Profile
Work Department
Position
David specialises in resolving product liability disputes, and advising on product recalls. Complementary to this, he is experienced in handling recovery claims (domestically and internationally), regulatory investigations and compliance, insurance policy coverage issues, group litigation, and jurisdiction disputes.
David routinely advises producers, distributors, retailers and their insurers on a range of product types, such as medical devices, automobiles, toys, and electrical goods. He has particular expertise in the life sciences, tech, food & drink, and retail sectors. He is experienced in robustly defending claims and navigating complex expert evidence, while upholding the reputation of his clients and finding commercially sensible outcomes.
He advises on product compliance issues, product safety and corrective action management plans, and stress-testing of due diligence exercised prior to release of products onto the market.
His group litigation experience includes co-drafting a claims handling agreement for predictable and cost-effective resolution of approximately 2,000 claims (Linkwise Group Litigation), and leading the defence in the PIP Breast Implant Group Litigation, which culminated in a unanimous Supreme Court win on a discrete insurance issue for his client.
David’s life sciences expertise includes advising clients in relation to spinal disc implants, surgical knives, experimental stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy, and pathology reporting for cancer treatment. His tech sector and novel product expertise includes advising on products including firewall devices, lithium-ion batteries, autonomous vehicle technology, and lightweight bullet-proof vests. He regularly advises clients on tomorrow’s technology, and the risks and opportunities they pose.
Career
David specialises in resolving product liability disputes, and advising on product recalls. Complementary to this, he is experienced in handling recovery claims (domestically and internationally), regulatory investigations and compliance, insurance policy coverage issues, group litigation, and jurisdiction disputes.
David routinely advises producers, distributors, retailers and their insurers on a range of product types, such as medical devices, automobiles, toys, and electrical goods. He has particular expertise in the life sciences, tech, food & drink, and retail sectors. He is experienced in robustly defending claims and navigating complex expert evidence, while upholding the reputation of his clients and finding commercially sensible outcomes.
He advises on product compliance issues, product safety and corrective action management plans, and stress-testing of due diligence exercised prior to release of products onto the market.
His group litigation experience includes co-drafting a claims handling agreement for predictable and cost-effective resolution of approximately 2,000 claims (Linkwise Group Litigation), and leading the defence in the PIP Breast Implant Group Litigation, which culminated in a unanimous Supreme Court win on a discrete insurance issue for his client.
David’s life sciences expertise includes advising clients in relation to spinal disc implants, surgical knives, experimental stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy, and pathology reporting for cancer treatment. His tech sector and novel product expertise includes advising on products including firewall devices, lithium-ion batteries, autonomous vehicle technology, and lightweight bullet-proof vests. He regularly advises clients on tomorrow’s technology, and the risks and opportunities they pose.
Content supplied by Simmons & Simmons
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent team, market leading cases, highest quality work product.’
‘David Kidman is a real market leader. Very bright, experienced and insightful. Clients flock to him for his calm, perceptive advice and tactical brilliance.'
- Emma Spence is a superb lawyer. Very bright, hardworking and commercial. A huge asset to any team.’
‘I highly recommend Simmons & Simmons for their exceptional expertise in product liability matters. Over the course of our collaboration, David Kidman and his dedicated team have provided us with outstanding support in several product safety cases.'
'David Kidman stands out as a partner who exemplifies professionalism and a deep understanding of product liability law. His team's comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach have been instrumental in navigating complex legal challenges. Their ability to deliver high-quality work consistently has been a critical asset to our company.’
'One of the most remarkable strengths of Simmons & Simmons is their responsiveness. In our experience, the team has always been prompt in addressing our concerns and proactive in providing updates and solutions. This level of communication is highly valued, as it ensures that we are always informed and prepared. Additionally, the team’s demeanour and collaborative spirit make them a pleasure to work with. They are not only skilled legal professionals but also approachable and easy to communicate with, fostering a productive and positive working relationship.'
Key clients
- Great American Insurance Group
- MS Amlin
- Axis Specialty Europe SE
- 3M United Kingdom plc
- QVC UK
- Pret A Manger (Europe) Limited
- Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe
- Zurich Global Corporate
- RiverStone Managing Agency Limited
- Altea Insurance