Insurance
We act for major insurers, brokers and claims handlers throughout New Zealand and
overseas. Our work covers all aspects of insurance litigation with particular emphasis
on:
- Fire and general
- Professional indemnity
- Public and product liability
- Statutory liability
- Marine
- Construction
- Health and disability and ACC
Our clients in the insurance industry are experienced users of legal services. They
know the litigation and dispute resolution process. They understand its costs and
risks. Our clients recognise quality legal advice based on sound judgment and experience.
They recognise value and cost effectiveness. They appreciate clear and unequivocal
advice on the merits and risks based on thorough analysis. They need clear recommendations
and a strategy for achieving the best possible results on every file. They value
their reputation and brand and that of their insureds.
We enjoy working with our clients in the insurance industry and their insureds to
deliver service, advice and results of the highest quality.
Track record of service and results
We are proud of our track record of excellent results through privately negotiated
settlements, mediation (and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution) and at
trial.
We focus on providing clear advice on the merits of each case with a strategy for
resolution at the outset. We help our clients make the best decisions possible based
on a proper assessment of the risks and likely outcomes.
We provide a milestones analysis of the likely costs and anticipated next steps
for all litigated claims. We report regularly.
Examples of our work include:
Fire and general/public and products liability
- A range of subrogated recovery actions on behalf of various local authorities throughout New Zealand on a variety of claims including:
- Claims against fire starters in negligence, nuisance, Rylands v Fletcher and under the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.
- Water damage claims.
- Spray damage claims.
- Claims on construction projects for breach of contract or negligence involving a range of contractors, construction professionals and others.
- Claims against other parties who cause damage to property owned by local authorities.
- A range of public liability claims for various contractors, builders, mechanics, engineers, farmers, manufacturers and others on the full spectrum of claims for breach of contract, negligence, nuisance and other causes of action.
- Advising on indemnity issues. Indemnity related litigation including arsons, fraud, false statements and non-disclosure.
- General advisory work including advice on proposal and policy wording.
- Carriers’ liability.
- Bailees’ liability.
- Claims involving negligence, nuisance and Rylands v Fletcher .
- Product liability claims.
Professional indemnity
Professional indemnity claims involving a range of professionals including:
- Solicitors
- Engineers
- Architects
- Building certifiers
- Financial advisors
- Insurance brokers and advisors
- Valuers
- Surveyors
- Real estate agents
- Other professionals
Statutory liability
- A range of statutory and related matters including advising and acting on OSH claims, investigations and prosecutions.
Marine insurance
- Cargo and hull claims together with associated indemnity advice and subrogated recoveries and defences.
- Advising transport regulators and safety investigators.
- Ship arrests.
Health and ACC
- Undertaking ACC reviews and appeals.
- Advising and acting on a range of ACC, health and disability related matters.