Sean P. Hamer

Sean P. Hamer

Shareholder

Assistant :

Sean P. Hamer is a seasoned trial lawyer and shareholder focused on transportation and personal injury defense, with more than 27 years of experience advocating for clients in complex, high-stakes litigation. National transportation companies and industry leaders trust Sean for his strategic approach, proven results, and leadership in railroad and civil defense litigation.

About

Sean P. Hamer is a Shareholder at SAKG, representing national transportation companies and corporate clients in personal injury defense, railroad law, grade crossing accidents, and other catastrophic incident litigation across Missouri, Kansas, and beyond. His practice spans FELA defense, property damage, cumulative trauma, and rapid-response investigations, often serving as lead counsel when federal oversight and significant exposure are involved.

With a career marked by courtroom success and strategic resolution of complex disputes, Sean is valued for his meticulous preparation, calm under pressure, and deep understanding of the technical and regulatory landscape. Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation—Defendants and Railroad Law, he builds long-term client relationships through clear communication, decisive strategy, and a commitment to excellence from investigation to verdict.

Areas of Practice

Business & Commercial

Transportation

Successfully appealed and obtained judgment as a matter of law for railroad in an action brought by the estate of a man shot and killed while riding a passenger train. The successful appeal and judgment for the railroad resulted in the reversal of an improper $159 million verdict.
Obtained a defense verdict in a fatality grade crossing collision case involving a shoving movement at a passive grade crossing. The Plaintiff asked the jury for $3-$7 million on the wrongful death claim, and the driver asked the jury for $11.5 million. After three hours of deliberation, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of the railroad on both claims finding the driver 100% at fault. The verdict was reported as one of the top Missouri defense verdicts for 2023.
Obtained a defense jury verdict on behalf of a Class I railroad in a grade crossing collision case involving a passive warning crossing in Arkansas. The injured driver claimed the crossing could not be used with reasonable safety by a careful driver and asked the jury for $9 million in damages. Plaintiff's claim was refuted through the presentation of video, photos, and local witness testimony, showing that the train was in full view blowing its horn, and the driver failed to slow, stop, look and listen. After 35 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned unanimous defense verdict.
Obtained a unanimous defense verdict in an FELA cumulative trauma case brought by a former mechanical department employee who claimed permanent, debilitating injuries from driving a vehicle over rough roads in a railyard.
Obtained summary judgment in the defense of litigation arising out of nationally-publicized derailment of a passenger train resulting in over 60 personal injury claims.
Coordinated numerous investigations of grade crossing accidents, occupational injuries and catastrophic incidents involving the National Transportation Safety Board and other federal agencies. Investigations included assembling teams of investigators with varying expertise depending on the particular needs of each incident
Obtained summary judgment on the claim of a railroad locomotive shop employee claiming cumulative trauma injuries to multiple parts of his body. The plaintiff’s liability case hinged on the testimony of a well-known plaintiff’s expert. Successfully moved to strike the expert and obtained summary judgment finding that plaintiff lacked evidence of negligence and claims were time barred.
Obtained summary judgment upheld on appeal in an action by intermodal ramp operations employee related to collision of switch engine with standing railroad cars.
Litigated multiple foreign fatality grade crossing accidents resulting in involuntary dismissals and favorable resolution of cases.
Defended Class I railroad in action arising out of rollover of company vehicle. Plaintiff alleged defective condition with company vehicle caused vehicle hy-rail equipment to drop causing rollover resulting in severe injuries. Successfully defended case demonstrating that vehicle was not defective and incident was caused by Plaintiff’s impaired driving while under the influence of excessive and abusive dosage of medication.
Defended ammunition manufacturer in case arising from explosion in construction area of manufacturing facility resulting in six injuries including severe burn injuries to a contractor employee.
Defended insurers of a minor league baseball team in coverage and equitable garnishment lawsuit arising out of wrongful death action from death of game patron after falling while climbing a portable rock wall.
Defended former executive of video hardware and technology solutions company in action alleging breach of design and manufacturing contracts for company’s products. Secured favorable resolution in favor of executive and voluntary dismissal of claim.
Oversaw extensive investigations related to financial institution bond claims including witness interviews, financial record collection and review, bond coverage analysis and claim negotiation.