Bruce A. Hugon

Bruce Hugon is committed to defending Class I, regional, and short line railroads in personal injury litigation. His jury trial and appellate work includes state and federal court cases typically involving catastrophic injuries and death claims with substantial exposure. Bruce's successful handling of litigation has resulted in defense verdicts, summary judgments, and favorable settlements.

Bruce actively participates in furthering the interests of the railroad industry. In addition to being a presenter at meetings of the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel and serving on its Executive Committee, Bruce has been instrumental in:

• Efforts to establish a right to a setoff against an adverse verdict for the value of an injured employee's Railroad Retirement Act disability annuity in actions brought under the Federal Employers' Liability Act.
• Establishing federal preemption of state common law claims based on railroads' alleged duties as to traffic warning devices at grade crossings and as to claims based on train speed.
• Obtaining the first reported decision in Indiana setting forth favorable parameters for the discovery of surveillance film.

In his free time, Bruce takes his pursuits to the road. He has completed approximately 50 triathlons, 25 "mini" marathons, and 25 Hilly Hundred bicycling events.

Education

• Purdue University, B.A., 1975; Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, J.D., cum laude, 1979

Bar Admission

• Indiana, 1979
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, 1979
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1984
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, 1999
• U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, 2002

Professional Associations

• Indianapolis Bar Association
• Indiana State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association
• Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana
• National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
• Defense Research Institute