Defence Insurance Litigation

The Litigation department at Carson McDowell includes a highly experienced Defence Insurance Litigation team. Jointly headed by Partner Catherine Carton and Partner Cathal O'Neill, the team comprises of ten lawyers who have practised in this area for most, if not all, of their professional careers.

The team acts on behalf of leading insurers and large self-insured companies, providing a skilled service in relation to the defence of all employers' liability, public liability, motor and property claims. No two claims are the same, so we work closely with our clients to familiarise ourselves with their individual priorities and goals for each matter.

When insurance claims are litigated we deal with them robustly, with the objective of pressing the action through to conclusion as quickly and efficiently as possible ensuring costs (even if the claim is prepared as a contest) are kept to a minimum.

Few sectors are as regulated as heavily the insurance industry. As such, the team remains abreast of changes in insurance law and amendments to insurance regulation.We regularly advise insurers and insured clients on policy indemnity issues.

The Defence Insurance Litigation team is also skilled in providing an emergency crisis response service in relation to investigations by the Health and Safety Executive, local authorities and the Police.We recognise the importance of early investigations for both the insurer and insured following a serious injury or fatality. We have in-depth experience handling fatal and non-fatal investigations which includes PACE interviews, information requests from the Health &Safety Executive and the subsequent Crown Court prosecutions.

We frequently attend inquests and appear in the Coroner's Court and appreciate the significant impact a fatal accident can have, particularly in the workplace for management and the general workforce. We assist companies and individuals to draft depositions, instruct experts, we attend preliminary hearings and provide legal representation at Inquest hearings (to include Inquests before a jury).