Susan Bevin
Dispute Resolution
Max Taylor-Smith
Dispute Resolution
Kaitlin Webley
Dispute Resolution
If you are a Canterbury homeowner who settled with Southern Response prior to 1 October 2014, you may be entitled to compensation.
In the recent High Court decision of Southern Response Earthquake Services Ltd v Dodds [2020] 3 NZLR 383 the court found that Southern Response had misrepresented to Mr and Mrs Dodds the cost to rebuild their house by providing them with a “Detailed Repair/Rebuild Analysis.” This document did not contain additional costs Southern Response would incur when rebuilding.
Following this decision Southern Response is now contacting some 3,000 Canterbury homeowners directly regarding a settlement package consisting of an additional payment of professional fees and contingencies.
Those included in this group are those who settled between 10 September 2010 and 1 October 2014 and had one of the following AMI policies:
If you have been contacted by Southern Response, Cavell Leitch is able to provide independent legal advice regarding your options and the Southern Response’s settlement package. Southern Response has indicated they may contribute towards legal fees by way of a reimbursement.
Cavell Leitch are well versed in assisting clients regarding earthquake claims and can provide tailored advice to you and can act on your behalf in negotiations with Southern Response.
Cavell Leitch is providing legal services for a fixed fee of $2,500 plus GST, under their terms of engagement. Southern Response will reimburse you for $2,000 of that fee if you are eligible. There will be no cost to you if you are not eligible.
Should you wish to find out more information, or obtain independent legal advice regarding your options, please contact one of our experts below.