage in the class action, the interim advance payment to a number of claimants with urgent needs recognises the debilitating circumstances in which they find themselves.
“Where the company has been provided with required information and documentation to enable decision-making in the process, we will act swiftly. Today’s announcement represents an important milestone,” Kruger said.
“Further to today’s announcement, engagements between the parties’ legal representatives will continue in respect of the assessment of a number of claimants who may qualify for assistance, within the confines of the current process. In addition, endeavours are ongoing to explore a broader resolution of the class action in total and we hope to be in a position to make further announcements in this regard soon.”
Kruger added that they were particularly pleased to report that progress has been made in our longstanding efforts to gain access to the NICD’s records relating to their investigation of the listeriosis outbreak.
“The NICD has agreed to cooperate with us and will be making their records available to the parties as soon as possible. We believe that access to the NICD’s records will greatly assist the parties in moving the matter forward.”
The class action, which is being managed in two stages is still at the first stage during which liability is to be determined by the court.
Only if Tiger Brands is found to be liable will the issue of causation arise, in the second stage of the class action, as well as an assessment of compensation payable to qualifying claimants for damages suffered.
BUSINESS REPORT