About Petro & Harrington, LLC
The Midwest's Railroad Employee Advocates
For over 35 years, we have served as tireless advocates throughout the Midwest for railroad workers who have suffered all types of injuries and/or losses on the job. We have done so with the competence, sensitivity and aggressiveness it takes to develop an outstanding record of fair settlements and verdicts. If you or a family member are injured due to the negligence of a railroad employer, we want to help you. We have decades of experience in handling claims under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), protecting the rights of railroad workers injured on the job.
Specific to our railroad practice, Dan Petro has been distinguished as Designated Legal Counsel for SMART-Transportation Division (former United Transportation Union). We also hold similar railroad union affiliations (Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys). With these privileges, our law firm has assisted thousands of injured railroad employees in navigating the often difficult and unfamiliar legal process.
As always, our consultations are entirely free, and we don’t recover fees unless you win a verdict or settle your case.
F. Daniel Petro
Francis Daniel Petro (Dan) received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in 1981. He then went to work for Henslee, Monek & Henslee as a Law Clerk. The firm specialized in representing railroad employees for injuries sustained at work. At the same time, he was admitted to John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He graduated from John Marshall in 1985 and was admitted to practice law by the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois in 1986. He continued to work for Henslee until 1990. At that time, he and his father, Frank W. Petro, started the Petro Law Firm. The Petro Law Firm concentrated in representing injured railroad employees. The majority of clients were railroad employees working in the Midwest. Dan has settled and/or tried cases against Metra, BNSF, Union Pacific, Illinois Central (CN), Wisconsin Central (CN), Norfolk Southern, IHB, Belt, CSX, Amtrak, Soo Line (CP), DM&E, and others.
Dan is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois, The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Western District of Michigan, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Western District of Wisconsin, Northern District of Ohio, and The District of North Dakota.
Dan is honored to be a Designated Legal Counsel for The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and SMART TD. Dan is a member of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys and the Illinois State Bar Association.
Dan worked with and under Frank’s tutelage until Frank’s passing in 2012. He will continue to vigorously pursue and protect the rights of railroad employees.
Patrick J. Harrington
Patrick J. Harrington began his legal career in 1985 and has been committed to protecting the rights of injury victims for the last 35 years. In doing so, he has continued a tradition of helping railroad workers that was first started by his father, Robert E. Harrington, Sr., and his uncle, James E. Harrington, over sixty years ago.
Patrick graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1982 and attended law school at Loyola University School of Law in Chicago. He graduated from Loyola in 1985. Patrick has a long history of protecting the rights of injured railroad employees under the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA). He has successfully handled hundreds of FELA cases in both state and federal courts throughout the Midwest and he has authored a number of appellate briefs on behalf of his clients in state and federal court.
Patrick is proud to be a member of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys (ARLA). ARLA is a professional association of attorneys who are dedicated to the representation of injured railroad workers or their families. ARLA members represent injured workers in their efforts to be compensated fairly and also promote rail safety and safe working conditions for all railroad employees.
As a strong advocate on behalf of his clients, Patrick believes that education is the key to helping individuals protect their rights under the law. As a result, he spends a great deal of time attending the meetings of railroad union locals, speaking to the membership and advising them of their rights under the various federal laws that are designed to protect railroad workers.
In 2005, Patrick was recognized as a Chicago “Super Lawyer” by his peers, and he has been recognized every year since then. He holds an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating of legal ability, experience and ethics.
Patrick is a proud member of the Smart Transportation Division, Local 1383. He has been admitted to practice in the States of Illinois and Michigan, is a member of the bar of the United States Supreme Court, a member of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, as well as numerous United States District Courts in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
Robert B. Thompson
Of Counsel
Bob Thompson has achieved extraordinary success representing the victims of railroad negligence. With years of experience in handling railroad cases for union employees, Bob understands the ins‑and‑outs of railroad operations. He is intimately familiar with the Federal Employers’ Liability Act and with the safety provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations.
Bob is a relentless advocate for his clients and a tireless worker. He has successfully tried and settled thousands of FELA cases, many of which involve complex fact situations and specialized legal arguments. His string of successes on behalf of his clients are voluminous and significant.
Bob is licensed as an attorney in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio and he has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and in numerous federal district courts throughout the Midwest. He is a member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), the Michigan Bar Association (MBA), and the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys (ARLA).
FAQ
How much will it cost me to hire the firm?
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not have to pay us anything until and unless we obtain recovery for you. Importantly, our initial consultation is completely free. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery; this means your case is as important to us as it is to you.
How much is my case worth?
Unfortunately, without knowing the facts of your specific case, it is impossible to estimate its potential worth. Personal injury cases can be worth hundreds of dollars or millions of dollars, and the difference may hinge on a particular fact in your case. The only way we can accurately estimate what your case might be worth is if you contact us and schedule a free consultation.
How long do I have to file my case?
Each state has a different statute of limitations, or the length of time in which you are allowed to file a lawsuit, for personal injury cases. The statute of limitations can sometimes differ depending on the type of case and the jurisdiction where the case is filed. For example, some whistleblower cases must be filed within 180 days or less of the date of adverse employment action while many injury claims expire two years from the date of injury or death. In other states, and for different types of claims, the time period may be shorter or longer. It is important to contact us as soon as possible to begin a thorough investigation, preserve evidence and to determine what time limits apply to your case.
What can I expect if I decide to sue?
If you decide to file a lawsuit, we will file the appropriate documents with the court on your behalf. This will initiate the legal process, and the responsible party will be notified. Often, the defendant’s insurance company will offer to settle with you for a lower amount than you deserve. If our evaluation of your case suggests you deserve more than what the defendant offers, we will take the case to trial and work tirelessly to obtain the maximum recovery you deserve. If the defendant does offer a reasonable amount, we may advise you to accept the settlement. Ultimately, the decision is yours and we will try the case in court if that is what you decide to do.