Construction projects are complex by nature. The range of risks involved, combined with the variety of insurance policies in play, creates frequent overlaps, gaps in coverage, and the conditions for disputes. When an insurer pushes back on a legitimate claim, the consequences for a project, a business, or a leaseholder can be serious.
SDV Fenchurch represents developers, contractors, owners, risk managers, and others involved in the construction and property industry exclusively on the policyholder side. Our International team brings deep sector knowledge, a track record in multi-carrier litigation, and a shared commitment to fighting for what policyholders are owed.
What We Do
We advise on placements, renewals, and claims involving all lines of coverage relevant to the construction and property sector, including:
- Builders Risk / Construction All Risks
- Commercial General Liability (CGL)
- Professional Liability / Professional Indemnity
- First-Party Property
- Business Interruption
- Delay in Completion / Delay in Start-Up
- Wrap-Up Programs (OCIP and CCIP)
- Directors and Officers Liability
- Environmental and Pollution Liability
- Employers Liability / Products Liability
- Latent Defects
- Subcontractor Default Insurance
- Real Estate
Our Experience
Our lawyers have extensive experience representing policyholders across the full spectrum of construction and property risk disputes, including:
- Complex multi-carrier coverage litigation involving multimillion-dollar construction claims
- “Damage vs. Defect” and “Design vs. Workmanship” disputes, including interpretation of DE and LEG standard defect exclusion forms
- Fire safety and cladding claims, including matters arising from multi-story buildings following Grenfell
- Business interruption claims across the hospitality, leisure, travel, and property sectors, including COVID-19 business interruption losses
- Infrastructure and civil works projects on an international scale
- Claims by property owners, SMEs, and leaseholders where insurance recovery is critical to business survival
Risk managers, in-house counsel, and financial managers at leading construction and property firms rely on us when renewing insurance programs, drafting contractual insurance requirements, and pursuing coverage when claims are denied or underpaid.
Our lawyers are active members of industry organizations including IRMI, RIMS, and AGC, and are regularly invited to speak to industry professionals and legal peers on construction insurance matters.
Our Approach
We can become involved at any stage. When a significant event occurs, some clients bring us in before a claim is filed to advise on how to present the claim in a way that maximizes coverage and minimizes the risk of dispute. Where a claim has already been denied, we assess the merits, advise on the best path to resolution, and issue proceedings when necessary. We work closely with insurance brokers throughout the process, combining legal expertise with commercial insight to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Contact our Construction Team
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