SRB Legal has extensive experience in managing and resolving construction and engineering insurance claims. Collectively, our team has several decades of experience in this area and has worked with most major insurers across Australia.
Our construction and engineering lawyers take a strategic approach to resolving these claims, using our comprehensive understanding of building contracts, in particular the insurance indemnity provisions and how these may impact on an insured’s liability for damage.
We can also access our network of highly regarded experts for assistance in fields related to these claims, including many sub-specialist engineers, construction consultants, project managers, forensic specialists, and others.
How we manage claims
Our lawyers are acutely aware of the importance of rapid advice when notified of a significant claim during the course of building or construction works. This helps us work with our clients to make early and informed decisions on policy indemnity and avoid any unnecessary delays.
We provide clear advice on indemnity and liability issues, thoroughly investigate and assess quantum and correctly and quickly identify potential for contribution and/or dual insurance. We focus on strategies and tactics which will resolve claims at the first realistic opportunity and lowest overall cost.
Our work in this area often involves many inter-related and complex issues. These can range from selecting and instructing appropriate assessors, reviewing and understanding the impact of relevant building and construction contracts, and identifying issues around the cause of damage, parties responsible, and the costs and means of repairs.
We also regularly advise insurers on indemnity and “hold harmless” issues arising from contractual relationships between principals and contractors in these situations.
The types of claims we handle:
SRB has been involved with numerous construction and engineering claims involving:
- accidental damage to building works
- cyclone, storm, flooding and/or fire damage to building works
- damage by the insured or contractors to existing or neighbouring property
- damage to public highways and infrastructure resulting from adjacent excavations and works
- damage to underground services and utilities, or interruptions to access, power, water and gas services to neighbouring properties during works or as a result of defective works
- damage to mining or manufacturing equipment
- damage to farming equipment due to engineering specifications and manufacturing defects
- damage to buildings from crane rollovers and collapses
- scaffolding construction issues
- defective installations causing injuries from electrocution.
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