Dabney W. Pettus’ practice is focused on litigation, with an emphasis on maritime and admiralty law. Dabney has represented many maritime and admiralty clients on various issues including insurance coverage, property damage claims, and personal injury (Jones Act and Longshore and Harborworkers Compensation Act claims), and prosecuted and defended both Rule B and C arrests, limitation of liability, casualty investigations (defended vessel owners in investigations by U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Texas GLO and other governmental entities), oil spill response, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection administrative proceedings, cargo claims, contract interpretation, and many other aspects of litigation in both federal and state courts. Her maritime and admiralty practice has primarily involved correspondent work for IG P&I Clubs in the Corpus Christi and surrounding geographic areas.
Education
Recognitions
Maritime Law Association of the United States – Proctor Member
AV Rated – Martindale Hubbell
Texas Super Lawyers: Thompson Reuters “Texas Rising Stars” Recipient (2010 – 2018)
“Corpus Christi Under 40” Recipient
Memberships
Fellow – Texas Bar Foundation
Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute
Women’s International Trading & Shipping Association
Texas Association of Defense Counsel
North American Marine Environment Protection Association
Propeller Club of the United States
Federal Bar Association – South Texas Chapter
Corpus Christi Bar Association
Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association
Leadership of Corpus Christi Class XXXIII Alumni
Rotary International Club of Corpus Christi
Foster Angels of South Texas – Board Member
YWCA Board Member
State Bar Licenses
Court Admissions
- Lead counsel in significant LHWCA personal injury claim due to the death of a harbor pilot in Corpus Christi. Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of vessel’s interests.
- Lead counsel on behalf of vessel’s interests involved in major in surge incident.
- Lead counsel in major collision between oil tanker and assist tug in the Port of Corpus Christi. Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of vessel’s interests.
- Lead counsel in major allision between oil tanker and terminal in the Port of Corpus Christi. Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of vessel’s interests.
- Lead counsel in major collision between oil tanker and assist tug in Corpus Christi.
- Counsel in allision between oil tanker and offshore supply vessel in Port of Corpus Christi. Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of vessel’s interests.
- Lead counsel on behalf of vessel’s interests involved in major in surge incident.