Minnesota Reserve Officer Mike Wilken Struck and Killed

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 11, 2018 in Personal Injury
Updated on December 6, 2022

A popular Ramsey County Sheriff’s reserve officer died Sunday morning after being hit near a D.A.R.E. fundraising event in Maplewood, Saturday night at about 8:30.

Michael Wilken, 56, was directing traffic for Fright Farm at the intersection of Frost and White Bear Avenue when he was struck by a car heading north on White Bear Avenue. He suffered many critical injuries, including head injuries, and was taken to Regions Hospital.

Reserve Deputy Wilken had been with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years, volunteering at hundreds of community events. He loved working the Fright Farm event.

Maplewood Police and the Minnesota State Patrol are investigating the accident. The driver was questioned by officers. There was no indication that drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.

Trusted Lawyers Here To Help

One of the most common injuries sustained in a pedestrian – car accident is a traumatic brain injury. It is also one of the most critical. A pedestrian is defenseless against a motor vehicle.

When a wrongful death occurs as a result of the car accident, the victim’s family may have a claim to compensation under Minnesota wrongful death laws for medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of advice, and loss of potential earnings.

For more information, call one a Bloomington personal injury lawyer at (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form. Steve Terry, Chuck Slane, Rich Ruohonen, and Nate Bjerke have years of experience and are consistently named Minnesota Super Lawyers.

Minneapolis Amusement Park Accidents Lawyer

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 10, 2018 in Personal Injury
Updated on March 23, 2022

Amusement parks, such as the larger and more popular ones including Disney World, Six Flags and Knots Berry Farm, as well as the smaller carnivals and fairs operating across Minnesota, can result in several extremely dangerous and catastrophic injuries. The sheer magnitude of a fall due to a mechanical error or operator error can result in life-threatening consequences, including brain and spinal injuries, broken bones, and even death. In fact, thousands of people are injured every year due to amusement park injuries that should have been avoided.

Common Causes of Accidents at Theme Parks

At TSR Injury Law Firm, we will investigate your case to determine why this has happened and what can be done. In most instances, you will be looking into a liability lawsuit and insurance claim due to one of the following factors:

Mechanical failure and defects
Operator error or improper training of the operator
Defects in the design process
Failure to post proper warnings about a ride
Inadequate inspection and maintenance
Loose cables, rusted belts, sharp objects, and/or improper belting
Lack of safety harness and other features
Lack of, or improper, maintenance procedures
Abrupt starts and stops

Children and Amusement Park Accidents

Unfortunately, children are often the ones who are victims of amusement park injuries. In fact, 51 percent of all theme park-related accidents happen to children. Seventeen percent of these injuries happen to those between the ages of 10 and 14 — the time when amusement parks are considered one of the greatest things on earth. Children want to ride on the roller coasters, to spin on the spider, and to fly on the pirate ship because they are fun and bring a sense of adventure and thrill. However, they do not expect to have to risk their life every time they buckle up. This is not something any parent or child can prepare for, and should not have to.

It is the legal responsibility of the theme park organization, its staff, and its servicing team to perform regular inspections and maintenance on all machines and rides. If there is ever any type of problem, they must shut it down, even if this means losing out on money. At TSR Injury Law Firm, we are a leading name in Minnesota personal injury lawyers and lawsuits. We can help you understand your rights and, if you choose, we can help you file a product liability lawsuit against the company responsible for your or your loved one’s accident.

Minneapolis Theme Park Accident Lawyer

Our Minnesota injury lawyers want to help you. We can ensure you receive a fair compensation package to pay for the damage done. Compensation can help pay for medical costs, rehabilitation and recovery costs, and a loss of income if you are unable to work or need to take time off to care for your loved one. Don’t let your day at the amusement park turn into a nightmare. Let us help you see the road to recovery clearer and help you move past this event with adequate care. Contact the offices of TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME today or submit our free contact form.

Minnesota Woman Sues Johnson & Johnson Over Vaginal Mesh

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 8, 2018 in Consumers Alerts
Updated on March 23, 2022

A Minnesota woman is suing Johnson & Johnson, Ethicon, and Gynecare over complications she allegedly suffered after having vaginal mesh implanted.

The woman sates that she suffered a number of complications from a number of vaginal mesh products, including Gynenesh, which was manufactured by the defendants. The lawsuit was filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota on August 13. It was then transferred to the Southern District of West Virginia’s vaginal mesh MDL on August 29.

The plaintiff states that she had surgery on July 5, 2005 in which she received vaginal mesh products, including Gynemesh, due to suffering from symptomatic vaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

After the surgery, she says she started experiencing complications, which included occasional vaginal bleeding and the continuation of urinary incontinence. The problems worsened, so she was able to undergo surgery in 2008 because it was found that she had vaginal mesh erosion. The doctor gave her a hormone cream prescription, but the complications continued.

She had surgery again in 2008 to remove parts of the vaginal mesh, but her problems continued and this resulted in a second surgery in mid-September 2008. In her complaint, she says that she continues to suffer from complications and will most likely have to have more surgeries, thus suffering permanent disability.

She is seeking compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, disability, and her legal expenses.

Unfortunately, the plaintiff’s case is not unusual because the FDA had to issue a public warning in 2011 about transvaginal mesh complications. These complications include infections, vaginal scarring, urinary issues, bleeding, and much more. This warning was issued because the issues are not rare. It was in June 2012 that Ethicon pulled five of its transvaginal mesh products off of the market.

Women who have had vaginal mesh devices implanted and who are suffering complications are encouraged to speak to their attorney to see if they are eligible to be compensated for their injuries.

Crocs & Escalators

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on in Consumers Alerts
Updated on December 6, 2022

Crocs have become such a huge shoe fad that they are identifiable by name. They have achieved a level of prevalence that allows for there to be two distinct groups, consisting of people who either love or hate crocs. There seems to be no middle ground.

The plastic shoes have become exceptionally popular for children. Crocs, which are made of plastic and don’t require any laces, are an ideal solution for parents who might not have time to stop and tie a child’s shoe every five minutes. They are also very easy to clean.

Unfortunately, these shoes which are so much fun for kids to wear because of all of the colors available, have come under serious scrutiny due to escalator accidents involving the shoes. These accidents almost always involve a child wearing their colorful crocs.

What happens in escalator accidents is that a child will be standing on the outside of the step. The shoe, which is made of plastic, will rub against the side of the escalator. This friction generates heat which then melts the plastic just enough that it can be drawn into the gap between the step and the side of the escalator.

Once the shoe has been drawn into the side of the escalator, it is all too easy for it to get caught in the mechanism driving the stairs. This continues to occur until a child’s foot is cut or maimed.

If you or your child has been injured on an escalator wearing Crocs, contact the Minneapolis defective products lawyers of TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form.

Semi Truck, 2 Cars Crash Near Norwood Young America

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on in Auto Accidents
Updated on December 6, 2022

Another fatal crash involving a semi truck in Minnesota. This accident happened on MN Hwy 212 at CR 51, near Norwood Young America, Carver County.

The accident involved a semi truck and 2 other vehicles. A car was turning left and was rear-ended by a semi truck. The car was forced into the oncoming traffic, broadsiding a pick-up truck from Texas. The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the truck died en route to the hospital. Four other people were critically injured. The driver of the semi truck was not injured.

The names of the victims have been released. The driver of the car was Sandra Babatz, 45, of Norwood Young America. The driver of the pick-up truck was Juan Olvera, 35, of Sullivan, Texas. The four injured are Nancy Castillo, 29, Narely Olvera, 9, Andira Olvera, 8, and Galylea, Olvera, 7, all of Bird Island.

You cannot take back a negligent, inattentive moment of driving. Life is forever changed for many people, many families, many communities. The ripple effect is extensive. This is the second fatal semi truck accident in Minnesota this weekend. Both accidents happened when vehicles were turning left and each time a semi truck crashed into them, killing the drivers instantly.

There are many laws that govern the semi truck industry. If you have been involved in a semi truck accident, you need knowledgeable representation in order to protect your rights and recover adequate compensation. Call 612-TSR-TIME to speak to a Bloomington truck accident lawyer, or submit our free contact form and a member from our team will contact you shortly.

Free Consultation. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Radiofrequency Neurotomies Seminar

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on in General News
Updated on December 6, 2022

Attorneys Chuck Slane and Rich Ruohonen recently spoke at a seminar involving the use of Radiofrequency Neurotomies (RFNs) in Chronic Pain cases. The seminar was entitled The Changing Nature of Soft Tissue and Chronic Pain Claims: Injection Therapy and Radiofrequency Neurotomies. Chuck and Rich discussed how to work up and go to trial on such cases. For more information on the Radiofrequency Neurotomy procedure or spinal injuries. This seminar was held at the Minnesota Association for Justice in front of approximately 50 lawyers.

Chuck and Rich are frequent speakers at continuing legal education seminars for the Minnesota Justice Association. All three of our partners are consistently named Super Lawyers by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and Law & Politics. Chuck Slane has received further recognition by being named to the Minnesota Top 40 Personal Injury Attorneys.

Slick Roads Lead to School Bus Accident

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 7, 2018 in Auto Accidents
Updated on December 6, 2022

The first snow of the year tends to lead to a number of accidents in Minnesota. While many states cancel school when conditions are slick, Minnesota schools go on in the state that is known for its snowy winters. The same rule of thumb applies even when winter shows up a little early.

On October 25th, a total of six students were checked out at the hospital for injuries after a school bus accident that occurred on their way to school. The accident occurred in the Little Falls area.

The initial investigation has revealed that the bus was northbound on Iris Road when the driver approached a sharp curve and lost control. Slippery conditions made the curve very hard to manage and this caused the bus to tip on its side. The investigation thus far has not revealed whether or not the driver took the curve too fast.

There were fifteen students on the bus at the time. Their ages ranged from middle school age and younger and all are from the Little Falls area. Fortunately, no major injuries resulted from the accident, but four students were immediately taken to a Little Falls medical facility to be checked out. Two more students joined them later to be checked for injuries.

At the hospital, the students met up with their parents and with district personnel so that personnel could speak with the parents. Some of the students involved in the accident went ahead to school and stayed all day, while others went home.

Palmer Bus Service owns the bus and serves a total of 20 school districts in Minnesota. The accident was reconstructed to determine exactly what happened. As of now, it has been said that it appears the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The driver also did not sustain severe injuries.

Hurt in a crash? Contact a Bloomington injury lawyer at TSR Injury Law for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees if we take on your case and we only get paid when we obtain a recovery on your behalf.

Free Consultation. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Minneapolis Cerebral Anoxia Attorney

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 5, 2018 in Personal Injury
Updated on March 23, 2022

One of the most difficult diagnoses to hear is when a doctor says a loved one has suffered a cerebral anoxia brain injury. Life is forever changed. You need legal advice. Call TSR Injury Law, at (612) TSR-TIME. We care and want to help.

TSR Injury Law is a premier personal injury law firm with an excellent reputation for being able to successfully litigate difficult brain injury cases, including cerebral anoxia. Our attorneys frequently speak on traumatic brain injuries and are experts in that area of personal injury litigation. Contact us at 612-TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Cerebral Anoxia

Cerebral anoxia is the total lack of oxygen to the brain. Cerebral anoxia may result in irreversible brain damage or death. With lack of oxygen, the brain cells start dying in 4-6 minutes. There can be varying degrees of recovery from cerebral anoxia. Chances of recovery depend on how long the brain was without oxygen and how much damage the brain sustained.

When the brain is deprived of oxygen for a shorter amount of time, the victim can still suffer sensory distortions and hallucinations. The fewer brain cells damaged, the more optimistic the prognosis for recovery.

Causes of Cerebral Anoxia

Cerebral anoxia can be caused by a variety of events, including:

near-drowning
carbon-monoxide poisoning
smoke inhalation
anesthesia errors
oxygen deprivation during birth (resulting in cerebral palsy)
accident with extreme loss of blood
medical malpractice

Consequences of Cerebral Anoxia

When the brain cells are deprived of oxygen, the neurons are subject to an influx of sodium causing swelling and further injury. Even in the best case scenario, there can be permanent psychological and neurological damage.

The expenses from a traumatic brain injury add up quickly and can extend for many years. You have to consider the possibility of ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, modification of your home, and nursing home care. There are additional monetary losses, including loss of wages and loss of earning capacity.

Contact a Minneapolis Cerebral Anoxia Attorney

When dealing with the complex injury of cerebral anoxia, you need a law firm with knowledge and expertise in brain injury lawsuits. Our Minnesota Cerebral Anoxia Attorneys are skilled, aggressive litigators with decades of combined experience. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form.

Partner Rich Ruohonen, TSR Injury Law, Wins Large Verdict in Barron, Wisconsin

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 2, 2018 in In The Courtroom
Updated on March 23, 2022

Bloomington, Minn. (PRWEB) September 2, 2009 — Rich Ruohonen, TSR Injury Law partner and Minnesota Super Lawyer, represented a woman named Sabina Babaca for injuries suffered in a car crash near Barron, Wisconsin, on October 7, 2005.

According to court records, Babaca was a passenger in her husband’s vehicle being driven on Highway 8. Her husband attempted to pass a vehicle, in a legal passing zone. A truck pulled out onto the highway into his path causing an immediate collision.

Ms. Babaca had to be extricated by emergency personnel. It is on record that she suffered a left radial arm fracture requiring open reduction internal fixation with the use of a plate and 6 screws. The fracture caused a mild radial nerve injury resulting in ongoing pain. She also sustained a shoulder soft tissue injury on the same side.

The record reflects that Babaca incurred approximately $100,000 in medical bills and wage loss, most of which were paid by no-fault. The defendant offered $85,000 to settle this case prior to trial. The offer was declined by Babaca and Ruohonen, sending the case to trial. (Sabina Babaca v. Adam’s Automotive, Inc., David Adams and Erie Insurance Exchange, Case No. 08 CV 23)

The defendant’s insurance company, Erie Insurance, hired an accident reconstruction expert to testify at trial. Court records show that during cross examination, Ruohonen was able to get the following strategic admissions from this expert:

that Mr. Babaca was not speeding at the time of the collision
that by the time Adams pulled out it was too late for Mr. Babaca to stop to avoid the collision
that Mr. Adam’s was not fully in the lane upon impact (demonstrating Mr. Adams had just pulled out at the time of the collision)

Rich Ruohonen, with co-counsel Mark Yira of Yira Law Offices, pointed out numerous different medical records, photographs of bruising, and other injury evidence supporting ongoing pain. Additionally, the doctor who did the initial surgery at Eau Claire Hospital, Dr. Leland Meyer, and an ongoing pain management doctor, Dr. Paul Biewen, testified on behalf of Ms. Babaca.

It is on record that the jury found 75% fault on Adams and 25% fault on Mr. Babaca. The jury awarded $80,723.71 in past medical expenses, $19,440 in past wages, $80,000 in past pain and suffering, and $36,800 in future medical expenses. The total verdict was $216,163.71. Erie Insurance paid $162,122.7 (75% of the verdict) plus an additional amount for costs and interest owed.

The total paid was approximately double the final offer made by Erie Insurance prior to trial. This is believed to be one of the largest Plaintiff’s verdicts in Barron County, Wisconsin in several years.

TSR Injury Law
8300 Norman Center Drive
Suite 1275
Bloomington, MN 55437
www.tsrinjurylaw.com

Salmonella Sickens Two Children

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on in Consumers Alerts
Updated on March 23, 2022

The Minnesota Department of Health announced that two children have become ill with Salmonella poisoning linked to Krinos brand tahini. This is a product that was recalled earlier in May. At the time of the recall, the FDA said there had been no illnesses connected to the tahini. The childrens’ illnesses were caused by two separate strains of bacteria found in the recalled tahini.

According to the FDA, the tahini recall initially occurred on April 28 after Salmonella Montevideo was found by the Michigan Department of Agriculture in a routine sampling. The FDA then found Salmonella Mbandaka in the same tahini brand, thus resulting in the official May recall. The strains have the same DNA of an outbreak that affected several people in a number of states.

In the Minnesota cases, one of the infections matches the Salmonella Mbandaka outbreak and the other matches the Salmonella Montevideo outbreak. Neither child has had to be hospitalized. Both children are recovering at home and are so far doing well.

The recalled tahini product is of the Krinos brand and it is a sesame paste. It was distributed all over the United States. The tahini is sold in 1 pound glass jars and 2 pound glass jars. There are also 40 pound plastic pails. The expiration dates for the affected products range from January 1, 2014 to June 8 2014, as well as October 16, 2014 and March 15, 2015. If you have the product in any of the sizes with the aforementioned expiration dates, you are encouraged to dispose of it immediately.

If you purchased the product, consumed it, and experienced Salmonella symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. The symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. The bacteria is known to cause fatal infections and long-term problems that can be quite severe, especially in young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Month: April 2018