Ryan specialises in property, construction and energy matters. He advises local and overseas-based insurers, and their insureds, on claims across a range of industries including infrastructure, engineering and construction, property, power generation and distribution and manufacturing.

He has broad experience advising and acting as defence and coverage counsel in high-value and complex matters, including class-actions and multi-jurisdictional matters involving extensive media interest and policy interpretation. He is also accomplished in pursuing subrogated recoveries.

Ryan is committed to achieving the best commercial outcomes for clients and is skilled in developing effective strategies in litigated and coverage matters whilst achieving early resolution of claims through alternative dispute resolution where possible.

Construction and Contract Works

  • Acting as defence counsel in a claim (approximately $20 million value) brought against the insured for allegedly failing to properly design and construct a mining storage and processing facility in Whyalla, South Australia.

Subrogated Recoveries

  • Acting for local insurers and their two insureds in a joint recovery action (approximately $1 million value) against a contractor arising out of a burst chilled-beam air conditioning hose causing subsequent damage to multiple levels of a commercial office building.
  • Acting for the insured developer and construction company in a recovery action (approximately $1 million value) against design contractors arising out of the collapse of a retaining wall.
  • Acting for a local insurer in a claim for dual insurance (approximately $2 million value) against a manufacturer arising out of the damage to a commercial offset printer. This involved successfully negotiating a commercial settlement on payment of a fraction of the claim in circumstances where the insurer otherwise faced equitable contribution of more than 50%.

Construction PI

  • Acting as defence counsel for one of the respondents in the funded class action concerning the importation and distribution of Alucobond-branded aluminium composite panels.
  • Advising a Lloyd’s-based insurer of a building consultant who was sued for negligence and breach of contract regarding alleged non-complaint cladding on high-rise residential apartment blocks.
Areas of Expertise
  • Property – Major Loss

Industry Representation
  • Construction + Infrastructure
  • Energy, Mining + Power Generation
  • Industrial + Commercial Property
  • Manufacturing
  • Transport

Professional Affiliations
  • Australian Insurance Law Association
  • NSW Law Society