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William Lacey

Call 2022

Property Damage

William is developing considerable experience in dealing with property damage claims. He is able to advise on coverage, defence and recovery.

Current and recent work includes:

  • Drafting Particulars of Claim in a six-figure claim for property damage arising from an escape of water in a large domestic property.
  • Drafting a Defence for a sub-contractor accused of having negligently caused an escape of water in a new-build block of flats, leading to a six-figure claim for damages.
  • Advising a well-known horticultural charity on the recovery of its losses arising from an escape of water caused by a sub-contractor, which led to the temporary closure of its public facilities and consequential financial losses.
  • Advising an insurer seeking to pursue a subrogated claim for a contribution from a sub-contractor who caused an escape of water at a new housing project.
  • Advising an insurer seeking a subrogated recovery from the manufacturer of a vacuum cleaner which combusted whilst charging, causing significant fire damage to a domestic property.
  • Advising a builder facing a six-figure claim for property damage. The builder was accused of having negligently caused a fire to break out on site, with the result that a building was severely damaged. William also drafted the Defence, and represented the defendant at a CCMC in the High Court (TCC).
  • Drafting a Defence for a major water utility accused of causing damage to property as a consequence of negligent repair work. The claim was subsequently discontinued.
  • Advising an insurer on coverage where its insured had notified a substantial property damage claim arising from a construction project. The property in question belonged to a third party, with the result that the policy’s operative clause was not triggered.
  • Securing the dismissal of claim for vehicle damage on the basis that the documentary evidence regarding diminution in value/reasonable cost of repair was inadequate and unconvincing.
  • Successfully defending a well-known water and sewerage undertaker against a claim for property damage by one of its customers. The court was satisfied that the Water Industry Act 1991, as interpreted by the senior courts, provided a complete defence to the claim.
  • Successfully defending a homeowner at trial, in circumstances where the homeowner was accused of breaching a Party Wall Award and causing damage to a neighbouring property. The case raised some unusual issues concerning jurisdiction, limitation and declaratory relief.

Selected Cases

Property

William’s cases often raise land and property law issues, particularly in the context of professional liability, insurance, construction, property damage and personal injury. He has acted for residential landlords and tenants, commercial landlords and tenants, housing associations, property management companies, estate/letting agents and their clients, and conveyancing solicitors. He accepts instructions in housing disrepair claims and in landlord and tenant disputes, including on a direct access basis where appropriate. He also accepts instructions in mixed housing disrepair/personal injury claims.

 

 

Selected Cases

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Awards


• Lord Denning Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn, 2021)
• Senior Advocacy Scholarship (The University of Law, 2021)
• Lord Brougham Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn, 2020)

Articles


News


Qualifications


• Bar Practice Course (Outstanding); The University of Law
• GDL (Distinction); The University of Law
• MA Music (First Class); King’s College, Cambridge

Memberships


  • BILA
  • COMBAR
  • PIBA
  • PNBA
  • TECBAR

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