Robert Welfare

Robert heads up that part of the firm’s property energy and construction team which is based in Birmingham, which acts for and advises insurers on property damage, product liability disputes and associated coverage issues.

He specialises in both UK and international property damage and construction disputes, including those arising from fires, floods, pollution incidents, storms, mining and subsidence and defective construction works. He has acted successfully for property, liability and contractors’ all risks (CAR) insurers. 

Robert is frequently instructed by product liability insurers, including disputes concerning defective electrical and mechanical equipment, refrigeration, fire extinguishers, vehicle protection systems and medical appliances.

He acts frequently in relation to disputes arising from use of agricultural and other rural land.  He advises and acts in disputes which concern trees, other vegetation and sensitive natural habitats.

Robert is often instructed to advise and act for insurers on coverage issues; including fraudulent and suspicious insurance claims.

He represents insurers and other clients in litigation, arbitration, adjudication, Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) enquiries and various forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including advocacy at numerous mediations.

Robert is frequently invited to provide lectures, seminars and training for insurers. He presents on issues relating to fraudulent claims, updates on fire, flood and pollution claims and the significance of climate change for insurers. He is also a member of FOIL, CII and the Fraud Advisory Panel.

Robert contributed to the writing of Kennedys' ‘Rewriting the risk: Addressing the challenge of climate change’ report, which was published in July 2022.

Qualifications

• Qualified in England and Wales in 1995