Railroad and Transportation Practice
Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs, PC is dedicated to representing railroads and our other transportation sector clients in a wide variety of litigation, regulatory and environmental matters. Our attorneys have significant experience on behalf of railroads and other transportation sector clients in matters involving environmental regulation and litigation, commercial litigation and contract disputes, chemical releases, easement disputes, derailments, accident investigation and emergency response, personal injury and Federal Employer Liability Act claims, and a wide variety of other legal matters. Through our work with these clients, we have developed unique knowledge of the issues that affect the transportation industry. We regularly attend and participate in railroad and transportation-related organizations such as the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel and the American Association of Port Authorities in order to remain current on matters affecting our clients and the transportation industry in general. Through our close work with railroads and other transportation clients – and our unwavering commitment to representing their interests – we provide exceptional service in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Derailments, Accident Investigation and Personal Injury Claims
As part of our work with railroads and other transportation clients, the attorneys at Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs, PC are called on to respond to transportation related accidents including train derailments, chemical releases and personal injuries. We assist our clients from the initial phases of accident response and investigation through the ultimate resolution of legal issues and recovery of costs and damages from contributing parties. By working directly with engineers and safety experts, we are able to determine the root cause of incidents and assign ultimate responsibility to the proper party or parties. We also address issues that arise with the Federal Railroad Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other regulatory bodies concerning accidents and safety compliance. The Firm also represents railroads and other transportation clients in defending personal injury claims, including railroad workers’ claims pursuant to the Federal Employers Liability Act. Our knowledge and experience with railroads and transportation issues, combined with our in-depth understanding of environmental and regulatory matters, allow us to achieve notable results for our clients.
Property Damage and Environmental Litigation
At Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs, PC, we represent railroads and transportation sector clients in environmental and property damage matters across the country. Railroads and other institutional land owners have particular exposures and responsibilities due to their operations and property holdings. Often times, these issues result from historical operations associated with tenants or prior owners. Our attorneys have significant experience representing railroads and transportation clients in a wide variety of environmental actions, including cost recovery actions, contribution actions, nuisance and property damage litigation, natural resource damages litigation, and many other matters relating to contamination and impaired real property. We also use our significant environmental experience to assist our clients with environmental regulatory matters and enforcement actions at the local, state and federal level. From representing railroads in large CERCLA litigation to investigating and pursuing contribution for legacy contaminated sites from prior owners, operators and tenants, our attorneys handle the full spectrum of environmental and property damage litigation for our railroad and transportation clients.
Tariff and Contract Construction and Enforcement
As part of our railroad and transportation practice, the Firm works with our clients to address issues with the development and enforcement of tariffs, circulars and other contracts. Issues related to tariffs and circulars frequently are complex and require a particular legal knowledge and understanding of industry operations that our attorneys have cultivated through years of transportation sector experience. Tariff and circular enforcement can be of significant importance because of the precedent-setting effect of court and administrative interpretations. Our attorneys have the skill and know-how to handle the complicated and intricate issues associated with all facets of tariffs and circulars.