Michael V. Kaplen

Michael V. Kaplen is a partner at De Caro & Kaplen, LLP and a New York trial lawyer whose practice focuses on traumatic brain injury, personal injury, medical malpractice, spinal cord injury, and other catastrophic harm. He has more than 45 years of experience representing injured people and is known for integrating legal, medical, and scientific evidence in complex cases. His work includes trial advocacy, brain injury litigation, medical negligence claims, and other serious personal injury matters.

Kaplen earned a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and a B.A. from New York University. He also completed specialized study in neuroanatomical dissection of the human brain and spinal cord at Marquette University. His education supports an unusually detailed understanding of the medical and neurological issues that arise in traumatic brain injury cases. That background helps him analyze medical records, expert opinions, causation questions, functional impairments, and long-term damages in complex injury litigation.

Kaplen is triple board-certified in civil trial law, medical malpractice, and civil pretrial practice advocacy. He teaches The Legal Aspects of Traumatic Brain Injury at The George Washington University Law School and has held academic and advisory roles connected to brain injury research and psychology. He has also served in leadership positions with the American Association for Justice and the Brain Injury Association of New York State and has participated in policy work involving traumatic brain injury services.

Michael V. Kaplen has received recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America and has earned awards for public policy and pro bono work. His practice combines courtroom experience with sustained study of brain science, medicine, and disability issues. He helps clients and families present the full legal and medical impact of catastrophic injuries while pursuing accountability through litigation, negotiation, and trial in complex personal injury and malpractice cases.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Partner, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Chair, Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association for Justice
• Fellow, American College of Board-Certified Attorneys
• Advisory Board Member, Brain Injury Research Center, Mount Sinai Medical Center
• President, Brain Injury Association of New York State
• Chairperson, New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Certified Mediator, American Arbitration Association
• Certified Arbitrator, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Licensed State

• New York

Awards & Badges