WE ARE 100% ONLINE
We have been 100% online since 7 August 2020. If you are unable to access our online system, please feel free to call us (03 377 8855) to discuss your situation. Or should you desire we can have one of our specialists arrange to meet you in your home.
Southern Response Concealed Information Class Action
By now I am sure most of you have heard about the class action that’s been going on against Southern Response for claims for loss regarding the information they hid from unsuspecting homeowners.
The Court has now confirmed insurers Southern Response can directly contact 3000 quake-affected Canterbury homeowners about $300 million compensation owed to them. This is a major blow to GCA Lawyers, but a fantastic outcome for around 3,000 homeowners. Eligible homeowners are those who cash-settled their Southern Response earthquake claims before October 1, 2014. In general terms these homeowners are entitled to a further payment of approximately 20 percent of their original settlement plus interest.
The average compensation payable is approximately $100,000 for each homeowner, for dwelling claims. We recommend all former Southern Response policy holders/ anyone who was cash settled by Southern Response before 1 October 2014 get legal advice.
Claims Resolution Services (2015) Ltd has teamed up with Canterbury Legal to offer legal advice to eligible homeowners and a settlement service for just $2,000 per claim.
This is the least expensive service being offered in New Zealand. What’s more Southern response has agreed to cover the costs up to $2,000, for dwelling claims.
So, provided Southern Response are true to their word, you will not have any out-of-pocket expenses. Act now, email your details to info@srclaims.co.nz
EARTHQUAKE SERVICES AND CLAIMS RESOLUTION SERVICE (2015):
WE ARE ON YOUR SIDE
It's now almost 10 years since the big earthquakes hit Christchurch, in that time Earthquake Services Ltd and Claims Resolution Service (2015) Ltd have become New Zealand's largest privately-owned insurance advocacy and litigation funding service, offering our services throughout New Zealand. While our primary focus has been earthquake related claims, we also deal with other types of general litigation funding.
We are not run, or influenced in any way, by insurance companies. We do try to work with them for a fast resolution, but we won't back away from fighting for your full entitlement. We have helped hundreds of Cantabrians and New Zealanders settle their earthquake claims at levels far above their insurer's initial offer. Our 'No Win, No Fee' approach means we do not charge you our fee unless we resolve your claim. Furthermore we fund the entire process from start to finish. So unlike some other resolution services or legal firms you pay nothing until your claim is settled or ended*. There is nothing more soul destroying to have to pay lawyers bills every month year after year trying to get your house claim resolved all the while living in a broken home. Some people are even paying rent for a house to live in and a mortgage on their broken home. We understand your dilemma and that's why you pay us nothing till settlement or your claim has ended.
* Case ended means, the contract has been terminated by either party, the case has been settled or for any other reason that we agree your agreement with us is at an end.
Current Issues; failed repairs; unscoped damage; underpaid claims? - We can help
The people who need our help in relation to EQ claims now fall into a variety of categories: Still battling insurers and EQC for repairs, rebuilds and settlements from the quakes
Those battling EQC to have damage that was never scoped or was removed from an earlier scopes by Fletchers or EQC
EQC/EQR or Insurer managed repairs that have failed.
Those who received insufficient cash payments by EQC to repair the damage
Those who believe their Insurer or EQC withheld information from them about the true extent of the damage to their home.
Those who have purchased homes since the quakes with claims against the original policy to find out the insurer will only pay indemnity value.
A newer group are homeowners who bought 'repaired' homes but have since discovered unaddressed damage or failed repairs.
Claims
Still battling EQC
Those with EQC home claims fall into the three categories below. Although EQC has not yet declared a deadline this could change, and after 7 years it is really time to get people's homes repaired, so contact us as soon as possible if you are in any of these situations.
- Undercap claims: EQC is still insisting that your home can be repaired for less than the EQC cap, despite your belief that there is more damage, or you have evidence to the contrary. Many homes have been inadequately scoped and significant structural damage missed.
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Failed Repairs: EQC has admitted that thousands of homes repaired under its Fletcher EQR program were not repaired to an acceptable standard. It likes to blame builders for sub-standard work, but the real problem was more often dodgy assessments, damage removed from scopes by Fletchers and EQC and the poor repair strategies undertaken by EQC and Fletcher EQR. Trusting homeowners were told, "That crack was there before the quakes," or, "These leaning walls are within the MBIE guidelines so we don't have to straighten them," or "Poor workmanship caused that hump in the floor". If damage is not assessed properly or repair strategies are inadequate, then no matter how good the builder, repairs will fail. Don't listen to their double speak, talk to us for a clear understanding of your entitlement.
Some people believe if they signed off their repairs they have no case against EQC, this is not true. It makes no difference to your claim if you have signed off repairs or not, see us urgently if this is your case.
Homeowners who have bought homes assuming that repairs were done to a good standard but have since discovered significant damage that was not repaired, or whose repairs have failed have sometimes been told that if the insurance claim was not assigned to them at the time of house purchase, they cannot claim. This is incorrect. A claim can be assigned after a sale with the agreement of the previous owner. If you are in this situation and need help, contact us. - Underpayment: EQC has paid out many claims rather than employ their own contractors to undertake repairs. In some cases, an amount was simply paid into people's bank account without a detailed accounting of repair costs for damage. However, when homeowners come to repair their property, many have found that the sum they received is not enough.
CALL US NOW Ph 03-3778855
Testimonials
Dear Bryan,
"After the earthquakes we found ourselves in disagreement over the extent of damage to our house and the repair strategy being proposed. After limited success going it alone we decided to enlist the help of Bryan Staples and the Earthquake Services team. The process of working through the High Court system has not been easy. We have been mistreated by our insurance company, bullied by their lawyers and pushed to breaking point. Bryan has helped us every step of the way; dealing with these so-called professionals and truly advocating for our rights. We regularly email Bryan or meet him at his office; angry, upset and exasperated. He is always available and always willing to help. He calmly talks us through our concerns and sends us on your way feeling confident and supported. Thanks again,"
Kind Regards,
Jerry & Aimee
" I'm under Earthquake Services with Bryan Staples. I'm very very happy with my reports and how things are going."
Toni had previously spent over $11,000 on lawyers fees trying to get her home repaired to no avail.
Toni from Kaiapoi
Hello Bryan,
"The ground under Gavin's home has fallen away and his foundations are severely compromised. The house sways and vibrates in strong winds and is now cold and damp despite two heat pumps and dehumidifiers. He and his flatmate has serious medical issues and are considered vulnerable. Gavin came to EQS mentally and physically exhausted from the battle to have his home repaired and is happy to have someone fighting for him and interacting, on his behalf, with the relevant parties. Thanks again,"
Kind Regards,
Gavin
Hi Bryan,
"I do not know how to thank you and your team for everything you have done for me throughout this journey. As you know I am a returned serviceman, I have faced the enemy on many fronts, but never have I faced one so determined to destroy me as EQC and my Insurer. Without you I fear I would be now 6 feet under, instead now I am in my new apartment soaking up the sun sending you this email on my new ipad, which I am still learning to use. Thank you and please drop over for a beer sometime."
Alex
Clients Story
