Professional Indemnity

The expansion of what the courts are willing to find equates to the provision of a "professional service" renders Professional Indemnity Insurance a prerequisite for an increasing number of businesses beyond the established professions.

Wotton + Kearney has a team of lawyers with extensive experience and specialisation in Professional Indemnity Insurance covering a vast array of professional business services.  We act for a large number of PI insurers and their insureds in respect of litigated and non-litigated claims in Australia, Asia, the US and the UK.

We provide succinct and detailed advice on policy coverage issues which allows insurers to fully understand and appreciate their rights and obligations under the policy and insureds to understand their prospect of successfully arguing for cover.

We are adept at dealing with brokers and insureds in handling their claim for indemnity in a manner which ensures that insurers comply with their obligations under the General Insurance Code of Practice.  Where we have conduct of the litigated claim we seek to proactively manage the claim in order to achieve the best and most commercial solution in a cost-effective manner.

We understand that no professional enjoys being confronted with a lawsuit.  We work closely with professional insureds to best ensure a smooth path through the litigation process.

Examples of the work that our team of specialist professional indemnity lawyers have recently undertaken include:

Financial Institutions

Wotton + Kearney currently act in a major capacity in relation to a large number of matters arising out of the Global Financial Crisis including matters relating to:

• Westpoint;
• Fincorp;
• Allco Finance Group;
• Storm Financial; and
• Basis Capital.

Wotton + Kearney act in respect of various claims against banks, accountants, insurance brokers, property valuers and managers, financial institutions and financial advisers.

Construction

Wotton + Kearney act on behalf of various claims against architects, engineers (mechanical, electrical and structural) and surveyors.

Other

Wotton + Kearney currently:

• act in respect of various insurance claims against IT and IP professionals; and
• provide Policy advice regarding coverage issues and drafting of policy wording.

For more information on Wotton + Kearney's Professional Indemnity expertise please contact:

catherine.osborne@wottonkearney.com.au
adam.chylek@wottonkearney.com.au
nick.lux@wottonkearney.com.au
patrick.boardman@wottonkearney.com.au