Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
David H. Kochman
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2017 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
“It is important for me to provide a road map for clients to develop and then implement a litigation strategy focused on efficiently solving a problem, be it by early evaluation and prompt resolution or, if necessary, litigate through trial.”
David focuses primarily on representing corporations as national, regional, local and trial counsel in all phases of complex product liability litigation from pre-litigation crisis management through trial. He has been involved in the defense of a wide variety of product litigation, including automobiles, exercise and recreational equipment, heavy industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals and toxic torts, including asbestos. He has also defended corporations in class actions, multi-district litigation and state-wide consolidations. David has extensive deposition experience including preparation and defense of corporate executives, scientific, medical and technical experts. He also has experience in the defense of construction sites. He has represented construction clients in disputes involving construction defect and breach of contract.
Prior to joining Harris Beach, David practiced with a New York City law firm where his experience included representing a company as national counsel in the “Fen Phen” litigation. He also represented a major Japanese international manufacturing client as Northeast Regional Discovery Coordinator responsible for preparation of discovery responses and mass document production.
Overview
- Emory University, J.D., graduated 1986
- New York, State Bar of New York
- Berkeley Carroll School - former member of the Board of Directors, served on the Development Committee and Major Gifts Subcommittee
- Construction Defect Committee (Specialized Litigation Group) - former chair
- DRI - former chair of the Biomechanics and Injury Causation Specialized Litigation Group, former co-chair of Recreational Products Specialized Litigation Group
- Products Liability Committee - Steering Committee member
- Tufts Alumni Admissions Program - former Brooklyn Chair
- Tufts Alumni Council - Development Committee member
- New York, State Bar of New York
- Berkeley Carroll School - former member of the Board of Directors, served on the Development Committee and Major Gifts Subcommittee
- Construction Defect Committee (Specialized Litigation Group) - former chair
- DRI - former chair of the Biomechanics and Injury Causation Specialized Litigation Group, former co-chair of Recreational Products Specialized Litigation Group
- Products Liability Committee - Steering Committee member
- Tufts Alumni Admissions Program - former Brooklyn Chair
- Tufts Alumni Council - Development Committee member
- Emory University, J.D., graduated 1986
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
- Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Awards:
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rating
- Metro New York Super Lawyers, Personal Injury - Products: Defense, since 2006
News & Media
Additional Information
- REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
- Vuksanaj v. Hubbell Incorporated (Delaware), et al. (New York State Supreme Court 2014): Obtained dismissal on behalf of electrical equipment manufacturer.
- McGrath v. Hubbell Power Systems, et al. (New York State Supreme Court 2013): Case dismissed as to client following plaintiff’s deposition.
- Serbalik v. Albany International, et al. (New York State Supreme Court 2012): Motion for Summary Judgment granted on behalf of Albany International.
- Eagle v. Progress Lighting, Inc. (New Jersey Superior Court 2011): Motion for Summary Judgment granted on behalf of lighting fixture manufacturer; Decision upheld upon motion to reconsider.
- Karash v. United Rentals, Inc. (New York State Supreme Court 2009): As trial counsel, obtained dismissal for client at close of plaintiff’s case.
- Woodward v. AO Smith Water Products, et al. (New York State Supreme Court, 2007): Obtained dismissal for industrial pump manufacturer, Blackmer, in product liability case.
- Gizzi v. Albany International, et al. (New York State Supreme Court, 2007): Successful defense of textile manufacturer resulting in dismissal of product liability case.
- Valley v. OPW Fueling Components, et al. (New York State Supreme Court, 2006): Successfully represented commercial fuel component supplier, OPW Fueling Components, in product liability case.
- Gesa v. United Rentals, Inc. (New York State Supreme Court, 2006): Successful defense of United Rentals regarding negligence and product liability claims asserted as to distributor of construction equipment.
- Morales v. Conceptions S.N. Vena, Inc. (New Jersey Superior Court, 2005): Successful defense of Canadian manufacturer of construction cement mixer equipment regarding allegations of defective design and inadequate warnings.
- Blumm v. Trane (New Jersey Superior Court, 2005): Successful defense of commercial air chiller manufacturer in product liability action for property damage.
- Alvarez, Duckworth, Gehler, et al. v. Bryant Electric, Division of Hubell, Inc. (New York State Supreme Court, 2004): Obtained summary judgment on behalf of industrial heater manufacturer in product liability case resulting in plaintiff dismissing entire cluster of over 150 cases based upon same theory.
- Nereida Alvarez, et al. v. General Electric, et al. (New York State Supreme Court, 2004): Co-counsel defending General Electric regarding toxic tort product liability claims related to subway propulsion system.
- Boyce v. America Honda Motor Co. (New York State Supreme Court, 2001): Represented Honda regarding automotive crash worthiness and defective seatbelt allegations asserted on behalf of deceased infant.
- Powchik v. Cybex (New York State Supreme Court, 2001): Successfully defended exercise equipment manufacturer as to claims for allegedly defective equipment.
- Wahl v. America Honda Motor Co., et al. (New York State Supreme Court, 1999): Co-trial counsel on behalf of Honda obtaining defense verdict after four-week trial in all terrain vehicle case.
- Drattel v. Toyota Motor Corp. (New York State Supreme Court, 1997): Co-counsel for Japanese automotive manufacturer, Toyota, defending against plaintiff’s crashworthiness and no airbag claims.
- Steidl v. Harley-Davidson (U. S. District Court, EDNY, 1997): Pre-trial and co-trial counsel representing Harley-Davidson resulting in defense verdict in motorcycle crashworthiness litigation.
- Clarke v. Agency Rent-A-Car (New York State Supreme Court, 1996): Trial counsel for Agency Rent-A-Car in automotive litigation resulting in defense verdict obtained in Bronx County, New York.
- Curtis Mayfield v. Coca-Cola, et al. (U. S. District Court, EDNY, 1995): Counsel representing theatrical lighting distributor defending product liability claims brought by the well-known entertainer regarding his accident, which rendered him quadriplegic.
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