Greenwoods Solicitors

With a wealth of expertise in the manufacturing sector, Greenwoods provides a bespoke claims solution service to insurers and insureds throughout the industry. Clients include bus/coach manufacturers, third tier automotive industry manufacturers, food processing companies, heavy engineering companies and electric component manufacturers.

Much of our work is focused on the optimum resolution of insurance claims, ranging from major property damage cases arising from fire and flood to product liability, business interruption and personal injury claims. Although claims handling is at the core of our business, we advise on discreet risk management, providing guidance on best practice with a view to minimising exposure to further costly claims in future.

We are highly experienced in defending product liability claims on behalf of manufacturers, involving a vast array of products, from basic commodities to the most complex assemblies; copper pipe, pushchairs, motor vehicles, electronics and computer equipment. Our work involves a formidable combination of technical know-how, commercial litigation skills, a detailed understanding of the product and the manufacturing process and a strong empathy for the commercial positions of both manufacturer and insurer.

Effective crisis management is often crucial in product liability cases. Greenwoods always provides a calm voice in managing any crisis. Moving quickly to take control of the situation and protect the company’s assets and trading position, we handle the whole process, from dealing with regulatory investigations (EHO, HSE and the Trading Standards Office) to advising on disclosure and legal privilege, policy coverage, the management of media enquiries and the handling of personal injury claims.

Personal Injury claims
Our Personal Injury Group handles all manner of claims relating to manufacturing environments, from employer liability claims arising from production line injuries, to ooccupational disease cases arising from conditions such as deafness, asbestos related disease and cancers caused by exposure to wood-dust, paints and vinyl chlorides. We also handle product liability claims in respect of injuries arising from faulty goods, frequently dealing with cases involving a cross border or multijurisdictional dimension.

Health & Safety
As in other sectors, any manufacturing business can find itself in a health and safety, environmental or other regulatory crisis. Greenwoods’ Health & Safety team is an acknowledged leader in the defence of manslaughter, health and safety and other regulatory prosecutions. We handle a wide range of work, from minor ‘factory floor’ incidents to the defence of businesses facing prosecution by the Health & Safety Executive in respect of injuries and fatalities.