Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Filed After Train Accident at Las Vegas Casino
1/8/2026, 7:42:18 AM
Incident Overview
Ryan Pettway, a California resident, has filed a negligence lawsuit against Boyd Gaming Corporation and Union Pacific Railroad Corporation following a severe accident that resulted in the partial amputation of both of his legs. The lawsuit, submitted on December 26, 2023, in Clark County civil court, alleges that the two companies failed to secure access to active train tracks adjacent to the Main Street Station hotel-casino in Las Vegas. Pettway claims that an unrepaired hole in a fence allowed him to enter railroad property, where he was subsequently struck by a freight train on December 27, 2023.
Details of the Lawsuit
The complaint asserts that the fence was intended to prevent public access to the Union Pacific tracks but was compromised, allowing Pettway to follow others through the opening. As a result of the incident, he suffered traumatic injuries leading to the partial amputation of his right leg and left foot. The lawsuit indicates that Pettway will likely require ongoing surgeries and long-term medical care. He is seeking over $75,000 in damages, which includes compensation for past and future medical expenses, punitive damages, and other losses.
Allegations Against Boyd Gaming and Union Pacific
Pettway's lawsuit claims that both Boyd Gaming and Union Pacific should have been aware of the compromised state of the fence, citing “obvious indications of homeless people and encampments” on the other side of the barrier. The suit contends that the companies neglected their duty to maintain and repair the property, thereby failing to ensure safety and prevent hazards that contributed to the accident.
Official Responses
A spokesperson for Boyd Gaming stated that the company does not comment on pending litigation. Union Pacific, while indicating it has not yet received the lawsuit, emphasized its commitment to community safety. A company representative remarked, “The safety of the communities in which we operate is a top priority for Union Pacific Railroad,” and urged the public to use designated railroad crossings and avoid walking near tracks.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the railroad and casino operators may argue that the failure to maintain the fence reflects a broader issue of safety negligence in areas where public access to hazardous zones is inadequately controlled. The presence of encampments near the tracks raises questions about the responsibility of corporations to secure their properties against potential dangers.
What's Next
As the case progresses through the legal system, further developments may arise, including potential settlements or court rulings that could impact safety regulations for railroad crossings and the responsibilities of casino operators in maintaining secure boundaries.
