Connect with meCharlotte is an insurance law specialist providing indemnity advice to insurers on a range of issues including extent of cover, non-disclosure, public and product liability, fraudulent claims, and complaints. She also handles contentious insurance claims, acting for insurers in relation to natural disaster claims, as well as defending insureds in liability claims.
Charlotte is known for her organisation, attention to detail, and effective communication and advocacy abilities.
- Representing a large insurer in one of its largest litigated commercial earthquake claims arising from the Kaikoura earthquake, with a total value in excess of $60 million and involving complex policy response issues and damage assessments. Charlotte assisted with the negotiation of a successful outcome for the client prior to the commencement of trial.
- Acting for insurers in defending a claim arising from the Canterbury earthquakes. One was a multi-level architecturally designed residential building with damages claimed in excess of $7 million. The matter involved complex policy interpretation and extent of cover issues.
- Advising and acting on various other complex material damage and business interruption disputes for insurers in the High Court and Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal, including claims alleging defective earthquake assessments and repairs.
- Successfully prosecuting and defending claims against and for construction professionals regarding alleged breaches of duties and defective workmanship.
- Advising an insurer and working collaboratively with EQC in relation to material damage and business interruption claims for a rest home allegedly damaged by the Kaikoura earthquake.
- Conducting a large-scale review of a general insurer’s policy wordings for consistency with applicable reinsurance treaties, particularly in relation to exclusions for infectious diseases following the emergence of COVID-19.
Areas of Expertise
- Professional Liability
- Property – Major Loss
Industry Representation
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Industrial and Commercial Property
- Professions and Business Services
Professional Affiliations
- New Zealand Insurance Law Association
- New Zealand Law Society
- NZILA Conference Organising Committee Member
- Women in Insurance