David B. Kline
About David
Biography
David B. Kline focuses on personal injury law with specific expertise in two fields: emotional distress and premises liability, both of which have been the subject of legal treatises he has written to educate other attorneys. He has more than 24 years of deposition, arbitration, bench trial and jury trial experience. Mr. Kline is the author of numerous articles and treatises. His 1300+ page treatise "Emotional Injuries: Law and Practice" was published by WEST and sold to lawyers throughout the USA. It is the leading national treatise discussing recovery for emotional injuries. His article, Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress in Pennsylvania– Evolution from Physical Impact to Bystander Recovery, has been cited by the late Jude Dowling. Judge Dowling called David, in writing: the “foremost authority in PA on emotional distress recovery.” This judge also cited David's work in one of his judicial opinions! The case is Sears v. Hershey Medical Center, 10 D & C4th 182. He has been published for his legal writings ELEVEN different times in addition to his two treatises, and in 2011 he was appointed by the PA BAR to give a CLE on Ethical Issues in Lawyer Advertising, which counted as CLE credit for those in attendance.
In addition, David is an experienced appellate attorney. He wrote the brief in Ganski v. Wolf Lighting, a 2012 Third Circuit case which is a leading case for its legal proposition on causation of damages. He has written more than a dozen appellate briefs. He has argued before the PA Superior Court three times and the US Circuit Court of Appeals, en banc, for the Third Circuit once (along with other casualty defense attorneys).
Mr. Kline has obtained five different ADR awards in excess of $400,000 (one for $750,000 with disputed liability) and has won at least 25 ADR arbitration awards of more than $50,000. He received his J.D. from Widener School of Law and his L.L.M from Temple University. He is admitted to practice law in PA, MD and NY and before the United States District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the United States District Court District of Maryland, the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court as of 1999.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
35 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-40%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 26 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 34 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 35 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Jared Zafran Law Office
1500 Walnut St., Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA, 19102
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David B. Kline's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 94 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by David | August 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I highly recommend
David B. Kline from Zanfran Law represented me recently and he did an outstanding job. He always made me feel like my case mattered to him, which may sound intuitive; however, that is not always the case with other lawyers. Even though my case might be considered small, he never made me feel that ...
Posted by Brenndan | March 23, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Best Injury Attorney
David and his team were sent my case from a high advertised law firm in Philadelphia after 5 years. David was extremely helpful in the process. He was very informative and insightful on what would be the best course of action.
Posted by Kristy | July 11, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Highly reputable
I highly recommend Dave as he is very punctual in getting back to you answers every question clearly so you understand the way things work every time I called he always answered always answers every email he was very clear so I understood my case and he was very punctual at making sure I had a settle...
Posted by Cache | April 5, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
David Kline and his staff were with me every step of the way, after I was struck by a SUV. I was confident in Mr. Kline from our initial phone consultation. Mr. Kline fought for me, stayed in contact with me via phone and email. In addition, Mr. Kline’s paralegal staff were exceptional. Ms. Nancy who...
Posted by Vicki | December 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Outstanding Representation!
David Kline went above and beyond to ensure a successful outcome to my very complicated personal injury case! He refused to rest until he prevailed! I cannot praise enough and will recommend him as often as possible!
David B. Kline's Lawyer Endorsements
"David knows the ins & outs of automobile insurance law as few other lawyers do. He has decades of experience in litigation of cases as well."
"Dave is the go-to-guy for the law. He is an human encyclopedia of legal knowledge. In addition, he is compassionate and hard-working."
"Dave's knowledge of personal injury law is unprecedented. In dealing with hundreds of attorneys across the state for the past 10 years, I have never met someone so knowledgeable on the PA Motor Vehicle code. But this is not an anomoly, as David "wrote the book" on Pennsylvania's Premises Liability (Pennsylvia Premisses Liability: Law and Forms (2003)) and authored a book on emotional injuries that arise from tortious claims (Emotional Injuries: Law and Practice (1998)). His research and writing skills as a lawyer is only second to his client communication skills."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a fighter!"
"I have been opposing counsel on multiple personal injury matters with David. He is an exceptional advocate on behalf of his client in the courtroom while at the same time acting in a professional and courteous manner with all counsel. I highly recommend David."
"Dave is a very skilled and forceful advocate for his clients. I worked with Dave for nearly three years and was impressed by Dave's passion and ability to overcome difficult obstacles to achieve a good outcome for his client. He has a very good reputation for very good reasons."
"I highly recommend David. He is the most knowledgeable attorney when it comes to auto law and slip and fall law in the state."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dave is one of the smartest lawyers I have ever met. In a profession populated by egotists and businessmen, Dave has managed to maintain an impeccable reputation for expert legal research and advise while maintaining his ethical core. His zealous representation of clients is built on his foundation of understanding and communicating with his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Working in the past with Dave I have found him to be very knowledgeable when it comes to personal injury cases. There have been many times I have consulted Dave on various issues knowing I would get accurate information. I would be happy to recommend Dave to anyone."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dave is a highly knowledgeable attorney with whom I have consulted on many occasions. He is well-versed in several areas of law. He is methodical in his approach to problem solving, preparing pleadings and defenses. His attention to detail is enviable. Dave has excellent rapport with his clients who admire him greatly. I highly recommend this lawyer."
"Mr. Kline is highly recommended. In addition to his advocacy, Dave brings the skills of great teacher – knowledge, dedication, preparation and patience – to the practice of law, which benefits all of his clients and all of their claims."
"David is one of the brightest lawyers I know. He has a strong command of several diverse areas of the law and is the rare kind of lawyer who can read complex statutes and caselaw and intuitively know what they mean and how to apply them to a set of facts. He also makes his clients feel like they are talking to an old friend."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dave has a keen legal mind and a knack for clear, concise legal research and writing. He's also very talented and personable in explaining legal principles and vigorously advocating for his clients."
"Dave's wealth of legal knowledge and experience allows him to effectively advocate for his clients and constantly produce results that exceed expectations. His ability to explain the law in "plain english" makes the most complex legal matters seem simple. I recommend Dave without reservation for all your legal needs."
"I endorse this lawyer. David B. Kline is a fantastic attorney. His knowledge of the law and his familiarity with the legal rules and procedures of counties across the state of Pennsylvania enable Dave to provide unique and competent representation in all types of personal injury cases including MINE !!!!"
"If you choose David as your lawyer you can be assured you will receive excellent representation. He is very knowledgeable, always prepared and works tirelessly to get his clients the best possible result. I fully endorse him as a personal injury and insurance lawyer."
"Dave is one of the most insightful and effective lawyers I have had the pleasure of working with. His ability to thoroughly analyze any legal problem and effectively craft a response is top notch. I would heartily recommend him for any type of legal matter."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Certification of Appreciation for being ADR Court Judge, DE Law school
2016
Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2015
Certificate of Appreciation signed by class, Prism Career Institute Evening Legal Class
2015
Acting Director-Evening Program, Prism Career Institute
2015
Speaker: Expungement Clinic, Community Legal Services Phila
2005
Teacher of the Year, PJA School Class of 2005
1996
Sunrise Seminar Series Certificate, Phila. Bar Education Center
1995
Certificate of Appreciation for Speaking Engagement, Phila. Bar Education Center
1985
Scottish Rite Scholarship, Scottish Rite Organization
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Adjunct Professor, Harcum Junior College
2013 - Present
Senior Associate, Ostroff Injury Law
2006 - Present
Acting Director- Evening, Prism Career Institute
1993 - Present
Partner, Ostroff Injury Law
Associations
2016 - Present
Million Dollar Advocates ForumMember
2009 - Present
US District Court for MarylandMember
1999 - Present
United States Supreme CourtMember
1994 - Present
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers AssociationMember & Co-Author
1991 - Present
Maryland State Bar Association- InactiveMember (Inactive)
1991 - Present
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third CircuitMember
1990 - Present
US District Court-- EDPa.Member
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Bifurcation denied.
Remand
Cause of action dismissed
Won- SJ graned by Mark Bernstein, J.
Third Circuit affirmed D verdict
SJ granted.
Case transferred out of Philly.
Won, case dismissed by Judge Bernard Moore on summary judgment.
$750,000 settlement
Mediation resulted in $415,000 settlement of case
$600,000.00 award
Award: $140,000
Maximum Award in Baseball Arbitration
Case dismissed by en banc panel of Third Cir.
Defendant won
Education
2000
MA - Masters
1990
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2014
Paralegal Mock Trial
2013
Careers for Paralegals
2013
Erosion of 4th A Privacy "Rights"
2011
Landlord Tenant Law
2011
The Fourth Amendment: Privacy or Patriot Act
2011
Ethics in Lawyer Advertising PA APPROVED CLE
2008
The IDEA: Common Issues and How to Solve Them
2005
2005
1995
Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress
Publications
2016
2014
2010
2004
2000
1998
1995
1995
1993
1992
1991
1991
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers