David S. Casey, Jr.
Top rated Personal Injury attorney in San Diego, California
Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Class Action & Mass Torts; view more
Licensed in California since: 1974
Education: University of San Diego School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2007 - 2024 Call today:
619-357-6211
Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP
110 Laurel StSan Diego, CA 92101 Visit website
Details
Focusing his practice on personal injury, David S. Casey Jr. is a distinguished attorney with over four decades of legal experience. He has been working with the law firm of CaseyGerry, which was founded by his late father in San Diego, California, since 1976, and presently functions as the managing partner. His plaintiff clients approach him in all matters of personal injury law, involving:
- Automobile accidents
- Aviation litigation
- Burn injury
- Construction negligence
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Maritime litigation
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Sexual assault
Mr. Casey’s career trajectory was shaped by his tenure as a prosecutor for the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. Deciding to build upon his father's formidable reputation, he pursued his passion for law at the University of San Diego, securing his J.D. in 1974.
Showcasing outstanding legal acumen and unwavering dedication, Mr. Casey has garnered over 100 professional accolades, including the prestigious 2018 Witkin Award for Excellence in the Practice of Law and the 2019 Hughes McClenahan Award for civility in the practice of law. He has also been recognized as one of the Daily Journal’s Top Plaintiff Lawyers in California and the Top 100 Lawyers in California, among several others.
Mr. Casey spearheads the firm’s car accident litigation team in San Diego, consistently securing multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in a wide array of complex cases. Notable among these is his pivotal role in the Volkswagen Emissions scandal, where he was appointed to the national Plaintiff’s Steering Committee overseeing litigation, resulting in a monumental $14.7 billion settlement. He was additionally appointed to the same in the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep Ecodiesel Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, which culminated in a $300 million resolution.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Casey has held esteemed leadership positions in various legal associations, including serving as the past president of the American Association for Justice, the Consumer Attorneys of California, the Western Trial Lawyers Association and the San Diego Trial Lawyers Association. Furthermore, he has been recognized with a peer review rating of AV Preeminent* through Martindale-Hubbell and a “10.0” rating on Avvo.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Class Action/Mass Torts: PlaintiffFocus areas
Animal Bites, Asbestos, Assault, Brain Injury, Class Actions, Construction Accident, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Defense, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Sexual Abuse - Plaintiff, Slip and Fall, Toxic Torts, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 50% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 50% Class Action/Mass Torts: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 1974, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.caseygerry.com/our-team/partners/david-s-casey-j...
Honors/Awards:
- Master – Wallace Inn Court – Inducted, September 2020
- 2018 – The Daily Transcript’s Top Influential Leaders
- 2019 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers
- University of San Diego 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award
- 2019 Hughes McClenahan award by American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- Best Lawyers, 2020
- Lawdragon, 2020
- Super Lawyers Top 10, 2018-2020
- Super Lawyer, 2020
- Best Lawyers, 2021
- Avvo Top-Rated Attorney, 2020
- San Diego Lawyer Recipient of Pursuit of Justice Award
- San Diego Super Lawyers, 2007-2019
- 2019 Best Lawyers
- 2017 San Diego’s TOP Litigators
- Daily Journal, Top Plaintiff Lawyers, 2015 - 2020
- 2009 – 2011 and 2013 – 2017 Top 50 San Diego “Super Lawyers” Magazine
- 2007-2017 San Diego “Super Lawyers” Magazine
- 2006-2017 Best Lawyers in America
- 2016 CASD Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame
- 2015 Legends of the Bar, San Diego County Bar Association
- 2014 American Association for Justice/New Lawyers Division Defender of Justice Award
- 2014 San Diego Daily Transcript, Top Attorneys
- 2010 San Diego Daily Transcript, Top Influentials
- 2002 Legal Professional of the Year, San Diego County Bar Association
- 2009 Consumer Watchdog’s Lifetime Legal Achievement Award
- Inducted into Consumer Attorneys of San Diego’s Past Presidents Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame
- Recipient of a Service Award from the United States Southern District Court of California in recognition of his help and supporting the addition of five new Federal Judges, May 5, 2003.
- Recipient of ATLA's Wiedemann/Wysocki Award a citation of excellence, 2002
- Honored by San Diego Magazine as one of the 50 San Diegans to Watch in 2002, January 25, 2002
- Featured in a book published March 1999, Commitment to Justice, a history of the Consumer Attorneys of California
- Honored by The Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and the CASD Foundation with "The David S. Casey, Jr. Consumer Advocate Award" in recognition of the exceptional dedication to the cause of justice for all consumers and the preservation of the Trial Lawyers profession, August 22, 1997.
- Honored by The American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section with the Pursuit of Justice Award. October 8, 2009
- Honored by Consumer Attorneys of California with "Presidential Award of Merit", in Recognition of his Outstanding Fund-raising efforts, November 1996.
- Selected by peers to be included in The Best Lawyers of America., 2009
- Featured on the front cover of Super Lawyers Magazine as one of the leading lawyers in San Diego. May 2007
- Honored as 2005 Presidential Award of Merit by Consumer Attorneys of California in recognition of his help in making the organization stronger, the Civil Justice System fairer, and the world a better place. December 1, 2005
- Recipient of ATLA's Wiedemann/Wysocki Award a citation of excellence, 2005
- Named as one of Daily Journal's Top 100 Lawyers in California, October 2004
- Recipient of ATLA's Wiedemann/Wysocki Award a citation of excellence Award, 2003
- Honored by Consumer Attorneys of California with the Marvin E. Lewis Award in recognition of continuing guidance, loyalty and dedication, all of which have been an inspiration to his fellow Attorneys, November 16, 2002.
- Honored by San Diego County Bar Association with the Legal Professional of the Year Award, May 22, 2002
- Recipient of ATLA's Wiedemann/Wysocki Award a citation of excellence, 2000
- Honored by the Consumer Attorneys of California with an award of appreciation in recognition for his tireless dedication to the achievement of the goals of CAOC and its battles to preserve the integrity of the civil justice system. November 15, 1997
- Honored by the State of California, Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis with a Resolution, commending him for his exceptional legal and humanitarian efforts on behalf of the people of California and the Nation, November 16, 1996.
- Recipient of the lifetime achievement award from statewide consumer advocacy group. Consumer Watchdog at the Rage for Justice Awards Dinner. September 26, 2009
- Recipient of the Defender of Justice Award by the New Lawyers Division of the American Association for Justice., Defender of Justice Award, AAJ New Lawyers Division, 2014
- Selected by peers to be included in The Best Lawyers of America., 2008
- Recipient of Award in Appreciation for giving the keynote address at the 4th Annual Orrin G. Hatch Distinguished Trial Lawyer Lecture Series at the J. Reuben Clark Law School Brigham Young University, October 26, 2008
- Named one of the Top 100 Lawyers in California by the Los Angeles Daily Journal, 2005
- Recipient of the 2005 Harry M. Philo Award for dedicating his career to safeguarding the rights of individuals Championing the American Civil Justice System and serving as a protector of the public good and for his commanding leadership and innovative vision at the highest levels of the Association, July 26, 2005.
- Named as one of The Daily Journal's Top 100 Lawyers in California, October 2003
- Honored by the University of San Diego with the Arthur Hughes Career Achievement Award, May 5, 2003
- Named as one of The Daily Journal's Top 100 Lawyers in California, October 2002.
- Honored by the San Diego Mediation Center with the 2002 Peacemaker Award, March 22, 2002
- Honored with the 18th Annual Edward I. Pollock Award in recognition of his many years of Dedication, Outstanding Efforts and Effectiveness on behalf of the Causes and Ideals of the Consumer Attorneys of California, November 19, 1999
- Honored by the State of California, Acting Governor Gray Davis with a Proclamation, commending him for his devotion to the Consumer Attorneys of California, a leading organization dedicated to the fostering excellence, and upholding the honor and dignity of the legal profession and the highest standard of ethical conduct and integrity, November 15, 1997.
- Honored by the Consumer Attorneys of California with "Outstanding Achievement Award" in recognition of exceptional services, outstanding achievement and many contributions on behalf of victims and consumers, November 16, 1996.
- Named one of the Daily Journal's Top 100 Lawyers in California., 2009
- Honored by the American Lung Association at the 2008 "Evening in the Sky" gala for his contribution to protect the air quality in San Diego, April 5, 2008.
- Featured as one of 500 leading plaintiff's lawyers in the United States by "Law Dragon" publication, January 2007.
- Honored as an outstanding Attorney by his peers for the inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2006, August 29, 2005
- Recipient of the 2004 Daniel T. Broderick Memorial Award for epitomizing the highest standard of Civility, Integrity and Professionalism during the 20th Annual Red Boudreau Dinner, October 8, 2004
- Honored by the State of California, Governor Gray Davis with a Proclamation, commending him for his devotion to protecting the rights of consumers and work to improve the lives of Californians, his professionalism in the field of law and his commitment to the principals of fairness and justice, July 23, 2003
Bar/Professional Activity:
- International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Board of Directors
- Fiat Chrysler Eco Diesel Litigation Plaintiffs Steering Committee, Member
- San Diego Judicial Appointments Committee for State Courts, Chair, 1999-2001
- International Society of Barristers, Member
- International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Board of Directors
- American Association for Justice, Member
- San Diego Trial Lawyers Association, Past President (now Consumer Attorneys of San Diego)
- Consumer Attorneys of California, Past President
- Western Trial Lawyers Association, Past President
- American Board of Trial Advocates, Member
- The Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society, Board Member, 2017-present
- United States District Court, Southern District, Lawyer Representative, 2016-present
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Past President, 2003-2004, Member of Board of Governors and Executive Committee 1983-2004 (now American Association for Justice)
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Public Justice Foundation, Lifetime Member
- Senator Dianne Feinstein’s judicial selection committee, State chair, 2008
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- An Assault on Citizens’ Rights
- The Good That Trial Lawyers Do
- Presentation, panel discussion: Finding a Job in Today's Legal Market, Association of Trial Lawyers of America 1997 Annual Convention, San Diego, California, July 19, 1997.
- Longevity an Asset to Law Firms of All Sizes
- Trial Lawyers Care: The Most Ambitious Pro Bono Program in the History of American Jurisprudence
- Speaker, Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, National Assault on the Civil Justice System, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, June 9, 2004.
- Lecturer, "What's New in Tort and Trial Practice", California Trial Lawyers Association and San Diego Trial Lawyers Association Program, February 1992.
- Publication, ATLA TRIAL Magazine: "Clinching the case before trial", June 1997 issue.
- Remarks, South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, Atlanta, Georgia, December 5, 2003.
- Presentation of Direct Testimony of the Neuropsychologist, California Trial Lawyers Association, November 1991.
- Lecturer, "Proving Injuries Medical Proof of Mild Head Injuries", San Diego Trial Lawyers Association, 1991.
- Presentation, The Art of Storytelling in Opening Statements and Closing Arguments, Consumer Attorneys of California's Annual Ski Seminar, Beaver Creek, Colorado, February 2, 1997
- Key Note Speaker, Nevada Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, October 2, 2003
- Lecturer, "Neuropsychological Testing in Mild Head Injury Cases", 26th Annual Tahoe Seminar, California Trial Lawyers Association, 1991.
- Appearance on KSDO radio show "It's the Law" will Bill Nimmo, Topic: Tort Reform with Roger Parieck, December 21, 1996.
- Panelist, University of San Diego School of Law, Perspectives on Practice, August 22, 2003.
- Civic Round Table, "Legislation in Sacramento", La Jolla, California, May 31, 1991
- Presentation, Real Opening Statements by the Masters and Real Closing Arguments by Top Trial Lawyers in California, Orange County Trial Lawyers Association Seminar, Palm Springs, October 25-27, 1996.
- Speaker, Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association 2003 Annual Convention - Perspectives on opening statement and the conduct of a Trial. Alexandria, Minnesota, August 15, 2003.
- Lecturer, "Trial Evidence Workshop: Basic Trial Issues and Clinic - Loss of Earnings", California Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, November 9, 1990
- Presentation, The Trial Book - An effective Discovery and Trial Tool, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles Annual Convention, Las Vegas, October 6, 1996.
- Appearance, All American Talk Radio with John Elliott. Topic: Asbestos Legislation, August 12, 2003.
- CEB Seminar- "Preparing for taking and using depositions", May/June 1990-1992.
- Presentation, "Handling the Rambo Litigator". 1996 ATLA Annual Convention, National College of Advocacy, Boston, July 28, 1996.
- Speaker, Association of Trial Lawyers of America Annual Convention - Perspectives on opening statement and the conduct of a trial, San Francisco, California, July 19, 2003.
- Presenter, Melvin M. Belli Society Seminar, American POW Litigation Update, San Francisco, California, July 18, 2003
- Seminar, "Litigation of Head Injury", Omni Hotel, San Diego, California, Neurocare Program, April 13, 1987.
- Presentation, "Current Politics in Tort Reform, both State and Nationally", WTLA Annual Seminar, June 20, 1996.
- Publication, Co-Author, Association of Trial Lawyers Litigating Tort Cases. Volume 1 Chapter 7: Removal to Federal Court, June 2003.
- Liability Reform Act of 1987 - "Claims Statute - Immunity and Police Pursuit", December 10, 1987.
- Presentation, CEB Seminar - Preparing for taking and using depositions, May 20-22, 1996.
- Key Note Speaker, Delaware Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, Delaware, June 12, 2003.
- San Diego County Bar Association/Rutter Group, "Handling Bodily Injury Claims", October 12-14, 1989.
- Debate, Propositions 200, 201 and 202 with Mark Pullism, Attorney with Latham and Watkins and Ted Roth, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp., with news anchor Cathy Clark at KUSI TV, March 12, 1996.
- Speaker, Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, Perspectives on opening statement and the conduct of trial, Mississippi, June 5, 2003
- CEB Seminar, "Liens on Personal Injury Recoveries", August 1989.
- Presentation, "Myths of the Litigation Explosion and the Impact on the Jury Pool", CAOC Annual Convention in San Francisco, November 17, 1995.
- Key Note Speaker, West Virginia Trial Lawyers Annual Convention, Perspectives on opening statement and the conduct of a trial, June 6, 2003.
- Basic Tort Course: "Deposition Techniques", California Trial Lawyers Association 26th Annual Convention, November 1987.
- Lecturer, "Jury System Alternative Proposals and the Initiatives", Lyons Club, November 7, 1995.
- Speaker, Maryland Trial Lawyers Association 2003 Annual Convention, Perspectives on opening statement and the conduct of a trial, May 30, 2003
- Appearance on KFMB Radio, 760 a.m., "Bill Nimmo and the Law", November 5, 1995.
- Speaker, New Jersey Trial Lawyers Association 2003 Boardwalk Seminar. Topic: Perspectives on opening statement and the conduct of a trial, April 24, 2003.
- Appearance on Southwestern and Cox Cable, Point counter Point Debate, Topic: Alliance Initiative with Peter Navarro, October 31, 1995.
- Appearance on Channel 39 KNSD with Clark Anthony, Topic: Gore v. BMW, October 14th, 1995.
- Key Note Speaker, Consumer Lawyers of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, January 31, 2003
- Appearance on KPRZ Radio with Mike Love, Topic: Tort Reform with Kendrick Jan, October 13, 1995
- Speaker, Global Alliance 5th Biennial Conference, Topic: Representing the greatest generation, San Diego, California, November 1, 2002.
- Debate with Sherman Joyce, President of American Tort Reform Association, American Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL), "An Insiders Look at How Tort Reform Will Affect your Practice and your Client", October 2, 1995.
- Speaker, Nevada Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention. Topic: National Political Picture, San Diego, California, October 3, 2002.
- Presentation, Chula Vista Rotary Club., "The Litigation Explosion", May 19, 1995.
- Presenter, Melvin M. Belli Society Seminar. Topic: American POW's Litigation against Japanese companies which enslaved them. Atlanta, Georgia, July 19, 2002.
- Debate, North County Bar Association, Is there a Litigation Explosion?, May 18, 1995.
- Panelist, International Air Transportation Association Legal Symposium. Topic: War Risk and Terrorism Insurance, Phoenix, Arizona, February 5, 2002
- Publication, The Litigation Explosion: The Big Lie", Trial Bar News, Dicta, Forum, March 1995.
- Appearance on KPBS Radio Show with Thomas Fudge. Topic: Use and Abuse of the Law, January 23, 2002
- Debate, American Corporate Counsel Association, San Diego Chapter, Tort Reform Issues, March 9, 1995.
- Speaker, Consumer Attorneys of California Annual Convention, Shaping the Law and Pushing the Frontiers of Justice: The Retrospective on Our History and Look to our Future, November 18, 1999.
- Lecturer, "Fundamentals of Civil Trial Practice", Continuing Education of the Bar, San Diego County Bar Association, October 28, 1994.
- Lecturer-Article, "Avoiding Disaster at Trial", Consumer Attorneys of California, 30th Annual Tahoe Seminar, March 21 - April 2, 1995.
- Lecturer, National Safety Council, "Transportation Litigation: How it really works", San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, October 25, 1994.
- Speaker, Symposium Japan and World War II, The Search for Justice, Whittier Law School, Whittier Law School International Law Society, September 21, 1999.
- Speaker, USD - Reunion Seminar. "Lawyers Advertising", September 1994.
- Panelist, Gartner E-Health Summit, Medical Errors Masterminds Panel, San Diego, California, April 2. 2001
- Establishing Your Case Through the Defense Engineer", California Trial Lawyers Association 32nd Annual Convention, November `3, 1993.
- Speaker, Louisiana Trial Lawyers, Slave/Forced Labor Litigation: Illumination A Dark Corporate Past, 1999 Last Chance Seminar, Winning with the Masters, December 16, 1999.
- Lecturer, "Governmental Torts: How to Transform a Miserable Deposition into an Effective Weapon at Trial". California Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, November 13, 1993.
- Speaker, ATLA Annual Convention, Dedication to the Civil Justice System - A Call to Arms for the New Lawyer, Chicago, Illinois, July 20, 2000.
- Lecturer, Utah Trial Lawyers Association, The Art of Story Telling: Opening Statement and Closing Argument, Salt Lake City, Utah, September 17, 1999.
- Lecturer, "Alternative Dispute Resolution", Western Trial Lawyers Association, June 1993.
- Presentation, Problem Solving by the Masters, Consumer Attorneys of California's 34th Annual Tahoe Seminar, March 26, 1999.
- Lecturer, "Creative Discovery in the Highway Design Case - Framing the Complaint, Issues and Damages". Western Trial Lawyers Association, June 1993.
- Lecturer, American Psychological Association Convention, Lawyer's Attitudes Regarding Patients and Therapists, San Francisco, California, August 15, 1998.
- Key Not Speaker: 4th Annual Orrin G. Hatch Distinguished Trial Lawyer Lecture Series, October 26, 2007
- Lecturer, "Closed Head Injury", California Trial Lawyers Association, June 1993.
- Presentation, "From the Classroom to the Courtroom: Trial Lawyer Techniques". "How to make the most out of Depositions", ATLA: Cal Western School of Law, January 22, 1998.
- Panelist. Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Access to Justice Symposium Roundtable - Damage Awards in Personal Injury Litigation, October 1, 2004
- Lecturer, "Winning in the 90's: Tips, Tactics and Techniques, Presenting the Evidence Effectively, The 10 Things Every Trail Attorneys Should Know", California Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, November 13, 1992.
- Presentation, "The Future of Auto Insurance Politics", Center for Consumer Affairs, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Auto Accident Compensation Project Conference, San Diego, December 15, 1997.
- Speaker, Utah Trial Lawyers Annual Meeting, National Assault on the Civil Justice System, Salt Lake City, Utah, September 17, 2004.
- Lecturer and Article, "Providing Up the Mild Head Injury Claim From a Lawyers Perspective", Medical Center, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Seminar, San Diego Head Injury Foundation, October 9-10, 1992.
- CEB Seminar - "Preparing for taking and using depositions". San Diego, California, November 5-6, 1997.
- Remarks, North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers Annual Convention, Sunset Beach, North Carolina, June 13, 2004
- "Mastering Trial Strategies and Tactics", Western Trial Attorneys Association, Maui, Hawaii, Framing The Complaint, issues and Damages", May 18, 1992.
Educational Background:
- Smith College
- Trinity College, B.A., 1971
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