Independent quantum assessment of a £306k fire protection claim

We were instructed by a major national and international law firm acting for a main contractor in an adjudication against its design consultant, arising from alleged design failures on a leisure and retail development. The dispute centred on inadequate fire compartmentation design, which led to additional fire protection works being required during construction.

We were appointed as independent quantum expert to provide an impartial assessment of the losses incurred and to prepare an expert report compliant with CPR 35.

Our approach

We undertook a forensic review of the claim, supporting records, and design information, focusing on causation, scope of works, and substantiation of costs.

The claim was broken down into its principal elements, including:

• Head umbrella fire protection works to compartment walls,
• Fire protection to steel bracings and beams,
• Associated access and installation costs.

Using contemporaneous records, payment certificates, subcontractor data, and site evidence, we conducted a detailed remeasurement and independent valuation of the works.

Each element of the claim was evaluated against three key principles:

• Causation – whether the works arose from the alleged design failure,
• Entitlement – whether the costs were recoverable,
• Quantum – whether the amounts claimed reflected the actual loss incurred.

Throughout, we maintained independence, ensuring our conclusions reflected the true and reasonable value of the loss.

The outcome

We produced a CPR-compliant expert report that:

• Provided an independent valuation of approximately £282k, compared to the client’s claim of £306k,
• Clearly explained the basis of any reductions, including unsupported scope and overstated costs,
• Presented a credible, evidence-based quantum assessment.

Our report delivered a clear, impartial, and defensible valuation, giving the legal team a solid foundation to progress the claim and supporting the client’s position in formal dispute resolution.

Notably, the responding party did not challenge our quantum report or valuation in their response, reinforcing the robustness of our analysis and the strength of the evidence presented.