Bio

A partner in the firm's Detroit office, 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 on behalf of builders, contractors, management companies, manufacturers and suppliers.

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.

In 2010, Mr. Stechow was selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). The LCA is an honorary trial lawyer society comprised of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon superior ethical reputation, as well as excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels.

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
  • Successfully defended a manufacturer of products used in commercial plumbing, water control and treatment and waste water markets
  • 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 million
  • Successfully defended numerous chain saw manufacturers resulting in voluntary dismissal by plaintiffs 
  • 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 $1.5 million

Professional Affiliations

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Litigation Counsel of America (Fellow) 
  • ALFA International, Construction Group (Steering Committee)

Publications and Lectures

  • "Drone Use Liability and Coverage," 2022 ALFA International Construction Law Seminar, Presenter, Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, California, July 27 -29, 2022
  • "Understanding Your Insurance Coverage," CAM Magazine, September 2019
  • “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

Credentials

Clerkships

  • Judge James S. Thorburn, Oakland County Circuit Court, 1996-1997
  • Judge Richard D. Kuhn, Oakland County Circuit Court, 1995-1996

Education

  • University of Detroit Mercy, School of Law, J.D., 1996
  • Michigan State University, B.A., 1992
  • Southern Methodist University, 1988-1990

Admissions

  • Michigan, 1996
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan

Honors/Awards

Honors & Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America® for Construction Law and Litigation, 2023 2024
  • Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating-AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated
  • Michigan Super Lawyer Rising Star in Construction Litigation; Michigan Super Lawyers, 2008
  • University of Detroit Mercy Moot Court Tax Team
  • International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy 2002

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