
Who We Are
Get to Know Pottroff & Karlin
Pottroff & Karlin is a law firm whose primary objective is to increase public safety. Our lawyer co-counsels with attorneys all over the country involving railroad cases, such as vehicle/train crossing accidents, derailments, and pedestrian/train accidents. Over 90% of our caseload involves railroad law. Attorney Karlin is one of the nation’s top railroad safety advocates, and is well-versed in complex railroad laws and regulations. As other lawyers can attest, our firm is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest possible peer review rating.
Finding justice for victims of railroad crossing accidents is not simply our job; it is our passion.
We offer free initial consultations to anyone who has been involved in or knows someone who has been involved in any of the following railroad accidents:


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“Integrity”
“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 -
“Beyond Belief”
“His knowledge of the rail industry and his willingness to share his knowledge with other people who do railroad work is beyond belief to me.”- Mike Bee -
“Given Hope”
“Through his efforts, he has single-handedly given hope to victims who are injured or killed as a result of dangerous railroad crossings”- Donald Vasos -
“Impressed”
“Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads.”- Jonathon (Jon) C. Clark -
“Excellent Results”
“Nathan Karlin has my strongest endorsement in the field of railroad crossing cases and personal injury law.”- Joseph M. Miller -
“Would Recommend Without Hesitation”
“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.”- Scott McCluen -
“First Call is 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 -
“Hard-Working”
“The staff is helpful, professional, and responsive.”- Tracy D.

Our Mission
We believe it is our job to make the world better through the legal system. That is our higher goal and we have a record of safety improvements to show for it. When we take your case, we fight not only for you, but for the greater good.
Our track record of success is reflected both in the many referrals we get from other lawyers and former clients, particularly for cases involving train crossing accidents. The train accident attorney at Pottroff & Karlin has also won a substantial number of reported cases on appeal against some of the most prestigious law firms in the country.
Meet our train accident attorney:
Our experience, determination, and innovation enable us to deliver results even in the most complex cases. The law firm you choose makes a difference. Contact our firm today, and we’ll put our experience to work for you.
In Memoriam: Robert L. Pottroff
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We handle each case with the belief that the legal system should be a tool for positive change. Our work often leads to broader safety improvements, not just individual outcomes.
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Our practice centers on railroad crossing accidents and other catastrophic injuries. These complex cases demand deep experience and a commitment to long-term impact.
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We maintain a welcoming environment where clients are heard, supported, and informed. Our team approach ensures you’re never left wondering where your case stands.
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We offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. It’s one way we make justice more accessible for those who need it most.

Our Philosophy
It Is a Lawyer’s Duty to Assist in Improving the Legal System
“Law is the business to which my life is devoted and I should show less than devotion if I did not do what was in me to improve it.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
As a trial law firm, we have chosen to represent the injured, the defenseless, and the oppressed. Our choice carries with it additional duties. Not only do we owe our clients the duties every lawyer owes to every client, but we also have the heightened duty to protect the rights of our clients. In fact, all lawyers licensed to practice in Kansas have been provided a certificate that recognizes such a duty. The certificate provided to each Kansas attorney, signed by all the Kansas Supreme Court Justices, specifically provides:
“[We] will neither delay nor deny the rights of any person through malice, for lucre, or from any unworthy desire.”
Although the certificate to practice law in Kansas does not create an affirmative duty to protect the rights of the injured, the defenseless or the oppressed, it does recognize our special duty toward “the rights of any person.” Certificates in other states do not focus on the rights of others.
Our Promise
At Pottroff & Karlin, we care about our clients and are committed to serving their needs in a timely manner. Our team approach provides clients with someone who will listen, someone who will understand and someone with whom they want to entrust an important part of their life.
We are not a large, intimidating law firm; we have an informal office environment designed to put clients at ease. We strive to be great advocates by continually working to master the tools of our profession. Those tools include an understanding of the law, the legal system, and our clients’ needs.
Our train accident lawyer seeks excellence through constant self-improvement and by building quality relationships with our clients. Call us at (785) 453-3109 or fill out our online contact form today.