Laing's lawyers argued that TriMet was at fault for failing to install safety upgrades to the station that would ensure pedestrians knew when a train was arriving. TriMet argued that Laing, who was wearing a coat with the hood pulled up and had earbuds in, was distracted and not exercising enough caution. Laing disputed listening to loud music in her headphones at trial. Still, Laing did not deny partial liability in the accident.