Steve Terry | TSR Injury Law

Myofascial Injury Claims

By Steve Terry | April 1, 2019

At TSR Injury Law we are a leading personal injury law firm helping clients get their life back on track after a serious injury. We help clients gain access to compensation to pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation and treatment options, loss of income and other damage that has been done due to the injury. To discuss your legal options, contact TSR Injury Law today at (612) TSR-TIME.

What Causes Myofascial Pain?

Myofascial pain is often caused by a serious injury or due to excessive strain on a particular muscle, often from doing a repetitive activity for a long period of time. Because of this, many people suffering from myofascial pain could be looking at a worker’s compensation issue or work-related lawsuit. Additional myofascial pain lawsuits often stem from:

Slip and fall related accidents
Car, truck and other motor vehicle accidents
Serious falls, such as bicycle accidents or premise liability instances
Spinal injuries and injury to an intervertebral disc
Office injuries and work place injuries, construction site injuries
Carpel tunnel syndrome

Common Areas For This Pain

Because your body has muscles everywhere, myofascial pain can strike anywhere but the most common places for people to experience myofascial pain is in the back, the neck, the shoulder, the legs, the pelvis and the arms. The pain is often a deep ache that may worsen in certain situations. In addition to the pain you may also experience muscle and joint stiffness as well as tension or a tight spot in the muscle where the pain is. While some people experience chronic pain, for others, the muscle pain will come and go.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Lawsuits

Living with chronic muscle pain can be frustrating, devastating and painful to say the least. Little tasks like taking a shower or tying your shoelace become big feats and you may depend on the assistance of others as well as painkillers to get through the day. You may be unable to work and face financial problems because of it.Don’t suffer anymore than you already have.

Let the team at TSR Injury Law Firm fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve for better your life for both you and your family. With financial compensation you may be able to continue your lifestyle and rely on treatment, rehabilitation and recovery techniques to control your pain.

For further inquiries about filing a personal injury lawsuit feel free to call TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME and speak to a Minneapolis personal injury attorney or complete our “Free Case Evaluation” form on this page and a member from our team will be in contact with you shortly.

FDA Details Contamination at Pharmacy

By Steve Terry | March 22, 2019

The FDA has made public their findings within the New England Compounding Center (NECC), the pharmacy that is responsible for the meningitis outbreak that has made over 400 people sick and killed over 30. It is believed that thousands of people have been exposed to the fungus that caused fungal meningitis.

Rather than producing the tailor-made drugs for patients that the facility was allowed to produce, they became a major drug maker that supplied some of the most well-known hospitals in the country with medications. Some of the hospitals they supplied included Yale, Harvard, and the Mayo Clinic. They did this with very little oversight by federal regulators.

One area that officials were concerned with was how close the company is to a recycling plant. At this plant, there were many freight trucks, excavators, plastics, old mattresses, and other materials that caused a lot of dust to be released into the air. One of the owners of this recycling plant also owns the pharmacy and is known for not always complying with regulations and being the subject of complaints.

According to the inspection report, it is believed that the company’s practices led to the fungus contaminating the vials of methylprednisolone acetate, which is a pain medication that is administered through an epidural injection in the spine.

The inspectors noted that 83 of 321 of the vials that were examined in one lot contained the fungus that has been linked to the meningitis outbreak. They could visibly see that there was foreign matter in the vials that were greenish black in color. Another 17 of the vials had a white material within them.

The report states that NECC had only tested one vial from that particular lot and it was that vial that showed the medication to be sterile. The FDA tested a total of 50 vials and found all of them had some sort of microbial growth within them.

One of the most concerning findings was that the company’s own testing in 2012 found that the clean rooms had been contaminated with mold or bacteria that exceeded limits established by the own company. The levels were so high that remedial measures that should have been taken were never taken. There were some cases where entire testing dishes were filled with some kind of overgrowth.

There was also an issue with NECC’s air-conditioning system. Employees said the system would be shut off between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. in the rooms where sterile drugs were manufactured. In drug manufacturing, it is important that proper humidity and temperature are maintained to keep microbes from growing.

The company says it will review the FDA’s report and continue to cooperate with the investigation. They said they will provide the FDA with the appropriate comments after they have had enough time to evaluate the report.

The neighboring recycling center was not a major factor in the investigation, but it did become a small part of the inquiry so that investigators could find out more about the possible role it plays. The report notes that the rooftop air conditioning units on the pharmacy are only 100 feet away from some of the recycling plant’s activities. Neighbors have complained about smells, dust, and debris that come from the plant.

Many medical facilities have been shaken up about the happenings within the NECC. This is because the 3,000 customers of the pharmacy trusted them to manufacture sterile medications.

Ulnar Nerve Injury Damages Lawsuits In Minnesota

By Steve Terry | March 18, 2019

The ulnar nerve extends the length of the arm, from the shoulder to the wrist. It is closest to the surface where it crosses the elbow. It is called entrapment when the ulnar nerve gets compressed where it passes through the narrow cubital tunnel. When the ulnar nerve is compressed or damaged, there are neurological symptoms in the forearm and hand. The symptoms include:

pain in the hand and / or fingers
tingling or burning in the 4th and 5th digits
numbness or decreased sensation
loss of muscle strength in hand

An ulnar nerve injury frequently occurs from an elbow fracture or dislocation sustained in a car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, or slip and fall accident. It can be diagnosed through an EMG (electromyogram), nerve conduction tests, blood tests, x-rays, or imaging scans.

Ulnar Nerve Injury Treatment

Conservative treatment is recommended for 6-12 weeks. Included in this approach are:

supportive splint or elbow pad
corticosteroid injection (to reduce swelling and pressure on nerve)
pain medication (prescription or over-the-counter)
physical therapy

If there is increasing muscle weakness, progressive palsy, or clawing of the 4th and 5th digits; surgery needs to be performed before the nerve dies and motor skills are permanently lost. In severe cases, the patient may need occupational therapy, job retraining, or vocational counseling.

Minnesota Ulnar Nerve Injury Attorney

Dealing with extreme, constant pain is so debilitating. Everyday things become impossible to do. Let us help. If you have suffered an ulnar nerve injury due to the negligence of another, a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis from our law firm can review your case, do all of the paperwork, handle the insurance companies, and file your claim. You may be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering, disability, medical bills, and lost wages. Call TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free contact form and a member from our team will contact you shortly.

TSR Injury Law – Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Minneapolis Burn Injury Attorney

By Steve Terry | March 15, 2019

If you are going through the trauma and pain of a burn injury due to the negligence of another, you have come to the right place. We care and will lead the charge for justice in your case.

There are so many aspects to a burn injury. Beyond the physical injury, there can be psychological and emotional trauma stemming from the pain, scarring, and disfigurement.

To maximize your compensation following a burn injury, you need an attorney with experience litigating burn injuries — someone who fully understands the scope of your pain and disability. Our Minneapolis burn injury attorneys have years of experience fighting for justice for victims of burns, with a record of success. Recently, Partner Chuck Slane took a burn case to trial and won a 1.9 million dollar verdict. We will represent you aggressively and ethically. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Understanding Skin

In order to fully understand the levels of burns, you need to understand skin and the three layers of protection for tendons, muscle, and bones. The outer layer of skin is the epidermis. It is comprised of many layers of cells (50-150 depending on the part of the body) that protect the body. It is our main defense against injury and infection. The second layer is the dermis. This layer provides the elasticity to our skin. The third layer of protection is the fatty tissue. This layer is comprised of fat cells, hair follicles, and sweat glands. It is a critical layer of defense for our bodies.

When someone is burned, there is an massive shift of fluids within the body. For cases where the burn area is greater than 20% of the body, fluid resuscitation is a necessity and should be done through IVs during the first 24 hours. Patients need to receive large volumes of liquid because so much body fluid is being sucked into the burn wounds.

Burn Categories

There are many variables to burns. They range from superficial to life-threatening. They can damage epidermis, dermis, blood vessels, tendons, muscles, and bones with varying degrees of pain depending on amount of nerve damage.

There are three universally accepted and defined categories of burns. They are:

First Degree Burns – These burns are superficial, like a mild sunburn, affecting the outer layer of skin. The epidermis gets red, may be painful for a few days, the skin may even peel. There is no blistering.
Second Degree Burns – These burns go down through most, if not all, of the layers of the epidermis. It will potentially reach the topmost layer of dermis. Fluid will accumulate between the epidermis and the dermis, forming blisters. These burns can be nasty, with an increased potential for infection.
Third Degree Burns – These burns go so deep that they destroy all of the tissue through the dermis, reaching into the fatty tissue layer. In some cases, tendons, muscles, and ligaments are compromised. (When the burn reaches muscle and bone, some people refer to it as a 4th degree burn.) When burns look white, they are a deep 3rd degree burn and need medical attention. All 3rd degree burns require medical attention. There is a very real danger of extensive, life-threatening infection and shock.

Burn Injury Statistics

Each year, according to the American Burn Association there are:

500,000 burn injuries that receive medical attention
4,000 fire and burn deaths
40,000 hospitalizations from burn injuries
8% are occupational burns
17% vehicle accident burns

On average, in the U.S., someone is injured in a fire every 32 minutes. Burn injuries are very expensive to treat. They comprise only 1% of the incidence of injuries, but 2% of the total cost of injuries; this is according to the Center for Disease Control. Burn injuries are the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States, surpassed only by motor vehicle accident deaths.

Contact a Minneapolis Burn Injury Attorney

At TSR Injury Law, we understand that a severe burn injury is a catastrophic event, can cost hundreds of thousands to treat, and has lifelong implications. We want to see that you receive justice and adequate compensation for your burn injury. Our partners are skilled, dynamic personal injury litigators with years of experience. Don’t delay, call (612) TSR-TIME today. If you prefer, you may submit our online contact form.

Illegal Firework Factory Explosion Results in Injury

By Steve Terry | March 13, 2019

A firework manufacturing operation resulted in one man being hospitalized with burns and it was found that the operation was illegal.

The illegal factory in Wyoming Minnesota experienced a minor flashover explosion in the garage. The result was a 30-year-old man experiencing severe burns.

After the man was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, police discovered the materials that are used in firework manufacturing. After they acquired a search warrant, they found a small and very illegal manufacturing operation, producing illegal fireworks that were of the aerial 2-3 inch mortar style.

Wyoming, Minnesota police, in addition to the St. Paul Bomb Squad and the ATF, dismantled the equipment and removed it from the garage.

Police say that Timothy Gray, David Michael Walsh, and a third man who is in critical condition, were making fireworks out of a backyard shed and a home. The process of mixing some of the components used in fireworks ignited and resulted in the explosion.

Right now Gray and Walsh have been charged with storing and possessing an incendiary device. There are charges pending for the third man who suffered burns over 40 percent of his body.

It was a 911 call that led investigators to the home where they found tables in rows filled with black powder, sawdust, and casings.

Officers said they soon realized it was a homemade firework manufacturing operation.

While not something that authorities run into very often, they believe that the men were able to begin the operation with internet instruction. Upon the confiscation of the manufacturing materials, police also took possession of 12 computers.

Police say that the reason why there is a black market for fireworks is because making them the legal way requires strict regulation to be followed and permits to be acquired. They also said that making fireworks in the midst of a neighborhood is extremely dangerous. A firework is a device that has explosive material compressed in a tube.

The black market exists in Minnesota because it is illegal to have explosive fireworks within state lines, resulting in many individuals crossing the state border to buy them. However, this can lead to the unregulated manufacturing of items that have the potential to cause serious bodily and property damage. If you are a victim of a workplace incident, contact a Minneapolis personal injury attorney at TSR Injury Law today for a free consultation. You may be eligible to file a damages lawsuit.

Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Metatarsal Fracture Injury Claims

By Steve Terry | March 11, 2019

Our personal injury lawyers are skilled, aggressive litigators who care about justice for the people. We recently settled a multi-fracture case, that included a metatarsal fracture, for $400,000.

If you have sustained a metatarsal fracture in an accident that was not your fault, you need expert representation to maximize your compensation. The compensation may include payment for medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering, and disability. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form. It is vital to act quickly so that evidence can be preserved and eye witnesses interviewed while the memory is fresh.

What Is a Metatarsal Fracture?

Metatarsal fractures are one of the most common traumatic foot injuries because there is very little soft tissue to protect the top of the foot. They can be caused by direct trauma or forces rotating the foot too far.

Additional facts about metatarsal fractures:

The junction between the base of the metatarsal and the shaft is the area which creates most problems when fractured because of the poor blood supply in that area of the bone.
The base of the metatarsal heals slowly or may not heal at all because of poor blood supply.
Orthopedists favor surgical fixation for a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal because it heals very poorly and frequently there is nonunion. Surgery requires a small incision on the outside edge of the foot. Then a small screw is placed down the middle of the fractured bone.
For a metatarsal fracture, a removable plastic cast is better than a plaster cast. The removable cast allows for physiotherapy treatment, which is aimed at preventing stiffness in the ankle joint. The foot will have to be in the non-weight bearing cast for 6-8 weeks.
A metatarsal fracture is very painful and there is usually difficulty in walking. The foot is usually swollen, bruised, and tender to the touch.
Ice therapy can be effective to help control the pain of a Metatarsal fracture, although pain medication is frequently prescribed. The Aircast Ankle & Foot Cryo/Cuff is an excellent method of simultaneously providing ice therapy and compression, which reduces foot pain and swelling.
If there is nerve damage or temporary pressure on a nerve, causing “pins and needles” sensation; it needs to be investigated to determine treatment.
Because of the importance of the first metatarsal for foot function, malalignment is an unacceptable outcome.
Complications of metatarsal fractures include nonunion, malunion, delayed union, secondary osteoarthritis, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

There are many classifications of metatarsal fractures based on location, displacement, and type of fracture. The bottom line is that with any metatarsal fracture early diagnosis and avoidance of weight bearing are essential to prevent the complications.

How A Lawyer Can Help

A broken foot is very debilitating. You may be suffering not only physical pain, but financial and emotional burdens. If your injury is due to the negligence of another, contact our Bloomington personal injury lawyers at (612) TSR-TIME. Our attorneys are skilled, aggressive litigators with years of experience. We will work tirelessly for justice in your case.

No fees until we win your case.

1 Dead and 2 Injured in Minnesota Aircraft Crashes

By Steve Terry | March 11, 2019

Authorities are working to ID an individual found dead in a single-engine plane crash that occurred in western Minnesota.

Clay County Sheriff Bill Bergquist said that officials are working to identify the person and the plane to see if it is a plane that was missing during flight between Superior Wisconsin and Moorhead.

The downed plane was spotted by a search plane at the end of March just four miles south of Hawley. When authorities checked it out, they found a body inside.

Bergquist said that the plane was reported missing and that the pilot, whose name has not been revealed, was going to visit family in Moorhead. His family said he never made it and they had last heard from him over Park Rapids, which is 150 miles west of Superior.

At the same time in western Minnesota, authorities in Douglas County are investigating another plane crash near Alexandria in Lake Latoka.

The crash in the Lake Latoka area occurred approximately the same time as the Hawley crash. Several witnesses to this crash called 911 and it was found that two individuals on the plane sustained minor injuries. They did not require medical attention.

The pilot of the second plane said they were on approach to the Alexandria Airport when sudden mechanical issues developed. The pilot managed to get control of the plane and deploy its parachute. Of the individuals on that plane were two adults and two children.

Minneapolis Asbestos Lawyer

By Steve Terry | March 10, 2019

Asbestos is a material that has been used for centuries for a number of reasons. While asbestos may be flame resistant and durable, there are several serious health concerns surrounding this material. Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers which can break apart and become airborne. These fibers can get into the lungs of humans, causing irritation and potentially life threatening conditions including chronic lung conditions and the cancerous condition known as mesothelioma, among other cancers.

As a leading personal injury law firm in Minnesota, TSR Injury Law Firm is experienced and equipped to handle asbestos and mesothelioma personal injury lawsuits. If you have been injured by asbestos or developed the cancer mesothelioma, then help is only a phone call away. You can reach us anytime by calling (612) TSR-TIME or by filing out a form on the side of the page. We are committed to helping you through this difficult time and ensuring you are financially compensated for your pain, suffering, and loss.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive and potentially life-threatening form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. One of the biggest concerns with mesothelioma is that symptoms may not appear for 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. For anyone that has been exposed to asbestos in the past, it is critical that you are made aware of the dangerous symptoms, side effects, and treatment options available for sufferers of mesothelioma.

Asbestos Related Illnesses

Asbestos-related illnesses have been around for centuries, but it is only recently that the U.S. legislation has begun to take notice of the serious health conditions of asbestos. The problem is that many people suffer from asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, but were not made aware of the serious health concerns until recently. Asbestos has been used in several different materials and products over the years, including:

insulation in buildings;
cigarette filters;
pipes and engine part lining;
clothing, tablecloths and other textiles; and
mechanical parts, such as brake pads and clutch discs.

What this means is that millions of people have been exposed to asbestos and may be facing serious health concerns and cancer without even realizing it.

Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit

At TSR Injury Law Firm, we know how devastating the consequences of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma can be. You could be faced with problems breathing, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, anemia, constant phlegm, coughing up blood, and chest pain, to name a few. Lung cancer and mesothelioma can often lead to a slow and painful death, which can be painful for the victim, as well as the family members.

Helping Asbestos Victims

Don’t fight this alone. TSR Injury Law Firm has the resources, compassion, and aggression you need when looking into personal injury assistance. We believe our clients deserve fair compensation for their suffering, and we won’t stop until you get it.

Don’t let asbestos exposure harm you any more than it already has. Contact the lawyers at TSR Injury Law Firm at (612) TSR-TIME today.

Man Charged with Criminal-Vehicular Homicide

By Steve Terry | March 9, 2019

A man from Albert Lea is facing criminal-vehicular homicide, a felony, in Faribault County.

According to the complaint, Jared Bowman is facing one count of criminal-vehicular homicide stemming from a December 10th incident that authorities have said involved Bowman crossing the center line while traveling east on Minnesota Highway 109.

When he crossed the center line, this caused a car traveling westbound to swerve to avoid the accident. When the car swerved, Bowman hit the car behind that car. As a result, 49-year-old Ronald Hinderman was killed in the collision.

According to a witness, Bowman was looking down at something right before his pickup truck crossed over into the other lane.

The State Patrol said that Bowman was driving as a distracted driver. Distracted driving is something that the State Patrol is always warning about because it is a factor in so many accidents.

The complaint says that Bowman was also traveling 71 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone.

According to court documents, Bowman could face a penalty of up to $20,000 in fines and 10 years in prison. He is due in court on June 3rd.

Upon review of past documents, Bowman was convicted of DWI in 2011. However, the State Patrol reconstruction report says that alcohol was not a factor in this crash.

Head on accidents can be devastating for all parties involved. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury due to the negligence of another driver, contact a Bloomington car accident lawyer from TSR Injury Law today.

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

Roseville, MN 7 Car Crash Leaves 1 Dead

By Steve Terry | March 7, 2019

At 4 p.m. today, a minivan crashed into a line of vehicles stopped at a red light, setting off a chain reaction. In total, seven vehicles where involved in the crash. One woman died and the driver of the minivan is in critical condition at Regions Hospital, St. Paul.

According to Roseville Police, six vehicles were heading west on County Road C and stopped for a red light at Snelling Avenue. A white minivan, also heading west and driven by a man who is suspected of having a medical problem, approached at a high rate of speed and was not able to stop.

The first vehicle that was hit by the van was being driven by a woman from Montrose. That woman died at the scene.

The Roseville Police and Minnesota State Patrol were on the scene. The accident will be reconstructed and investigated. Alcohol is not suspected in the crash. Names of victims have not been released.

Help For Victims and Families

Any accident is traumatic. A multi-car crash is terrifying. With a rear-end collision, very frequently victims sustain soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries can be difficult to proof. The insurance companies will do everything in their power to destroy your claim — they will question your integrity and the competency of your doctors. You need legal representation to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact a Minneapolis auto accident lawyer at (612) TSR-TIME. We will fight for your rights.

State of Minnesota Filed Suit Against URS for I-35 Bridge Collapse

By Steve Terry | March 7, 2019

The State of Minnesota filed a lawsuit in Hennepin County, Wednesday, against URS Corporation, the state’s I-35 bridge consultant. The suit alleges negligence and breach of contract by URS because they failed to inspect, analyze and evaluate the span’s soundness. In the suit, the state is also asking for URS to reimburse the state more than $37 million in payments made from special victim’s compensation funds and any damages the state may have to pay Progressive Contractors Inc., the construction company that was working on the bridge.

The state alleges that the URS contract specifically required the company to develop tension and compression failure criteria for the bridge’s many components — including the steel gusset plates — using data from how they were supposed to be designed.

URS Corp. is a San Francisco based firm, that had assured the state of its expertise in assessing the need for repairs and the best way to go about doing the repairs. Furthermore, in 2005, URS reported to the state that if “gusset plate buckling occurs, it will not be catastrophic.” In a communication from the corporation in 2006, they told MN-DOT that they would not calculate actual capacities of all of the connections even though that would provide the most accurate results. They said it would be too much work. They proposed to do some approximate but conservative adjustments to the member capacities per design specifications.

The National Transportation Safety Board report, from November 2008, stated that the gusset plates installed when the bridge was built in the 1960s were too thin, and the failure of the plates was a probable cause when the bridge collapsed. The board also stated that findings had pointed to both the bridge’s original flawed design and the spacing of construction materials on the bridge as causes for the collapse.

This information is provided by TSR Injury Law, a premier personal injury law firm serving Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota. Our attorneys were part of the 35W Bridge Collapse Pro Bono Consortium and are now handling six of the personal injury lawsuits from the disaster. For more information call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Victim’s Attorney Believes Tape is Crucial to Child’s Recovery

By Steve Terry | March 5, 2019

The mother of a 3-year-old who was allegedly physically and sexually assaulted in January at the Kids Quest child care center located at Grand Casino Mille Lacs said her child is haunted by the experience and is seeking help.

Help, could come sooner, she and the child’s therapists believe, if they had a better understanding of what happened to the toddler nearly one year ago – understanding they could gain by viewing the casino surveillance tape being held as evidence by the Band’s Solicitor General, Rjay Brunkow.

The victim’s attorney, Rich Ruohonen, said he was stunned that the tape has not been turned over when he requested it from Brunkow several times since July.

“In every jurisdiction in the state of Minnesota you have the right as a victim of a crime to get a copy of video tapes and other evidence that the police have obtained,” Ruohonen said. “Apparently with the exception of tribal land.”

The video tape was placed into evidence with the Mille Lacs Band tribal police who had investigated the incident. Brunkow now has the tape in a different secure location, he said.

Ruohonen said security reports written after the tape was reviewed say a 9-year-old boy kicked the toddler in the face, threw him to the floor, held him down, then carried him to the top of the gym into a tunnel.

The mother of the toddler victim said she was mortified when she picked her son up after dinner at the casino. “He was beaten head to toe,” she said. He had bruising on his cheeks and neck, a ruptured blood vessel in his eye and a scratch on the side of his eye.

Follow up care at a hospital revealed the child had been sexually assaulted.

Brunkow said he has viewed the tape. “It shows a little rough housing. The sexual assault allegedly took place in a tunnel. It is not a see through tunnel,” Brunkow said. “Nothing on that tape actually shows sexual assault.”

Ruohonen said there are no plans to name the Band in any lawsuit at this time. He is currently pursuing a civil case against Kids Quest/New Horizons. New Horizons is the parent company of Kids Quest, which operated drop-off day care centers at Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Hinckley. Their vendor license has since been revoked at both casinos.

Ruohonen said he sent a letter to Brunkow in February requesting the surveillance tape and other evidence. Brunkow told him he could have it. By July, the tape had not been turned over to Ruohonen. On July 3, Ruohonen said Brunkow told him it was in the mail.

But Ruohonen did not receive it. Ruohonen said Brunkow later told him he could have the tape if he agreed in writing to release the Band of any liability in the case prior to viewing the tape.

“It would be irresponsible of me as an attorney in representing my clients, to sign anything of that matter before viewing the tape,” Ruohonen said.

Brunkow denied agreeing to turn the tape over to Ruohonen without signing a statement.

Mille Lacs Band statutes state tribal court has the authority to review and determine the benefit of any evidence involving juvenile cases, according to Brunkow.

“He (Ruohonen) should have taken the time to learn tribal law and file a motion in tribal court to try to gain the tape as evidence through the court,” Brunkow said. “But he chose to remain ignorant.”

Brunkow maintains he will turn the tape over to Ruohonen if he agrees in writing not to use the tape as evidence in any law suit naming the Band as a defendant.

Ruohonen said he will explore his options.

“The sad part – the frustrating part – is that tape can possibly help this child in his therapy,” Ruohonen said. “It can help his mother and his doctors better understand what happened to the child so they can move forward. Not having that tape is detrimental to his care and treatment.”

by Vivian Clark
Messenger Staff Writer