If your property has been damaged through no fault of your own, you can make a property damage claim to recover the cost of repair or replacement, provided the damage resulted from someone else’s negligence, a faulty product, or a breach of duty. Adam Bernard Solicitors represents claimants across London and the UK, working with independent valuation experts to make sure any settlement reflects the true cost of your loss — not just what an insurer first offers.
Common causes of property damage claims include:
- Escape of water or flooding from a neighbouring property
- Fire damage caused by faulty electrical goods or third-party negligence
- Structural damage from building or construction work nearby
- Damage caused by a contractor, tradesperson, or delivery company
- Faulty products that damage your home or belongings
- Vehicle impact damage to a building, wall, or fence
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What counts as a property damage claim
A property damage claim is a civil claim for compensation where someone else’s negligence, breach of contract, or wrongdoing has caused financial loss to your property or possessions. This is distinct from a personal injury claim, though the two often arise from the same incident — for example, a fire that damages your home and causes injury can give rise to both types of claim, and we handle them together where relevant.
To have a valid claim, you generally need to show:
- A duty of care existed — the responsible party (a neighbour, contractor, landlord, or company) owed you a duty not to cause damage
- That duty was breached — through negligence, poor workmanship, or an unsafe product or act
- The breach caused measurable loss — repair costs, replacement costs, or a reduction in the property’s value
How much compensation can you claim?
Compensation for a property damage claim is calculated to put you back in the position you were in before the damage occurred — commonly known as “reinstatement value.” This can include:
- The cost of repairs or professional restoration work
- Replacement value for damaged possessions that cannot be repaired
- Loss of value where damage permanently affects your property
- Alternative accommodation costs, if your property is uninhabitable during repairs
- Loss of earnings, where the damage has directly affected your ability to work
Because valuation is central to the size of any settlement, we work with independent chartered surveyors and loss assessors to produce an accurate, defensible valuation before we negotiate with the responsible party or their insurer.
The claims process
- Free initial consultation — we assess whether you have a valid claim and explain your options, with no obligation
- Evidence gathering — photographs, repair quotes, receipts, and expert valuation reports are compiled to support your claim
- Liability investigation — we identify the responsible party and, where insurance is involved, notify their insurer
- Negotiation — we negotiate directly with the insurer or responsible party to reach a fair settlement
- Court proceedings (if needed) — where a fair settlement cannot be agreed, we can issue court proceedings; most property damage claims under £10,000 are dealt with via the small claims track
Time limits
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have six years from the date the damage occurred to bring a property damage claim. Acting sooner is strongly advisable — evidence such as photographs, repair quotes, and witness accounts becomes harder to obtain the longer you wait.
Why choose Adam Bernard Solicitors
- Direct access to independent valuation experts to ensure your claim reflects your true loss
- SRA-regulated solicitors with a track record of successful property damage settlements
- 24/7 phone contact, plus free video consultations via Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, or Skype
- Offices in High Holborn (Central London) and Upton Park (East London)
Get in touch with our expert Solicitors today.
Frequently Asked Questions
You generally have six years from the date of the damage under the Limitation Act 1980, though claiming sooner preserves evidence and strengthens your case.
No. You can pursue a civil claim against the responsible party directly, whether or not you have insurance — though your insurer may also be involved if you've already made a policy claim.
Yes, if you can show your neighbour's negligence (such as an unmaintained tree, leak, or building work) directly caused the damage, you can bring a claim against them or their insurer.
Most claims settle through negotiation with the responsible party or their insurer. Where a fair settlement isn't reached, claims under £10,000 are typically handled through the small claims court.
Compensation is based on independent valuation of repair or replacement costs, any permanent loss in value, and related losses such as alternative accommodation or lost earnings.
There's no strict minimum, but claims management guidance typically expects losses above £275 to be worth pursuing once legal and valuation costs are weighed against the claim.
