David R. Stechow

David R. Stechow focuses his practice in various areas of complex litigation, including construction law, product liability and fire and property damage litigation.  Mr. Stechow has appeared before numerous state and federal trial courts and has successfully litigated both jury trials and arbitrations. He has defended builders, contractors, management companies and manufacturers.

Mr. Stechow represents his clients in complex litigation matters involving property and personal injury claims resulting from construction deficiencies or fire and explosions in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Many of these cases include property destruction or serious injury or death.

Mr. Stechow attended Southern Methodist University and received his bachelor’s degree in 1992 from Michigan State University. He received his law degree in 1996 from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.  Mr. Stechow is also a 2002 graduate of the International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy, in Boulder, Colorado.

Representative Client Work

• Defended a large construction equipment dealer in a wrongful death suit wherein plaintiff’s decedent was crushed while operating a skid-steer loader
• Defended a contractor in a personal injury suit wherein the plaintiff suffered a myriad of injuries requiring numerous surgeries; defended to jury verdict of no cause for action
• Represented a large general contractor in a suit for breach of contract and indemnity against a subcontractor achieving a favorable verdict.
• Defended a consumer electronic manufacturer in a fire loss claim involving property damage in excess of $1,000,000
• Obtained summary judgment for a general contractor accused of defectively constructing 11 homes within a development
• Obtained summary judgment for the owner of a press in a personal injury suit where the operator lost his arm
• Obtained summary judgment for a general contractor in a fire loss claim involving property damage in excess of $1,500,000

Professional Affiliations

• Oakland County Bar Association
• State Bar of Michigan
• Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
• American Bar Association

Publications and Lectures

• “Spoliation of Evidence, Punitive Damages and State Transportation Safety Audit Procedures,” co-author Michigan Compendium Transportation Law for ALFA, February 2003
• “Sick Building: Your Prescription for Treating Claims, Lawsuits & Liability,” presented to Crawford Claims Management Services, Lecturer, November 2002
• “Product Defect and Defenses, Admissibility of Expert Testimony and Remedial Measures, and Indemnity and Contribution Issues,” co-author Michigan Compendium Product Liability Law for ALFA, July 2002
• “The Toxic Mold Case: The Law and Legal Issues,” Lecturer, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel Summer Conference, June 2002
• “Sick Building: Your Prescription for Treating Claims, Lawsuits & Liability,” presented to Travelers Insurance, Lecturer, February 2002
• “Sick Building: Your Prescription for Treating Claims, Lawsuits & Liability,” Lecturer, October 2001
• “Spoliation of Evidence, Discoverability of Surveillance Investigation and Admissibility of Guilty Plea,” co-author Michigan Compendium Transportation Law for ALFA, February 2001

Publications

• Medical Monitoring Claims Are Not Cognizable Under Michigan Law In the Absence of a Present Physical Injury