Train Accident Lawyers

The Attorneys of Pottroff & Karlin

At Pottroff & Karlin, a train accident law firm serving the nation out of Manhattan, Kansas, our attorneys have devoted their careers to helping families across the United States who have suffered from railroad crossing accidents. Our lawyers are nationally and internationally recognized authorities in the legal issues involved in railroad accidents, which often involve even more complex legal issues such as brain injuries. They are also members of many prestigious professional organizations, such as the American Association for Justice, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers Association. Visit the below links to learn more about our attorneys.

Nathan L. Karlin

Nathan Karlin is the managing attorney at Pottroff & Karlin, and is nationally recognized as one of the nation’s leading railroad accident attorneys and advocates. Nathan frequently lectures throughout the United States on railroad crossing, train derailment litigation, and trial advocacy techniques. Nathan strongly believes in the firm’s commitment to advancing public safety not only in his local community, but across the country. He continues to devote a significant amount of his time to public service and activism to accomplish those commitments. Nathan is active in courtrooms throughout the country advocating for a safer tomorrow. He is committed to serving the community and furthering safety in the transportation industry.
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Robert L. Pottroff (Bob)

Bob Pottroff was the founding attorney of Pottroff & Karlin, and was recognized as one of the nation’s leading trail attorneys and advocates for safe railroad crossings, which was evidenced by his verdicts. Bob actively practiced law as a trial attorney from 1970 until he passed away in October 2019 after a long fight with cancer. Bob was an outspoken advocate for the rights of railroad accident victims and their families. Through his leadership and dogged determination, Bob established Pottroff & Karlin as one of the leading law firms in the country in the representation of clients who have been injured or killed in railroad crossing accidents or train derailments. Bob was passionate about the need to serve those injured by railroad companies and tirelessly advocated for his clients.
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Legal Staff

Loretta Hensley, Office Manager/Legal Assistant
Kate Robinson, Legal Assistant

Railroad News

April 21, 2025

Six Injured in Tennessee after Collision with CSX train at Notorious, Non-Gated Crossing

April 8, 2025

Kansas Motorist Injured by Union Pacific Maintenance of Way Equipment at Unguarded Crossing

Other News

Testimonials

Train crash cases are unique and complex with many different potential pitfalls, such as federal preemption. Anytime I get hired or even get a call from a train crash victim, my very first call is to Nathan’s firm. Nathan’s knowledge and experience in handling and trying cases against these litigation savvy railroad companies gives me the confidence to know that the clients and cases I refer to him are getting the best of the best.

James Perrin Lubbock, Texas

I have had the opportunity to work as co-counsel with Nathan on several railroad crossing accidents cases. In each case, Nathan always possessed an incredible knowledge of the law and the facts, possessed a great talent for aggressive - strategic legal planning and trial tactics while, at the same time, displaying great skill as an effective negotiator. I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation.

Scott McCluen Harriman, Tennessee

Nathan Karlin has my strongest endorsement in the field of railroad crossing cases and personal injury law. I had the pleasure of working with Nathan in a complex railroad personal injury case. I was impressed by Nathan’s knowledge, his work ethic, and his dedication to the client. I look forward to working with Nathan on future injury matters. I am also aware firsthand that he has obtained excellent trial and settlement results in numerous cases involving members of the public harmed by railroad companies.

Joseph M. Miller Mandeville, Louisiana

Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads. As a fellow personal injury lawyer, I have constantly been impressed with his depth of knowledge and his capabilities from case to case. I’d take him into battle with me any day against the biggest railroads and insurance companies on the planet.

Jon C. Clark Austin, Texas

Bob Pottroff has fought for the victims of the railroads’ callous disregard for safety more than any other attorney that I know. I should know because I am currently Chair-elect of the Railroad Section of ATLA.

Robert Schuetze Boulder, Colorado

Mr. Pottroff has shaken the rail industry to its very roots. Settlements are now more common as a result of the way he has exposed the industry’s wrongdoing.

Mike Easley Arkansas

Bob Pottroff’s work in railroad safety law is unmatched and he has been the source of great advice and phenomenal creativity.

Roger Brown Jefferson City, Missouri

In addition to his substantive contributions to railroad grade crossing safety, I have personally observed his untiring efforts and contributions to improving the integrity of the legal system.

Elizabeth Hardy Lake Charles, Louisiana

Testimonials