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Steven Coles

Call 1983

"Technically sound and very patient and detailed in his approach."
(Legal 500)

Insurance & Reinsurance

Selected Cases

  • Advising insurers on policy coverage issues in respect of a claim for £375,000 under a household policy providing cover for unsatisfied judgments (2020)
  • Advising insurers on policy coverage in relation to a £400,000 claim against contractors where an endorsement restricted the type of building covered (2020)
  • Advising insurers in relation to a claim for fire damage to a house where the fire was deliberately caused (2020) – see also the cases Middleton v MMA (2014) and Lloyd Evans v Zurich (2010) below, which were decided on the issue of policy cover and exclusions for deliberate acts in such circumstances.
  • Advising insurers on subrogated claim for recovery of about £300,000 paid to the defendant as a result of a fraudulent scheme (2020)
  • Advising insurers on whether the injured claimant was an employee or independent subcontractor for the purpose of public liability and employers lability cover for a £250,000 claim (2020)
  • Advising liability insurers on issues arising out of claims in respect of the death of a high-profile musician abroad, where claims could be for many Millions (2019)
  • Advising insurers on issues of contractual liabilities and policy coverage under joint names policy for major building contract, where more than £200,000 damages claimed for water damage from failed pipework (2019)
  • Advising on policy cover under a liability policy where a tenant claimed £200,000 losses against landlord for water ingress (2018)
  • Advising on Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Acts 2010 and related issues in relation to defective works in a large redevelopment project (2018)
  • Advising on policy coverage under a public liability policy in respect of a building collapse which killed one person and injured others (2018)
  • Advising defendant’s insurers in relation to claim for several £ Millions for fire damage to a block of flats (2017)
  • Advising public liability insurers on policy coverage in respect of £1.6 Million claim against their insured defendant contractors arising from damage to a large inflatable dome for public exhibitions which was destroyed (2017)
  • Advising insurers on policy coverage and related issues in relation to a claim for £400,000 damages for water ingress to a large building development (2017)
  • Advising insurers on policy coverage in relation to a claim for £200,000 fire damage caused by the insured at premises where they were carrying out hot works (2017)
  • Advising insurers on policy coverage in relation to a claim against contractors for £700,000 for deterioration of road surfaces where defective aggregate had been used (2017)
  • Acting for claimant and insurers in fire claim by owners of a warehouse destroyed by fire, claims totalling over £5 Million (2015)
  • Acting for insurers in proceedings over policy construction of a household policy covering unsatisfied judgments (2015)
  • Appearing for insurers at trial in a policy coverage claim over whether property damage by a tenant’s arson was covered under landlord’s property policy or was excluded as a deliberate act: Middleton v MMA (2014) (and see also Lloyd Evans v Zurich (2010) below)
  • Acting in claims for over £2 Million by three claimants against various defendants arising from serious injuries when a heavy shop fascia fell onto them; numerous claims between the various defendants and their insurers (2012)
  • Acting in claim against insurers for £5 Million under a property policy for destruction of a factory by fire; issues over construction of policy conditions, and concurrent claim against insurance brokers for negligence (2012)
  • Advising in subrogated claim by employer’s liability insurers, claiming indemnity or contribution from the Italian manufacturer of a pulley system which broke, causing injury to an employee (2011).
  • Appearing at trial in a policy dispute claim over whether property damage by a tenant’s arson was covered under landlord’s property policy or was excluded as a deliberate act: Lloyd Evans v Zurich (2010) (and see also Middleton v MMA (2014) above)
  • Advising in claim against insurers under property policy in respect of oil damage to land and cottage from a damaged fuel tank (2010)
  • Appearing in claim by a care home for property damage and substantial loss of profits arising from roofing works inadequately protected against heavy rainfall (2010)
  • Claim for personal injuries from a tripping accident in a lift in an office building, with various contribution claims between building owners, lessees, and lift maintenance company and their insurers (2010)
  • Claim for £800,000 in respect of land contamination from diesel leaking from tank on industrial premises (2009)
  • Fire claim for £4 Million against builders and architects arising from inadequate fire stopping in the roof space of a large supermarket which burned down (2007)
  • Claim for £1 Million under legal expenses insurance by solicitors as appointed representative under the policy (2006)
  • Claim for £1 Million arising out of a fire at a public house (2004)
  • Claim against insurers for £80 Million under a property policy for destruction of a leisure centre by fire; issue over misrepresentation and non-disclosure; and concurrent claim against insurance brokers for negligence (2003)
View full profile »

Qualifications


  • MA (Cantab)

Memberships


  • Commercial Bar Association
  • London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association
  • Personal Injury Bar Association
  • Professional Negligence Bar Association
  • Technology & Construction Bar Association

Recommendations


“Attention to detail is impeccable. His understanding and communication is also exceptional.”

Legal 500, 2025

“He responds well to questions regarding his advice, and is happy to engage in debate upon the finer points of liability and causation – his advice is impressive and perceptive.”

Legal 500, 2022

“Extremely intelligent, with a very patient manner.”

Legal 500, 2021

“He is very analytical, forensic and has good ‘instinct’ on strategy.”

Legal 500

“A calm presence, he is good with expert witnesses, has an eye for detail and is strong on technical issues.”

Legal 500

“His technical excellence and calm manner put clients at ease.”

Legal 500

“Technically sound and very patient and detailed in his approach.”

Legal 500

“Technical skills combined with diligence.”

Legal 500

“Instructed in a range of insurance-related cases.”

Legal 500

“A very good insurance counsel.”

Legal 500


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