Harry P. Brett

Harry Brett has practiced at Wilson Elser for his entire legal career and has litigated numerous civil cases comprising a wide array of subject matters. His diverse background, including working as a private investigator in Brooklyn, NY, has provided him with a rich knowledge base from which to draw when assisting clients.

Harry’s practice focuses primarily on insurance coverage and the defense of security guard, transportation and product liability claims. He has extensive experience representing both U.S. and London-based insurance carriers on coverage matters arising from property, casualty, general liability and inland marine policies. One of his current engagements involves a major international coverage dispute arising from product liability claims related to brass plumbing fixtures.

Harry represents security guard businesses in all types of claims, including negligent security, premises liability, sexual harassment and breach of contract. He also is experienced in the transportation sector, and has litigated several aviation cases, including serving as lead defense counsel in connection with a plane crash in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He also has handled transportation/terminal liability claims involving multiple passenger injuries.

Harry has extensive trial and appellate experience in New York state and federal courts throughout the United States. Cases he has handled have dramatically impacted New York state law relating to causation (Boltax v. Joy Day Camp) and the issues of duty and foreseeability involving airport security (Bizien v. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey). He also litigated a landmark case in New York that addressed landlords’ liability for criminal acts that occur on their premises.