Inmate Charged in Beating of Fellow Prisoner Resulting in Severe Injuries

An inmate serving 30 years in prison for the rape of a girl was in court again for severely beating another inmate in a St. Cloud prison back in September.

Leonard James Fisherman Jr., 30, is now facing charges for first-degree assault after a fight left another inmate dealing with very severe injuries. The injuries included bleeding on the brain and a number of facial fractions. The injured inmate also had to have part of his skull removed so that his brain could be operated on.

The fight occurred on September 22 at the St. Cloud-based Minnesota Correctional Facility. The inmate that Fisherman allegedly beat was housed in the cell next to Fisherman and he was throwing things and yelling in his cell while looking for his identification.

Fisherman and fellow inmates were telling the man to be quiet. The victim would eventually leave his cell. This is when he was met face-to-face by Fisherman outside of his cell. Fisherman would then allegedly block the victim to keep him from getting around him and then started to hit the victim repeatedly in the face with a closed fist.

According to the complaint, the victim would fall to the ground, but Fisherman kept hitting him and wouldn’t let him get back on his feet. Fisherman would then continue to kick the victim and stomp his head. Correctional officials said that they had to use chemical spray to stop the attack. As the officers were using the chemical spray, Fisherman was holding on to the victim, but he did let go. This is when the victim fell from the second floor of the housing unit to the main floor.

When officers ran to him, they found the victim bleeding from his head and he was unresponsive. It only took a couple of minutes to have him rushed to a St. Cloud Hospital where it was immediately determined that he needed surgery. While in the ER, doctors reported that the victim’s heart rate had dropped significantly but that medication was able to normalize it.

Fisherman would later be escorted to segregation. During this time, he was reported to be pounding his chest saying “just think, I just killed him.”

Fisherman is in prison after being convicted of raping an underage girl at knife point. He also has past convictions for sex offenses, drugs, and assault that go back to when he was 18 years old.

The victim, who is 20 years old, is serving a one year sentence for a probation violation relating to terroristic threats.

E.coli Lawsuit Filed in Minnesota against Multiple Companies

It was in 2009 that the Minnesota Department of Health the results of molecular testing were uploaded by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) that involved a strain of E.coli. The exact strain was 0157:H7 and it was taken from a stool sample of a patient. After this, there were 13 additional strains that were identified in patients in 11 states. This means that there was a breakout.

The CDC and state investigators combed 17 states and found 25 patients that were a part of the outbreak. Twelve of those patients were hospitalized, one died, and one had Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Of the 22 individuals interviewed, 14 of them said they ate steak at a particular restaurant. Nine of the 14 said that steak was consumed at Applebee’s. Of the 7 that did not eat steak, they said they had consumed ground beef.

After some investigation, it was found that the outbreak was linked to a common source. The source was National Steak and Poultry (NSP).

On December 24, 2009, NSP recalled nearly 300,000 pounds of beef due to E.coli contamination. In January 2010, the CDC published their final investigation, which was supplemented by an MDH report that was published later in the year.

Investigators would also learn that not all of the patients that suffered from the outbreak had consumed steak the week before they became sick. These patients had consumed ground beef. In fact, approximately 40% of the patients interviewed said they had consumed ground beef. The beef was purchased by two retailers – Upper Lakes Foods and Cash Wise and Coborns. One distributor was also involved and it was shown that the ground beef had come from J&B Wholesale.

The beef that J&B Wholesale purchased was traced back to Tyson Fresh Meats in Illinois, Texas, and Kansas. The ground beef that was used in Tyson’s products were supplied by Beef Products Incorporation (BPI).

A gentleman who consumed the beef at the group home where he lived became very ill. Other patients also became ill and this is what has led to a lawsuit against all companies involved in the production and distribution of the beef that made them ill. The beef that the group home purchased was from Cub Foods and it has been found that the trim from Tyson was used in ground beef sold at Cub Foods. It is very unlikely that JBS or BPI supplied trim to Cub Foods.

Ankle Fusion Injury Claims

The Bloomington personal injury lawyers of TSR Injury Law believe that you should not have to suffer the consequences of an accident that was not your fault. We have helped thousands of people recover millions in compensation, including a recent settlement of $1.7 million for an accident that included a badly broken ankle.

Call us today. We care about you and your fight for justice and compensation. To contact Steve TerryChuck Slane, or Rich Ruohonen about your Minnesota ankle injury case, call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Why Ankle Fusion May Be Needed

You may have suffered a severe ankle fracture in a car accident or a slip and fall accident. As a result of the fracture, the ankle may have never healed correctly or may have developed arthritis. Ankle fusion may be recommended if:

  • your pain is so great that you are not able to continue working;
  • you are having issues with taking painkillers for an extended time; or
  • your quality of life has deteriorated.

About Ankle Fusion

An ankle fusion removes the articular cartilage from the surface of the ankle joint, which allows the tibia to fuse with the talus. The bones literally grow together. A successful ankle fusion does not wear out like an artificial ankle — it should last a lifetime.

Ankle fusion surgery can be arthroscopic or open. Open ankle fusion takes less time in surgery, but more time to heal. Arthroscopic surgery has a higher percentage of achieving fusion. Because the positioning of the bones is so critical to a successful fusion and your future comfort level, you need to have the surgery performed by a surgeon who has performed many ankle fusions.

Ankle Fusion Complications

There are many complications associated with ankle fusion, including:

  • nerve damage (could result in numbness in the foot);
  • blood vessel damage (could lead to the need for amputation);
  • infection (could require further surgery to drain the infection);
  • nonunion (could require another surgery to perform a bone graft or additional fixation); and
  • malunion (could cause problems with walking and require another surgery to achieve a better position of healing).

Ankle Fusion Recovery

After surgery, a padded plaster cast is required for 8 to 12 weeks. It is vital to refrain from putting any weight on the foot until x-rays show that the bones are fusing.

Physical therapy may be needed to learn to walk smoothly, without a limp. Once the fusion is completely healed, some shoe modifications may be helpful. There are shoe inserts or rocker soles available that allow the foot to roll more normally.

Bloomington Ankle Fusion Lawyer

Constant pain is debilitating and can lead to depression and hopelessness. Call us if you have had ankle fusion from an injury due to negligence. We have handled many ankle fusion cases. We know how to prove liability effectively. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form.

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injections are administered at your doctor’s office by an experienced and qualified health professional. While considered safe, if the utmost care is not taken, a trigger point injection can result in severe nerve damage among other complications. If you have experienced nerve damage or a serious medical condition after a trigger point injection, then you may be facing a world of pain and looking at a medical malpractice lawsuit. Contact a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer at (612) TSR-TIME to learn about your legal rights.

Trigger Point Injection Risks

When your muscles fail to contract and relax as they should, you could be experiencing a whole world of pain throughout your body. Furthermore, this can result in a loss of motion, scar tissue and weakness to develop over time. In some instances, a trigger point, or a tight band of muscle can develop in the body, irritating surrounding nerves and causing extreme pain.

A trigger point injection is one way to dull this painful sensation so you can move on with your life. However, in some instances, a trigger point injection can cause serious trigger point injection side effects and health risks that can be life changing and devastating.

The most common concerns surrounding trigger point injection is the risk of nerve damage.

Trigger Point Injection Side Effects

Dealing with the aftermath of an improper trigger point injection can be physically, emotionally and financially devastating. Not only could you be looking at the following serious trigger point injection side effects, but you could also be faced with unexpected medical costs and a loss of quality of life. Side effects of trigger point injection nerve damage include:

  • Pain
  • Sensitivity
  • Numbness
  • Tingling or prickling
  • Burning
  • Problems with positional awareness

Trigger Point Injection Administration

There are several health professionals that are qualified to administer a trigger point injection including an orthopedist, a psychiatrist, a pain specialist or a neurologist. Trigger point injections can be administered at a doctor’s office. A trigger point injection involves a needle into the patient’s nerve to block and prevent pain. A small needle is inserted into the trigger point and a local anesthetic is injected.

Trigger Point Injection Lawsuit

A trigger point injection should only be administered by a qualified and experienced health professional and the utmost care and practice must be used. In some instances, a trigger point injection can go wrong, resulting in nerve damage and other trigger point injection risks. It is the responsibility to the health professional to practice extreme care. Any slight act of recklessness, carelessness or negligence can result in a health complications as well as a trigger point injection lawsuit.

Have Legal Questions?

There have been several instances of medical malpractice lawsuits involving reckless and negligent trigger point injections. If you or someone you love have suffered nerve damage and any trigger point injection side effects after a trigger point injection, then it is advisable to contact a Minnesota personal injury lawyer about your options.

The attorneys at TSR Injury Law have years of experience analyzing and valuing injury cases. We will check for additional insurance policies to maximize your benefits, do all of the paperwork, and file your claim. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Minneapolis Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer

At TSR Injury Law Firm we can help you uncover the truth behind the accident and determine what comes next. Serious swimming pool injuries can result in life changing complications, especially if faced with a spine or brain injury. Swimming pool drowning often result in death or serious brain damage due to the lack of oxygen to the brain while in the water.

Potential Injury Causes

TSR Injury Law Firm represents clients facing all types of swimming pool injuries and accidents such as:

  • Drowning
  • Brain and spine injuries
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Lack of supervision
  • Unsafe pool conditions
  • Head injuries and trauma

Make sure you understand your legal rights when it comes to swimming pool accidents. It is the legal responsibility of the public pool to keep their swimmers safe. You may be entitled to compensation through a public liability insurance lawsuit. However, the rules surrounding this type of insurance claim can be complicated to say the least. Furthermore, many insurance companies will try to get out of paying you a fair amount. Don’t settle for the first quote you are offered by an insurance agency.

Speak to our qualified Minnesota personal injury lawyer first to see what rights you have and what this means for your financial future.

Swimming Pool Injuries and Children

It is often children that will be victim to swimming pool accidents. During swimming lessons the teacher must be watching every child at the same time. Furthermore, during public swimming lifeguards must watch the water and the kids for any risky or unsafe behavior. If something does happen, they will need to do their best to safe the child.

When your child has been seriously injured in a swimming pool accident or if the accident has resulted in a tragic loss, then you are going to need some time off. You will want to be there for them or be with your family to grieve for this loss. This is why it is so important to speak to a Minnesota injury lawyer as soon as you can.

Swimming Pool Injury Lawyers – Minneapolis, MN

In the event of a life changing swimming pool accident, we can help ensure that your family is taken care of financially. Compensation can help you with things like a loss of income, medical equipment and hospital bills. Call (612) TSR-TIME for a free initial consultation about your case or submit our free consultation form.

Star Tribune Truck Hit by Drunk Driver

A Star Tribune delivery truck was broadsided by a Geo Prism, that ran a red light, early Monday morning. It happened at Washington Avenue North and 10th Avenue North, just around the corner from the distribution center.

The driver of the Prism tried to flee the scene, but was found and arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence. One person in the car was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center with serious injuries. The truck driver was not injured.

Sgt. Jesse Garcia of the Minneapolis Police Department said, “A drunk driver went through a red light and basically caused this accident.” The driver was identified. “He does have some priors, and he does have some alcohol-related charges on his driving record,” said Garcia. “So, you know, it sounds like someone that has issues with alcohol.”

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you need professional legal representation to access all of the compensation available. Our car accident lawyers in Minneapolis are skilled, knowledgeable litigators with years of experience in personal injury law. TSR Injury Law is a sponsor of MADD Minnesota and the recipient of the 2008 MADD Choice Award.

Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

TSR Injury Law Represents Victims From Hazelnut E Coli Outbreak

On March 4 2011 the Food and Drug Administration released a recall of several brand names of hazelnuts and mixed nuts manufactured by Defranco & Sons out of Los Angeles. To date there have been seven known cases of e coli outbreaks in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin due to the consumption of these nuts.

TSR Injury Law represents one of the 7 victims from the Hazelnut E coli outbreak. We are dedicated to helping those suffering the serious and potentially life threatening consequences of this outbreak. If you have been impacted by this outbreak or any food poisoning then it is important that you seek legal counsel.

E Coli Hazelnut Outbreak Recall

The recalled brand names include Sunripe Mixed Nuts, Sunripe Hazelnuts and George Packing Hazelnuts. There is a possibility that the mixed nuts and hazelnuts may also have been sold as bulk to consumers. The nuts have been sold and packaged in super markets across America and Canada during the months of November and December. Stores in Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Montana have been put on alert. While a recall notice has been released, many people may already have purchased and consumed the product without knowing the dangers.

E Coli Hazelnut Kidney Damage

E coli is a type of food poisoning that results in abdominal cramping, diarrhea and bloody stools. While most victims will recover within a week, there is a chance that E coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which can lead to kidney damage. This occurs after an infection of the digestive system due to food poisoning. E coli can lodge into the digestive system and release toxins into the blood stream. This can destroy red blood cells and cause them to clog in the blood vessels located in the kidney. Your kidneys may be blocked up by these blood vessels making it harder to remove waste and fluid from the body.

HUS symptoms include fever, vomiting, weakness, lethargy as well as paleness, swollen limbs, jaundice, unusual bleeding and bruising and extreme fatigue. You may be hospitalized and require immediate medical attention if suffering from this serious and potentially life threatening infection.

E Coli Nut Recall Notice

Some of the victims affected by the contaminated nuts have been hospitalized and face severe symptoms, pain and suffering. The victims include children, adults as well as people over the age of 50. It is believed that more victims will come forward about their illness and suffering.

Children and the elderly are most at risk for potentially life threatening consequences of this outbreak. It is imperative that you monitor your children if they have consumed any nuts that may have been contaminated.

Hazelnut E Coli Outbreak Lawyer

Facing a serious illness like E coli can be both physically and emotionally draining. You should not have to suffer from this in silence. Hazelnut E coli victims can get the help they deserve by contacting TSR Injury Law firm. You may be eligible for compensation from liable parties including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Other damages

For further inquiries about the E Coli Hazelnut Outbreak Recall, feel free to call a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer from TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME or send an e-mail by clicking on this link: contact us.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Accelerated Healing

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a process of breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. By pressurizing the oxygen, it can dissolve in the plasma, spinal fluid, and other body fluids — allowing oxygen to reach and regenerate more cells than without the therapy. Many injury conditions may respond well to hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an expense that insurance companies may be hesitant to pay. If hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a viable option to heal your injury (sustained due to the negligence of another), our Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys will fight for your right to receive fair compensation to cover the additional expenses. Contact a Minnesota Personal Injury Attorney at 612-TSR-TIME.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works

Pressurized oxygen increases the capacity of the blood to transport oxygen throughout the body. The blood becomes hyperoxygenated. Normally, oxygen is carried by hemoglobin in the red blood cells. It reaches only the cells with adequate blood supply. Once oxygen is pressurized and dissolves in the blood and body fluids, it can be transported to all tissues, providing the possibility of new cell life and healing.

Types of Injuries Where Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy May be Effective:

Potential Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:

  • stimulate cell regeneration
  • promote growth of new capillaries
  • boost collagen formation
  • mobilize stem cells
  • increase blood flow to organs
  • enhance white blood cell action

Potential Complications from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:

  • ruptured middle ear
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • myopia
  • sinus damage
  • lung damage
  • respiratory failure

Personal Injuries and This Type of Treatment

If your injury was due to the negligence of someone else, you deserve fair compensation for all of your related medical expenses and treatment, pain and suffering, and wage loss. You need an experienced Bloomington personal injury lawyer to maximize your coverage and obtain compensation for prescribed hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We have successfully handled cases where hyperbaric therapy was used, including a traumatic brain injury case that settled for $600,000. Call (612) TSR-TIME for an appointment to discuss your case, or submit our free consultation form.

Two Injured in Car – Light Rail Train Crash

A car collided with a light-rail train in Bloomington Monday afternoon. The driver of the car and a train passenger were transported to the hospital with neck and back injuries.

A spokesman for Metro Transit reported that the driver of the train was able to slow down before the crash, but could not stop the train in time. The Chevrolet Malibu was exiting from eastbound Interstate 494, toward 34th Avenue South, when the brakes failed. The woman driving was not able to stop and crossed the path of the southbound Hiawatha Line train.

Metro Transit is investigating the incident, but it appears the car’s mechanical failures are to blame.

Any auto collision can be a very traumatic experience for everyone involved. If a vehicle malfunctioned, there may be a case for product liability. A product can be found deficient if it has a manufacturer’s defect or a design defect. It takes an aggressive litigator to investigate, persuade, and win deserved compensation. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Bloomington at (612) TSR-TIME. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling complex crash cases.

Head On Collision Kills 2 on Hwy 70, Pine County, Drunk Driving

A New Year’s Day crash left 2 dead.

Scott Heckel, 44, of Pine City, was driving his 1995 Chevrolet GMT-400 east on Hwy 70 and attempted to pass in a no-passing zone. He crashed into a westbound 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue, killing the driver and passenger. The deceased are Michael Moris, 50, and Robin Moris, 48, both of Pine City.

The GMT-400 then slid into the eastbound lane and side swiped a 1999 Dodge Caravan, sending it into the ditch. The driver, Patricia Denn, and passenger, Matthew Denn, sustained minor injuries. Heckel is in serious condition.

The accident is under investigation by Minnesota State Patrol and Pine County Sheriff’s Office. Alcohol is suspected and charges are pending.

If you have lost a loved one in an auto accident and believe that you have a case, contact an auto accident lawyer in Minneapolis at (612) TSR-TIME. We will work tirelessly for justice for your family.

Minnesota Shoulder Impingement – Bursitis Attorney

TSR Injury Law is a premier personal injury law firm serving the state of Minnesota. Our partners are skilled, aggressive litigators with extensive medical knowledge. Call us today (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form. We can help.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement is a soft tissue injury. It occurs when the scapula rubs or pressures the rotator cuff, causing increasing damage, pain, and loss of range of motion.

Impingement starts when the shoulder sustains trauma or injury leading to compression of the soft tissue under the acromion. The soft tissue (rotator cuff muscles, tendons, and bursa) are located between the acromion and the head of the humerus. This area is called the sub-acromial space. Once the soft tissue is aggravated, they become inflamed and swollen. This leads to a cycle of compression and inflammation.

Shoulder Impingement Treatment

Conservative treatment should be pursued prior to surgery. Physical therapy is very effective in many cases of shoulder impingement, especially if therapy starts promptly after injury. The next step is usually corticosteroid injections into the sub-acromial space to reduce swelling and pain. If physical therapy and injections both fail to alleviate the problem, then arthroscopic surgery is recommended.

Following surgery, the arm will be immobilized for a short time. This will be followed by more physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength. It will take 2-4 months to achieve full pain relief.

Have Some Questions?

Chronic pain is very debilitating and can lead to poor job performance and depression. If you have been working on recovering from shoulder impingement due to trauma or negligence, you do not have to stand alone. We will fight for justice on your behalf. Call (612) TSR-TIME to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis or submit our contact form and a member from our team will contact you shortly.

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

Camping Safety Tips

Camping can be a fun and adventurous recreational activity if one prepares for the dangers and obstacles that the great outdoors may present. According to a National Park Service ranger, the number one cause of injury and death in the wilderness is unpreparedness. By bringing along the proper safety equipment and by being prepared to fight the elements, camping can be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Don’t forget the:

  • Sunscreen
  • Compass
  • First aid kit
  • Insect repellent
  • Burn ointment
  • Calamine lotion
  • Antihistamines
  • Inclement weather

Be sure to check the almanac or the weather forecast before planning a camping trip. Getting stuck in a severe storm can be very dangerous. Even if you do plan ahead, storms may hit at any time. If you are caught in a thunderstorm or other serious storm, try to find your way back to your vehicle or find an open clearing away from trees.

Animal confrontation

Always be on the lookout for wild animals in their natural habitat, including bears, elk, moose, deer and snakes. Do not, under any circumstances, approach or try to feed a wild animal. Keep all of your food properly stored away at your campsite so as to not attract animals. If you do come across a wild animal, stay calm and slowly move away from it.

Campfire safety

Be sure to clear the area of all debris and avoid building fires in areas with overhanging branches or near tents and other flammable items. Be sure to have a bucket of water, shovel and a fire extinguisher nearby and in case you need to put out the fire. Never leave the fire unattended and never use flammable fluids to start a fire. When you are done, be sure to completely extinguish the fire.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured by another party’s negligence while on a camping trip, it is important to know what your legal options are. To speak with an experienced Minneapolis personal injury attorney, contact the offices of TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form.