We investigate and adjust claims where causation, the extent of damage or the proposed remedial works require specialist assessment. Our role is to establish what the evidence supports and provide a reasoned assessment of the loss under the relevant policy.
Fire and explosion
We investigate the origin and cause of fires and explosions, drawing on site evidence, fire service reports and specialist laboratory analysis where appropriate. The fire service report is a starting point for the investigation rather than a determination of cause, and we assess what it does and does not establish. We reconstruct how the incident developed in relation to the building, its operations and the protection measures in place, and we distinguish established findings from matters requiring further investigation.
Solar photovoltaic and power generation claims
We handle claims involving ground-mounted solar farms and industrial and agricultural rooftop installations, as well as cogeneration and trigeneration plants. Investigations cover hail, wind, lightning, electrical surges, fire and flood.
The number of modules showing damage is rarely the determining factor: the question is which of the reported anomalies are attributable to the insured event rather than to pre-existing conditions, installation damage or deterioration. We critically review thermal imaging, current-voltage (I-V) measurements and electroluminescence testing, including test conditions and the adequacy of sampling. A diagnostic anomaly alone does not establish its cause or justify replacement.
Where proposals involve different replacement modules and wider system modifications, we examine the availability of compatible components, the technical need for reconfiguration and the cost of viable alternatives.
Construction erection and machinery breakdown
Under contractors’ all risks (CAR) and erection all risks (EAR) policies, we investigate the relationship between design, materials, workmanship and the damage claimed. We distinguish the cost of correcting a defect from resulting damage, with reference to the applicable policy wording.
For machinery breakdown and electrical damage claims, we examine the affected components and the sequence of failure, identify the initiating fault where possible, and assess its consequences and the proposed repairs.
Natural catastrophes
We handle flood, windstorm, hail and subsidence claims. We investigate the event, assess its contribution to the damage and distinguish it from pre-existing defects or other causes. Each loss is assessed against the perils and conditions covered by the policy, including the applicable requirements for Italian compulsory catastrophe insurance where relevant.
Business interruption
Business interruption is a specialist area of our practice. We distinguish the operational shortfall caused by the event from the resulting financial loss and the amount recoverable under the policy.
Our assessment considers the time reasonably required for reinstatement, the causes of delay, opportunities for partial resumption and the period needed to return to normal output, which is rarely immediate. For power generation losses, we assess lost production using the available operating and performance data.
Construction defects and decennial insurance
We handle construction defects claims under Italian decennial policies, known as decennale postuma. Establishing that a defect exists does not by itself make every consequence, or every proposed remedial work, recoverable, and we assess the technical basis of the claim separately from the scope of cover and the eligibility of the works proposed.
We distinguish original design and construction defects from the effects of use, maintenance, deterioration and subsequent alterations. Where several causes contribute, we assess their respective significance. Investigations involving the ground or foundations bring together geotechnical conditions, design assumptions and structural behaviour.
Employers’ liability and workplace accidents
We investigate workplace accidents, including fatal incidents, and the technical issues relevant to employers’ liability claims. Our work examines the circumstances of the accident, working methods, equipment and site or workplace organisation.
We also address the technical basis of recovery claims by INAIL, Italy’s statutory workplace accident insurer. Where criminal proceedings run alongside a civil claim, we work with the insurer and its legal advisers on the technical issues and available evidence. Workplace accidents and employers’ liability are longstanding areas of Giorgio Zappa’s practice.
Expert support in Italian proceedings
We act as party-appointed technical experts in preliminary expert proceedings and litigation. We review the questions referred to the court-appointed expert, participate in inspections, submit technical observations and assess the reasoning and valuations in the expert’s report. We also assess the technical and financial basis of settlement proposals.
Italian claims and technical proceedings
Our own adjusters cover Lombardy and the neighbouring provinces of Piedmont. Specialist assignments are also undertaken across Northern Italy.
