Lawsuit alleges neglected safety barriers behind Main Street Station allowed access to active railway tracks, leading to life-altering injuries
A California resident has filed a civil lawsuit against a major Las Vegas casino operator and a railroad company, alleging that inadequate safety measures led to a devastating accident on active railway tracks behind a casino property. The legal action was submitted to the Clark County civil court on 26 December 2025 and seeks significant damages for catastrophic injuries sustained in the incident.
The plaintiff, Ryan Pettway, has named Boyd Gaming Corporation, operator of the Main Street Station Hotel and Casino, alongside Union Pacific Railroad Corporation. According to the complaint, a perimeter fence located behind the casino was poorly maintained and failed to prevent pedestrian access to nearby railway tracks, despite the area being active and known for foot traffic.
The lawsuit states that the incident occurred on 27 December 2023, when Pettway crossed the tracks through the compromised fencing. During this attempt, he was struck by a freight train operated on the Union Pacific line. As a result of the collision, Pettway reportedly suffered severe and permanent injuries, including the amputation of his right leg and left foot. Court filings indicate that he will require extensive ongoing medical treatment, including multiple surgeries, rehabilitation and long-term care.
Pettway’s legal team argues that both Boyd Gaming and Union Pacific were aware, or should reasonably have been aware, of the deteriorated condition of the fence and the regular pedestrian activity in the area. The complaint references nearby encampments and foot traffic as evidence that the risk was foreseeable and that additional safety measures should have been implemented.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000, covering medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and punitive damages. It alleges negligence on the part of both defendants for failing to maintain secure boundaries and ensure public safety near hazardous infrastructure.
The case emerges amid a broader backdrop of legal developments involving the US gambling and entertainment sectors. Elsewhere, the Sports Betting Alliance has initiated legal action against the City of Chicago, challenging the legality of its revised sports betting tax structure. In Virginia, a separate lawsuit has drawn attention after alleging that public figures, including rapper Drake and influencer Adin Ross, were linked to a scheme involving gambling funds used to artificially inflate music streaming figures.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas continues to see major development activity. Hard Rock Las Vegas President Joe Lupo recently confirmed that construction crews have completed 28 of the planned 42 floors of the iconic guitar-shaped hotel rising on the former Mirage site. The city also welcomed 2026 with expanded New Year’s Eve celebrations, featuring synchronized fireworks, a first-ever Strip-wide drone show and strong visitor turnout.
As Pettway’s lawsuit proceeds, the case is likely to draw scrutiny over safety responsibilities shared between gaming operators and infrastructure owners in high-traffic urban environments.
