Eight & Sand is a railroad term that represents a swift and safe journey. It reflects the closely held values of founder Jeff R. Dingwall; personal, efficient, agile, creative, intuitive and above all, unrelenting. We strive for smooth and quick resolutions but more importantly, we’re with you for the long haul.
OUR PRACTICE
Since 2009 we have helped hundreds of men and women through the most difficult times of their lives and to a brighter future.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
“Frankly there isn’t anyone you can’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story.” – Unknown.
The most important thing we can do is learn about and understand you. It is only through knowing your personal story that we can bring your truth to light.
YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY
It is often overlooked but the right to a jury trial is guaranteed by the Constitution in both criminal and civil cases. Corporations have fought for years to diminish our Seventh Amendment right to civil jury trials.
Jeff R. Dingwall
NICE TO MEET YOU
Jeff’s life experiences have prepared him to devote himself to fighting with you and for you for what is right and what is just.
Jeff grew up in Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University with an eye toward teaching and coaching football. However, his pursuit of intellectual growth and his desire to fight for the underdog eventually led him on a different path. He took the leap and enrolled in law school, harnessing his passion for advocacy and justice. This transformative chapter in his life equipped him to become a nationally recognized lawyer representing individuals in complex litigation and trials across the United States.
Now based in San Diego, California, Jeff carefully limits the cases he selects so that he can fully devote himself to his clients, to their stories, and to presenting the most compelling case possible. His results have earned him a reputation as a fighter who cares deeply about his clients and he is regularly sought out by other lawyers for his knowledge and expertise. For Jeff, it’s not just about the law, it’s about making sure every client’s story is heard and championed with the passion they deserve.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
+ Successfully resolved cases by settlement or verdict against every Class I railroad carrier in the U.S. as well as numerous short-line rail carriers;
+ Represented more than 100 railroad employees in retaliation cases under the Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA) since it was enacted in 2008;
+ Successfully argued the first case to be decided in favor of a railroad employee by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals under the FRSA, which has decided more such cases than any other appellate court in the U.S.;
We have successfully resolved cases by settlement or verdict in 15 states and counting
COMMON QUESTIONS
Do I Need a lawyer?
It is very difficult to know all of your rights and to navigate the legal process on your own. If you have been injured or otherwise harmed, it is a good idea to talk with a lawyer as soon as possible. We never charge a consultation fee and we are happy to meet with you to discuss your potential case.
How much do you charge?
This depends on the situation but we typically work on a contingency basis, meaning that we get paid an agreed percentage of the ultimate recovery, whether by settlement, verdict or otherwise. If there is no money recovered then we do not charge a fee.
How long does the legal process take?
It is difficult to say for sure. Some cases settle within months while others may take years to resolve. A safe estimate is that it takes about two years for a case to get to trial. We will always keep you informed and do everything we can to move the case along as quickly as possible.
How do I choose the right lawyer?
This comes down to who you feel the most comfortable with. The best lawyers do more listening than they do talking, they spend less time focusing on what they have done in the past and more on what they can do for you, they are always open and honest with you, and they are not afraid to go to trial if necessary.
What type of cases do you handle?
We represent people throughout California and the United States who have been injured (physically, emotionally, financially) or killed through the negligence and wrongdoing of another. We have successfully represented people injured in car accidents and railroad accidents, victims of abuse and retaliation, and those injured by dangerous property conditions.
“Achievement comes not from avoiding the problems. On the contrary, achievement comes from diving into problems and transforming them into positive, meaningful value.”
~ Ralph Marston
HOW CAN WE HELP?