Donald A. "Don" DeCandia

Donald A. "Don" DeCandia

Santa Fe, NM recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2018
Hartline Barger LLP

10 Best Lawyers awards

Hartline Barger LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation Insurance Law Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

Biography

Don DeCandia brings over 25 years of experience to his primary practice areas of products liability, tort and personal injury, and ERISA litigation. He has litigated complex commercial cases and class actions and has a depth of experience in appellate work. Don believes that listening and attention to detail are key components of a successful practice. He maintains close communications with client contacts to ensure that informed judgment guides key decisions. Don has achieved the highest rating possible from Martindale-Hubbell and is recognized by Best Lawyers in America® and Southwest Super Lawyers®.

Don’s extensive experience in ERISA litigation includes representation of life, health and disability insurers, HMOs, self-funded plans, plan sponsors, plan administrators, pension plans, and third-party administrators.

Don has handled dozens of products liability cases in the vehicle context, including the defense of several tire manufacturers in tire failure litigation. He has also represented building product and power tool manufacturers, and his practice includes insurance cases and premises liability matters. Many of his cases involve claims for wrongful death and serious personal injury.

Don takes an active role in the management of the law firm. He presently serves as Department Head for Litigation, Co-General Counsel for the firm, and a member of the Client Relations Committee. Previously, he was a member of the firm’s Executive Committee (2011-2014), the Chair of the Tort, Products Liability, and Railroad Practice Group, and a member of the Associate, Intake, and Technology Committees.

Hartline Barger LLP

10 Best Lawyers awards

Hartline Barger LLP logo

Overview

  • The University of Texas, J.D., graduated 1989

  • United States, United States Supreme Court
  • United States, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
  • United States, U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
  • New Mexico, State Bar of New Mexico

  • Animal Humane Association of New Mexico, 1996-2004 - Member
  • New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association (NMDLA) - Former Co-Editor and Editorial Board Member of NMDLA's publication "Defense News"
  • The CLM - Member
  • Animal Welfare Board for City of Albuquerque, 2003-2005 - Board Member
  • United States, United States Supreme Court
  • United States, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
  • United States, U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
  • New Mexico, State Bar of New Mexico
  • Animal Humane Association of New Mexico, 1996-2004 - Member
  • New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association (NMDLA) - Former Co-Editor and Editorial Board Member of NMDLA's publication "Defense News"
  • The CLM - Member
  • Animal Welfare Board for City of Albuquerque, 2003-2005 - Board Member
  • The University of Texas, J.D., graduated 1989

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Santa Fe (2025)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Insurance Law
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Litigation - ERISA
  • Litigation - Health Care
  • Litigation - Insurance
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Awards:
  • Southwest Super Lawyers® (derived from a lawyer survey), 2011-present
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • Best Lawyers in America® in Commercial Litigation, 2018

Case History

Cases
  • Witte v. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and TransCanada USA Services, Inc. Retiree PPO Plan
In 2016, received summary judgment for self-insured medical plan and third-party administrator in ERISA matter involving claim for medical transport to Massachusetts General Hospital. Witte v. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and TransCanada USA Services, Inc. Retiree PPO Plan, U.S.D.C., D.N.M, No. 14-1084 SCY/GJF.
  • Lopez v. Delta International Machinery Corp.
Achieved dismissals on personal jurisdiction grounds of three corporate entities and successfully opposed jurisdictional discovery in products liability action involving a table saw. Also received summary judgment as to the remaining defendants in 2016. · Lopez v. Delta International Machinery Corp., et al., No. 2:15-CV-00193 JB/GJF.
  • Britton v. Bruin
·Successful defense of Best Friends Animal Society in both State District Court and the New Mexico Court of Appeals in mandamus action that sought to curtail the City of Albuquerque’s Trap-Neuter-Return program for feral cats. Appellate decision issued in 2016. Britton v. Bruin, et al., No. D-202-CV-2013-09303; N.M. Ct. App. No. 34,283.
  • Madrid v. Valero Marketing and Supply Co / Madrid v. CST Services, LLC
Obtained summary judgment in premises liability case for a service station in 2016. Successfully opposed subsequent effort to amend complaint and subsequent parallel lawsuit. Madrid v. Valero Marketing and Supply Co., No. D-202-CV-2015-06968; Madrid v. CST Services, LLC et al., No. D-202-CV-2016-04929.

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