-Investigators-
Ric Hanson
Ric Hanson is a third generation railroader. He hired out on the section crew right out of high school in 1972. In 1977 at the age of 23 he got the job of steel gang foreman, supervising a crew of 100 men. That particular crew set production records that still stand today. Ric was injured on the railroad in 1985 and unable to resume work in that heavy labor industry. He retained Fred Bremseth to protect him from the railroad's claims department. During Ric's recuperation he got his Montana State Private Investigators License and upon a successful resolution of his FELA case, he went to work for Fred Bremseth. Ric has been with the Bremseth Law Firm for 25 years. He has investigated over 350 railroad accidents and injuries. He excels at interviewing witnesses and coworkers, taking pictures and video of the accident scene, reviewing the railroad’s internal documents, pinpointing the root cause of the accident and where the railroad failed to provide a safe workplace.
When he is not working, Ric enjoys spending time with his family and cruising in the "409" powered 55 Chevy that he and his wife built. Ric can be reached at 406-321-0071.
John Hiatt
John is a former BNSF engineer who has been with Bremseth Law Firm for nearly 20 years. During his railroad career, John was very active on safety committees and spent many hours educating area students about the dangers that exist around railroad tracks and yards. John has also testified before federal agencies regarding safety issues that affect not only railroad industry workers but also the public. His thirty years of experience in the industry make him a valuable asset to the team. John resides in Spokane, Washington, and meets with clients from Portland, Oregon to Missoula, Montana. He has four grandchildren with whom he and his wife Cindy try to spend as much time as possible. John has also been active in the past with The Big Brother program and the American Diabetes Association, and believes every day should be Veterans Day. He truly believes that through the actions of our firm over the years, the railroad workplace, while still inherently dangerous, has been made safer. John prides himself on being a strong advocate for fair treatment of those brothers or sisters who have been injured or wronged through improper or unsafe conditions created by the railroad.
John is available 24/7 to help all railroad employees and their families in any way he can. He can be reached at 509-994-8812.
Chris Chocas
Chris Chocas is a third generation railroader. He hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad right out of high school in 1977. Chris worked on the signal department for a year and then transferred to train service. He worked as a switchman, brakeman and conductor until 2000 when he was injured. After his injury, Chris contacted several FELA law firms about his potential case, only to be rejected by them because of the difficulties involved in his claim. Chris heard of the Bremseth Law Firm from a good friend and Fred Bremseth agreed to represent Chris with his claim. Through dedicated efforts, the Bremseth Law Firm obtained a very successful resolution of his case. Due to his long years of experience with the UP, his first hand knowledge of working as a conductor, and his membership in the UTU, Chris is a valuable resource for the Bremseth Law Firm.
Chris enjoys biking, fishing, sporting events and long walks with his wife Petie. He lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming and can be reached at 307-421-9091.
Dan Bircher
Dan Bircher started his railroad career in 1974 at Boone, Iowa with the Chicago and North Western Railway. He worked on the track department as a laborer and machine operator. He transferred to the operating department in 1976 and worked as a brakeman/switchman. He then hired on with the BN in 1977, was promoted to conductor in 1978 and entered the engineer program in 1989.
Dan made his last trip in 2006 as he suffered from cumulative trauma/whole body vibration caused by his years of running rough riding locomotives. Fred Bremseth litigated his case to a successful resolution.
Dan is a former Local Chairman for BLE-T Division 624 and also a former safety representative for that Division. He resides in the Sheridan, Wyoming area with his wife Melody and two sons, Ryan and Levi. They enjoy hiking and camping in the Big Horn Mountains.
Dan can be reached at (307) 751-3714.
