It has been my great fortune to have worked with Brian Heikkila over the past two decades as an expert consultant and expert witness in FELA, grade crossing, trespasser, and industry injury and fatality litigation involving the railroad industry.

 

Brian has always been available when called, often on short notice, to provide advice and counsel, as well as expert testimony in his field of expertise. Brian’s background in the industry has given him the knowledge necessary to effectively counter unsubstantiated theories of negligence and improper interpretation of federal regulations applicable to railroads when posed by opposing counsel and their experts.

 

Brian has the knowledge, background, demeanor and stature that makes him the right expert for railroad litigation. His expertise and testimony have often been the difference in a successful defense of many high-risk cases.

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William Brasher, Esq., St. Louis, MO

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Mr. Heikkila’s depth and breadth of knowledge of the rail industry is superb. He is an honest, straightforward and extraordinarily skilled consultant and expert in the area of railroad operations.

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Jurors relate well to him. He is able to make complex subjects simple to those outside of the industry. His work habits and stamina are superior.

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I have worked with him for more than 18 years. His depth of knowledge is unsurpassed and due to his many years of railroad work as a conductor, engineer, superintendent and other positions, he is able to bring a historical perspective to issues in litigation.

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Steve Heine, Esq., Peoria, IL

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I have relied upon Brian Heikkila as my go to railroad safety, train handling, train braking and event recorder analysis expert for more than 18 years. His technical and practical knowledge of train brakes, operating practices and the duties and obligations of locomotive engineers is unmatched.

 

Brian is able to analyze complex issues and data and present the information gleaned from his evaluation to a jury in simple, direct, and readily understandable testimony. His professional demeanor and easygoing style allow him to relate well to jurors and to present as a credible witness.

 

Most importantly for busy litigators, Brian is easy to work with and very accommodating in scheduling, site visits and inspections, answering questions, and delivering reports. I can recommend Brian as an expert witness without reservation.

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Kyle L. Gideon, Esq., Lafayette, LA

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Brian’s expertise in railroad operations and train handling was critical to my FELA and trespasser trial victories. Brian was easy to work with, dependable and efficient. He was always my first choice

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John D. Feeney, Esq., Sacramento, CA (retired 2018)

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I have been working with Brian Heikkila since 2000 on all types of railroad litigation including FELA, FRSA, crossing cases and pedestrian cases.   I have found him to be an incredible consulting and trial expert.  He is responsive, thorough, prepared, and testifies effectively in both deposition and trial.  He is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of train operations and serves as an effective rebuttal to the numerous experts presented by opposing counsel.

 

Tim D. Wackerbarth, Esq., Seattle, WA

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I am pleased to give an enthusiastic endorsement of Brian Heikkila’s abilities as a railroad consultant and an expert witness in railroad litigation.  Based on my personal experience as a trial lawyer who engaged him in railroad crossing cases, he is extremely helpful in aiding with the preparation of a case for trial.  More importantly, he is very effective in giving testimony before a jury because of his background experience and his fine demeanor as a witness.

 

Richard E. Boyle, Esq., Belleville, IL