Dennis A. Watson
Shareholder
dwatson@dmclaw.com |
Direct: 412-392-5487
Two PPG Place
Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5402
Main: 412-281-7272
Fax: 888-811-7144
Dennis A. Watson is a shareholder of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. He concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, construction law, insurance defense, and municipal litigation, with a particular emphasis in maritime law. His over 35 years of admiralty experience includes the representation of towing companies, landing operators, and marine contractors in their litigation and corporate matters.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Watson was president and shareholder with the firm of Grogan Graffam, P.C. He has also served as a Special Master in the Civil Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas and in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Professional Accomplishments
- Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® since 2009
- The Best Lawyers in America®: 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Insurance Law for Pittsburgh
- The Best Lawyers in America® since 2013: Insurance Law
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® 2005–2009 and 2013–2019
Bar Admissions
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
Education
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D. (1977)
- University of Pennsylvania, B.A. (1974)
Related Links
Representative Matters
- Represented towing company in limitation action having multiple claimants and co-defendants arising from flotilla breakaway at fleeting area during significant ice and flood stage river conditions
- Obtained defense verdict for towing company/landing operator in suit brought by owner of sunken floating restaurant claiming that the towing company’s failure to monitor the vessel resulted in its sinking
- Litigated on behalf of towing company in catastrophic lock and dam incident involving multiple fatalities, Formal Coast Guard Investigation, limitation of liability action, and resulting Jones Act claims
- Represented landing terminal owner in multiple breakaway suits arising from record river flood stage
- Represented towing company/landing operator in claimant suits and limitation of liability suit arising from a barge breakaway from the landing during record river flood stage
- Defended owner of 100-vessel pleasure craft marina whose docks broke away in high water against claims from downriver marina severely damaged by client’s breakaway docks as well as against claims of boat owners whose boats were moored at client’s marina
- Litigated numerous claims concerning interpretation and scope of P&I, hull, wharfingers, and marine general liability insurance policies
- Represented international construction management firm in litigation arising from refinery fire and explosions with resulting fatalities, property damage, and indemnity claims
- Obtained summary judgment for professional liability insurer in suit brought by insured engineering company for coverage and bad faith damages
Admissions and Licenses
- Ohio Bar Admission
- Pennsylvania Bar Admission
- West Virginia Bar Admission
- United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
- United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
- United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Memberships
- Allegheny County Bar Association (Federal Court Section Council Past Chair and Managing Partners Committee Past Chair)
- American Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute
- The Maritime Law Association of the United States (Proctor)
Community
- Allegheny League of Municipalities (Past Chair)
- Borough of West View Zoning Hearing Board (Chair)
- Independent Regulatory Review Commission (Commissioner)
- Senator John Heinz History Center (Trustee)
- West View Water Authority (Board of Directors Chair)
Education
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D. (1977), cum laude; Order of the Coif
- University of Pennsylvania, B.A. (1974), History and Sociology