John G. H. Davis

A native Texan and second-generation trial lawyer, Mr. Davis brings 26 years of experience in civil defense litigation to deliver straightforward, results-driven representation in both state and federal courts across Texas. Known for his sharp instincts and candid approach, he provides clients with clear expectations and honest assessments from the outset, ensuring they understand the bottom line.

Mr. Davis has an extensive trial record, successfully handling cases in El Paso, Harris, Travis, Montgomery, Brooks, Galveston, Fort Bend, Nueces, and Cameron Counties. His practice spans complex matters, including wrongful death, severe brain injury, legal malpractice, breach of contract, complex personal injury, Jones Act, admiralty and maritime, insurance coverage, and dental malpractice cases. When trial is the best path, clients trust Mr. Davis to leverage his proven track record to achieve favorable outcomes through meticulous preparation and deep legal expertise. He has never lost a case he has tried, a testament to his strategic approach and commitment to excellence.

Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Davis has successfully defended clients before the Texas Medical Board, Texas Dental Board, and State Bar of Texas, skillfully navigating administrative complaints. When trial is not the optimal choice, he focuses on minimizing exposure and maximizing opportunities for success through strategic counsel and negotiation.

Rooted in a family legacy of legal service, Mr. Davis is dedicated to upholding integrity and delivering exceptional results for clients throughout Texas

Representative Matters

• Successful trial and appeal in the defense of excess insurer in suit by primary insurer to recover amounts paid in excess of primary limits in satisfaction of judgment against insured. A federal jury found that the primary insurer was negligent in failing to settle within its policy limits. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the verdict. Westport Ins. Corp. v. Pa. Nat'l Mut. Cas. Ins. Co., 117 F.4th 653 (5^th Cir. 2024).
• Successful trial and zero verdict in a trucking accident involving two plaintiffs claiming catastrophic injuries.
• Successful trial and jury verdict for less than 1% of the pre-trial demand of $40 million jury demand by seven plaintiffs claiming traumatic brain injuries from prolonged exposure to carbon dioxide. Plaintiff called 55 witnesses over six weeks of trial.
• Brought in 30 days before trial to try a plaintiffs’ breach of contract against a major airline manufacturer and its management company. Secured verdict in excess of $7m, including an award of punitive damages. It was the largest breach of contract verdict in Texas that year.
• Successful trial and zero verdict in an automobile accident involving a prominent local figure; also secured a verdict against the plaintiff on the asserted counter claim.
• Dismissal of offshore platform injury claim on basis that no duty was owed by platform owner to contractor employee working on platform. Upheld on appeal. Coleman v. BP Expl. & Prod. Inc., 2020 WL 6292491, at *6 (S.D. Tex. Oct. 27, 2020), aff'd, 19 F.4th 720.
• Successful trial and defense verdict in a wrongful death claim in Nueces County involving allegations of a defective product failing and resulting in death.
• Successful trial and zero verdict in a chemical exposure case where the plaintiff claimed chemically induced asthma as a result to her exposure to an anhydrous ammonia release.
• Successful trial and zero verdict in a breach of contract case involving an attorney and his former client.
• Successful trial and zero verdict in an alleged defect childcare product.
• Successful trial and mid-trial settlement of a professional negligence claim. While the jury was deliberating, plaintiff accepted a nuisance value offer. The jury returned a verdict on the statute of limitations which would have barred any recovery.
• Successful trial and defense verdict in a crush injury at a pigging station in the oilpatch.
• Successful trial and zero verdict in a breach of contract claim.
• Successful trial and defense verdict of a Jones Act case in South Texas. Jury only awarded seven figures of outstanding maintenance and cure that defendant conceded was owed.
• Successful trial and defense of a vessel owner accused of sinking a dredge when his secured vessel struck the side of a dredge that subsequently sank. The jury awarded less than $1,000.
• Successful trial and mid-trial defense settlement of a 905(b) turnover case. Plaintiff settled after Court indicated it was adjourning to consider defendant’s directed verdict.
• Successful trial and zero verdict in a dental malpractice case where the plaintiff claimed she had to undergo major oral surgery which included bone grafting from her hip.

• Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star
• Texas Super Lawyers Super Lawyer
• Houstonia Magazine Top Lawyer in Admiralty/Maritime
• Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating: A/V Preeminent

Civic

• Houston Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Association of American Trial Lawyers
• Defense Research Institute

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