Experienced Property Damage Solicitors Handling Insurance Disputes Across Ireland
Damage to a home or commercial premises can be costly and disruptive. Many of our clients come to us facing large repair bills, lost trading income and an insurer that is slow to pay. Getting clear legal advice early makes a real difference.
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At Good & Murray Smith LLP, our specialist dispute resolution and litigation solicitors act for property owners, commercial landlords and tenants, and businesses across Ireland who need to recover compensation for damage to their property and the financial losses that follow.
How We Assist Property Owners
We act in property damage claims and insurance coverage disputes, including:
- Declined or Underpaid Insurance Claims: Challenging insurers who decline cover, repudiate policies, or under-value structural repair costs.
- Water Ingress & Flood Damage: Claims against local authorities, contractors, or neighbouring owners for drainage failure, burst mains, or avoidable flooding.
- Fire, Smoke & Structural Damage: Recovering reinstatement costs following major fire events, electrical faults, or structural failure.
- Third-Party & Construction Negligence: Claims against contractors, developers, or neighbouring sites whose excavation, underpinning, or construction work damaged your property.
- Commercial Business Interruption: Quantifying and recovering lost gross profit, fixed overheads, and increased costs of working following an insured event.
Insurance Claims
Following significant damage, your insurer will instruct a loss adjuster to investigate the cause and assess the financial exposure. Remember that the loss adjuster works for the insurer, not for you.
A public loss assessor can help you estimate repair costs, but cannot advise you on legal liability or policy interpretation disputes, or issue legal proceedings.
The Legal Process for Property Claims in Ireland
- Initial Legal Review: We start by assessing who may be liable. Where there is an insurance coverage issue, we will also review your policy terms, notification history and any decision letters from your insurer or loss adjuster.
- Expert Instruction: In most claims we will need to instruct independent structural engineers or surveyors to establish liability, causation and the scope of works required. Expert reports carry a cost, which clients usually have to fund.
- Formal Demand: If the evidence supports the claim, we will send a letter of claim to the responsible parties seeking compensation.
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution: If negotiation does not lead to a settlement, we can issue proceedings in the Circuit Court or High Court, depending on the value of the claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time limit for making a property damage claim in Ireland?
Under the Statute of Limitations 1957 (as amended), the general time limit to initiate court proceedings for property damage caused by breach of contract or negligence is six years from the date the cause of action accrued. Even so, you should act as soon as you discover the loss, while the evidence is still available.
Separately, insurance policies usually contain strict notification conditions, often requiring notice within 14 days of the event. Failing to report damage quickly can prejudice your claim.
Can I claim for loss of rental income or business interruption?
Yes. If you own a commercial or buy-to-let property, damage often leads to further financial loss. Provided your policy includes business interruption cover or a negligent third party caused the damage, we can seek to recover lost rent, disruption to your business and temporary relocation costs.
What can I do if my insurance company has refused my claim?
An insurer's refusal letter is not always the final word. Insurers often decline claims by applying policy exclusions strictly (such as "gradual deterioration", "wear and tear", or late notification). We can review your policy wording and advise whether the insurer's interpretation holds up.
Speak with a Solicitor About Your Claim
If your property has suffered substantial damage worth more than €15,000 or your insurer has delayed or refused payment, get in touch with us to talk through your options.
Speak to a solicitor
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Tell us briefly what happened and we will come back to you.