Michael L. DeBona

In his products liability practice, Michael pursues claims against major appliance and plumbing manufacturers after their products fail and result in floods.  In his construction practice, he pursues claims against construction and real estate companies, architects, engineers, and other design professionals whose negligence result in catastrophic property damage.

As a trial lawyer, Michael has successfully tried dozens of cases to verdict as lead counsel at both jury trials and bench trials. He has also secured dozens of favorable outcomes before binding arbitration panels. 

Michael’s unique perspective, honed through prior defense work, allows him to anticipate opposing strategies and craft compelling case narratives that resonate with judges, juries, and arbitrators alike. His litigation practice blends strategic rigor with creative problem-solving, particularly in cases involving complex expert issues. He litigates cases in state and federal courts throughout the United States, including in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, California, Texas, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and the District of Columbia.

• Conducted and defended expert depositions in construction defect case resulting in immediate doubling of six figure settlement offer
• Represented global insurer in multi-million dollar water loss at historic landmark hotel in Washington, DC
• Briefed and argued opposition to defendant's preliminary objections seeking to dismiss insurer’s strict liability cause of action, which the judge overruled on all grounds
• Overturned arbitration award involving three issues of first impression
• Obtained summary judgment for insurer by persuading court to narrowly apply seemingly far-reaching Supreme Court precedent
• Prosecuted declaratory judgment action rescinding insurance policy and precluding coverage of $25 million claim