Property damage solicitors

Our UK property damage solicitors have an extensive track record in dealing with high value and complex first and third party property damage and BI claims.

Our fast-growing team of property damage solicitors is based across two key hubs in the heart of London and Manchester.

We take pride not only in the technical quality of our work, but also in the quality of relationships of trust and confidence we build with our clients. Our primary focus is always the timely delivery of successful, cost-effective resolutions for our clients.

Our clients are always allocated a lead partner and team of lawyers who can give their property damage claims the regular attention they require, with the right expertise at the right cost.

As part of our service we are happy to offer a number of ‘add ons’ at no cost, including mentoring schemes for your junior claims handlers, case surgeries and in-house training. Through our regular Property Claims Express bulletins, we keep on top of changes in the law and industry developments so that you don’t have to.

We are a friendly and talented team who would love to help you steer your claims to a successful resolution.

Who we act for

Major London Market insurers
Global insurers and reinsurers
Major UK Composite insurers
Large Corporates, SMEs and local authorities

What we do

Subrogated recoveries from third parties
Defence of claims made against policyholders concerning property damage and business interruption
Policy coverage advice to insurers and representation in coverage disputes with policyholders
In-house fraud investigations and providing related policy coverage advice and representation
Policy wordings, including drafting wordings and reviewing proposed wordings
Advice and assistance with complaints and in relation to regulatory requirements

Discover how our property damage solicitors can help you

Whatever the size, nature or location of your activities, we can help you to manage and resolve claims efficiently and effectively for the best possible outcome. We deal with every aspect of claims resolution, including negotiated settlement, mediation and arbitration or court proceedings.

We deal with claims arising from a full suite of policy types — from commercial combined cover to CAR, international to SME, from defined sectors including retail, healthcare, technology, leisure & events, to name a few.

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Key contacts

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Chris Doran

Partner

Email Chris +44 (0)20 7842 0831

About Chris:

Chris also has considerable experience in advising insurers in connection with the management of Building Guarantee claims, advising on policy response and advising and pursuing recoveries, and has frequently writes and speaks on developments on Building Safety.

Notable cases

Acting on behalf of a Kuwaiti contractor in a US$80 million ICC Arbitration arising out of the construction of an airport and associated enforcement proceedings in Bulgaria;
Acting on behalf of a design and build contractor in connection with a £200 million claim arising out of the design and construction of a major industrial production and warehouse facility;
Acting against a contractor in connection with the defective design and commissioning of a power plant in Pakistan;
Defending a project manager and QS against a £30 million claim arising of an office development project; acting on behalf of a housing association in connection with numerous disputes against contractors for defective design and construction of housing projects;
Acting on behalf of a contractor in adjudication proceedings in connection with a rail project; defending an employer in connection with a claim for £30 million arising out of rail tunnelling works;
Defending an M&E engineer in an €8 million claim arising out of the design of a major internationals sports stadium;
Acting on behalf of NHS Trusts in connection with disputes arising out of hospital projects; and
Assisting Building Guarantee insurers investigate, and advising upon policy coverage, in connection with several large high rise residential developments where issues have involved, fire safety defects (both external cladding, insulation and cavity barriers, internal compartmentation and protection of structural steelwork), water ingress, structural defects and foundations.

Clients include contractors, construction professionals, developers, national health service trusts, housing associations and insurers of construction risks.

Chris has been ranked as a leading lawyer by Chambers (London, Construction – Suppliers) and previously named by Legal 500 in relation to construction disputes.

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Alain Orengo

Consultant

Email Alain +44 (0)20 7227 6606

About Alain:

He has extensive experience in defending claims against a range of ‘traditional’ professions, including lawyers (solicitors, licensed conveyancers and costs lawyers), commercial and residential surveyors and valuers, estate agents, managing agents, architects, building surveyors, accountants and insurance brokers. Alain has also acted for ‘emerging professions’ including health and safety consultants, playground inspectors and will writers.

Alain also advises insurers on policy coverage involving professional indemnity insurance, including minimum terms, issues arising from claim/circumstance notification clauses, excess and limit of indemnity aggregation, various exclusion clauses, material non-disclosure/misrepresentation and avoidance.

He also pursues contribution claims arising from settled professional indemnity claims and subrogated recoveries on behalf of insurers arising from property damage/risks, including fires, explosions, floods and subsidence, as well as associated business interruption.

Alain has extensive litigation experience in all divisions of the High Court involving complex and high value claims, and also significant experience of arbitrations involving policy disputes. Alain also regularly acts as advocate in mediations and is an effective negotiator. He has conducted many mediations and has an established record of success with a reputation for being robust, whilst also taking a common-sense and pragmatic approach to commercial dispute resolution.

Notable cases

Acting for a nationwide firm of surveyors and valuers on multiple claims involving allegations of over valuations, including breach of contract and breach of duty. Successful settlements based on arguments on causation, measure of loss and contributory negligence.
Successfully defended accountants (the former and successor practices were both sued) in a dispute brought by the former owner of a company in relation to advice allegedly provided by the insured client. The claim related to an investment that was made in the company by certain investors. Shortly thereafter, the investors dismissed the claimant from the company for gross misconduct. The claimant alleged that the insureds’ negligence had caused them to suffer the loss of their shareholding in the company, the loss of their employment in the company, and the cost of litigating injunctive proceedings brought against them by the investors. The claims were defended and an application for summary judgment and strike out was successfully made.
Saleem Nawaz (1) Zahir Aziz (2) v. Birchfields Solicitors - successfully defended solicitors in a £1.7 million claim in the High Court for alleged negligent commercial conveyancing. Successfully struck out part of the claim and thereafter successfully defended the claim at trial both in respect of breach of duty and causation.
Mr and Mrs Backhouse v. Petersen - successfully struck out a claim brought against a building surveyor on the basis of the claimants’ various egregious breaches of procedural directions. Upheld on Appeal [2020].
Marshall Brothers Partnership v. Bates & Mountain Solicitors - successfully struck out a claim brought against the claimant’s former solicitors on the basis that it was hopelessly time barred and without merit, with indemnity costs awarded.
Acting for a prominent firm of solicitors on a £2.2 million claim for damages for diminution in value arising from alleged negligent advice in relation to numerous defective shared ownership sub-leases. The claims settled on the basis that the claimant was persuaded to rectify the sub-leases thereby significantly mitigating the extent of the alleged loss.
Acting for solicitors on a claim alleging negligent conveyancing by a property developer, and that instructions were not taken in relation to a restrictive covenant on the title, resulting in the claimant not being able to fully build the properties he intended. Successful settlement for significantly less than pleaded based on causation arguments and favourable expert evidence, as well as contributory negligence and failure to mitigate.
Acting for numerous licensed conveyancers on claims relating to the conduct of conveyancing transactions, wills and probate related matters, as well as complaints to the Legal Ombudsman.
Acting for various insurance brokers on claims involving significant underinsurance where there has been total destruction of commercial premises. The claims involve substantive issues on breach of duty, causation, contributory negligence and failure to mitigate.
Recently represented an Architect in relation to an ARB disciplinary involving charges of Unacceptable Professional Conduct and Serious Professional Incompetence. Successfully defended the charges on the basis that no provable allegations of misconduct had been articulated; no allegations of seriousness were identified; and no such allegations could properly arise on the facts and matters relied upon by the ARB, resulting in the ARB agreeing to discontinue shortly before a 5-day hearing.
Acting for fire safety consultants concerning the provision of fire safety assessment reports and EWS1 Forms on numerous buildings throughout London.
Providing coverage advice to insurers on a c. £2 million dispute concerning the alleged defective design, installation and commissioning of a fire sprinkler system in a commercial development, including extensive allegations of deficiencies with the workmanship involving complex expert evidence. The claim also involves issues of insolvency and the applicability of the Third Parties (Rights Against Insures) Act 2010, and multiple complex “external” coverage arguments.

Languages spoken

French

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Accolades

Weightmans provides market-leading advice and guidance. Despite its considerable resource and in-depth knowledge, the firm remains approachable and its responsiveness is market leading. Weightmans has a team of excellent lawyers who have a thorough grasp of legal and factual issues. They are commercially minded, pragmatic, intelligent negotiators and a delight to work with. Weightmans displays outstanding preparation, unparalleled knowledge and exceptional client care. It is excellent at all levels and its attention to detail is second to none. The firm is exceptional. What sets the firm's claims team apart is its down-to-earth approach and clear explanations. The team demonstrates a high level of competence and its service levels and responsiveness are excellent. Weightmans is extremely well organised and able to handle complex and sophisticated matters very strongly. The service provided to each client in each case is gold standard.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
Weightmans offers an established and market-leading national public sector team with real strength in depth. It acts for more than 250 local authorities as well as emergency services and all public sector insurers. It has an acute understanding of the full breadth of their client's legal needs. They are reputationally astute and are always mindful of the need to protect the public purse. Weightmans continues to be a leading light in the development of public sector jurisprudence.
Legal 500 2025
The solicitors at Weightmans are intelligent and hard-working, both at partner level and at the more junior level. They are knowledgeable, with an ability to grasp the issues as well as negotiating skills and approachability.
Chambers & Partners 2026
Weightmans are an all-round great firm, they are very friendly, professional, and have a wealth of knowledge. We use them for a variety of casualty claims and always receive exceptional service.
Legal 500 2025
They have a wealth of knowledge of the legal system as well as our own business history which can be considerably complicated. We have an excellent working relationship and communicate regularly to ensure all strategies are understood and agreed.
Legal 500 2025
A firm with national coverage with a very strong presence in London. Attention to detail combined with a calm manner when dealing with challenging matters is the hallmark of this firm.
Legal 500 2025
The team at Weightmans are extremely experienced, have brilliant relationships with the Trusts and NHSR and are very efficient. Always a pleasure to be instructed by solicitors at the top of their game. .onia Morgan and Rosalind Bird are standout individuals. Both are very thoughtful and analytical in terms of the law and medicine but combine that with an appreciation of the practicalities of clinical negligence litigation.
Legal 500 2025
This is a great team undertaking high-quality defendant work. It is noteworthy that they have been engaged for the most challenging of claims against the NHS involving complex and technically difficult matters. They are hardworking, efficient and clear thinking.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans is a firm than understands the needs of my business and offers an almost bespoke service.
Legal 500 2025
They are very strong all round outfit with strength in depth across all areas. Very much a one stop shop for serious injury matters of all types.
Legal 500 2025
They are very approachable, knowledgeable and I feel one of the best defendant insurance firms in the market. They are willing to go the extra mile in terms of service and added value.
Legal 500 2025
I have worked with Weightmans for many years. They quickly familiarised themselves with our business and seamlessly adapted their services to suit our needs. On an individual or team level, we have enjoyed a friendly, efficient and competitive service based on a considerable breadth of knowledge and experience. Clients requiring front-line legal claims services and complementary management support will find that Weightmans will enhance their business.
Legal 500 2025
The Weightmans team are a real heavy-weight in the defendant clinical negligence market. All of the individuals there are impressive litigators. I am always amazed at how well they prepare cases.
Legal 500 2025
They really stand out for their quality of work. .They are true experts in Defendant clinical negligence work with experience across the full spectrum of such cases.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans are a formidable defendant firm, with heavy-hitting partners and associates.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans are an excellent choice for Defendants in a crowded market place. They remain on top of new developments in order to ensure high quality service and great value for clients. They seem to have an uncanny ability to produce lawyers who are calm under pressure and skilled in making the complex look straightforward.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans' team is top-notch, right down to the most junior members. I always have full confidence that the cases are prepared to a high standard and their lawyers are over all relevant detail.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans are prompt and efficient whilst also being extremely knowledgeable and supportive. Weightmans treat clients respectfully and explain claims procedures and prospects clearly.
Legal 500 2025
There is a great depth of knowledge and ability. Attention to detail is very important and a close eye is kept by Weightmans on tactics and legal timescales. All staff are highly competent and personable. I can trust them to get on with the management of a claim without worrying.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans have a good balance of skillsets and they work collaboratively on legal matters.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans have a very strong knowledge of the sector and offer practical advice. They are proactive, available and always on hand.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans has the ability to analyse and advise on very complex matters when there is immense pressure on all parties.
Chambers 2025
The team is always very professional and balanced in their approach.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans' lawyers are always prompt and efficient, while remaining extremely knowledgeable and supportive.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans is consistently outstanding; a more capable and talented team would be hard to find.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans has a wealth of talented legal staff who collectively can represent clients across all manner of legal issues, while paying close attention to deadlines, costs and claim outcomes.
Chambers 2025