Design, construction and engineering professionals

Quality and Value

The Henmans professional indemnity team offers a quality alternative to London practices for construction and technical disputes.  We specialise in providing a cost effective service for disputes valued at between £50k and £2m.  Such disputes can present a particular challenge.  The issues can be just as complex as in larger claims and often a number of parties are involved.  We offer a high standard of service, but at lower rates than London firms, thereby allowing costs to be kept proportionate to the amount in dispute

The team has acted in relation to a wide range of construction and technical disputes.  We have advised on claims involving:

  • Architects
  • Project managers
  • Employer's agents
  • Interior designers
  • Geotechnical engineers
  • Mechanical engineers
  • Electrical engineers
  • Rail engineers
  • Structural engineers
  • Water engineers                                

In addition, we have significant experience of advising on policy coverage.  The team is able to resolve claims using all forums including the TCC as well as through mediation.  Our recent case highlights include:

Design

  • Defending a mechanical and electrical consultant in relation to the allegedly negligent design of an air-conditioning plant in a large shopping mall
  • Advising the designer in relation to a dispute concerning a defective pump water system installed in an office block 

Construction

  • Representing an architect at trial in a multi million pound claim arising out of a fire at a superstore
  • Defending architects in relation to an HSE prosecution and fatal accident claim arising out of an accident on a building site
  • Acting for employer’s agent in a multiparty action arising from a defective roof to new-build offices

Engineering

  • Defending a railway engineer in a dispute relating to the design of a specialised rail-unloading train
  • Advising a geo-technical engineer and his insurers in relation to an allegedly negligent soil survey at a site of a large housing estate.  Significant subsidence subsequently affected the development


Policy Advice

  • Advising insurers on policy coverage in relation to a claim against a mechanical and electrical engineer arising from the design and installation of chilled water pipe-work at a prestige building
  • Advising insurers in relation to policy on a major loss involving foundation failures at a shopping centre and pursuing recovery for their insured against a firm of engineers

For further information please contact Katherine Gregory, partner in the Dispute Resolution department on 01865 781056 (katherine.gregory@henmansllp.co.uk).