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John H. Kane is a trial lawyer whose practice is primarily focused in the areas of fire and explosion, complex commercial litigation, large loss property subrogation, and product liability. 

Fire + Explosion

John is chair of our firm's Fire and Explosion team. With over 30 years of experience, and more than 1,000 fire and explosion cases from around the United States under his belt, John has developed a reputation as one of the country’s foremost fire litigators. He has been involved in some of the largest fire scenes around the country due to his critical understanding of fire origin and cause investigations. John has developed close working relationships with some of the nation’s top fire forensic experts and government authorities. He literally helped “write the book” that sets the standards for fire and explosion investigations and analysis – NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, as he served over 10 years on the National Fire Protection Association’s 921 Technical Committee. He is also a member of the National Association of Fire Investigators and International Association of Arson Investigators.

Complex Commercial Litigation

John has successfully litigated multimillion-dollar cases for large, publicly held corporations in federal and state courts throughout the country. He has experience representing clients in a wide-range of high-stakes litigation, including class actions, contract claims, business torts, unfair trade practices, trade secrets, and other business disputes. He partners with businesses, helping them to protect their interests in disputes arising from a large spectrum of commercial relationships. John often handles claims of fraud and claims for exemplary damages and fees. He consults with clients at the outset of every new case in an effort to understand their unique business objectives, and works to formulate and implement innovative, practical, and cost-effective strategies for achieving clients' goals.

Large Loss Property Subrogation

John is chair of our firm's Subrogation group. On behalf of many of the world’s largest insurers and reinsurers, he pursues responsible parties to recover money for his clients. He assists his insurance clients from the outset of a claim, including investigating the circumstances and cause of each incident in order to maximize recovery effectively and efficiently. John has successfully litigated and resolved large loss property subrogation claims throughout the country, such as helping a carrier pursue a $60 million claim against a utility company responsible for a high voltage electrical fire. He is currently representing a carrier and manufacturing company in pursuing recovery of approximately $200 million in damages caused by an aviation crash.

Product Liability

John's product liability practice primarily involves fire and explosion cases. He has served as the National Coordinating Counsel for various manufacturers, including a smoke alarm manufacturer, for whom he successfully defended numerous wrongful death cases throughout the United States. John defends manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in wrongful death, personal injury, property damage, and product liability suits. He also has successfully defended manufacturers in consumer product class action cases.

John has tried numerous matters to verdict. In addition to his trial experience, he has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution and serves as both a mediator and arbitrator in a variety of disputes.

  • Fordham University School of Law (Juris Doctor, with honors)
  • Fairfield University (Bachelors, with honors)
    • B.S., Finance

  • State of Connecticut
  • State of New York
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of New York

Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Insurance Law since 2006

AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated in Martindale-Hubbell™ in the areas of Fire Loss; Complex and Multi-District Litigation; Construction Law; Fire Insurance Subrogation; Insurance Coverage; Property Insurance and Subrogation; Explosions; and Products Liability (Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings is a trademark. AV Preeminent is a certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc.)

Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list in 2010 and from 2013 to 2020

Robinson+Cole Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient, 2017

American Bar Association
Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Property Insurance Committee – Past Vice Chair

Connecticut Bar Association
Insurance Law Section, past member of Executive Committee
Litigation Section

Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association

New York State Bar Association

Defense Research Institute
Insurance Section

National Fire Protection Association
Past member of NFPA 921 Technical Committee

National Association of Fire Investigators

International Association of Arson Investigators

National Association of Subrogation Professionals