Steve Terry | TSR Injury Law

SUV Crash Kills East Bethel Woman

By Steve Terry | May 13, 2018

Vickie Lynn Kopka, 41, of East Bethel woman, was killed in crash on Hwy. 65. Her vehicle was struck by an SUV as she turned left onto Sims Road. There is a light at that intersection. It is not known which vehicle had the green light.

According to the Anoka county Sheriff’s Office, witnesses reported that Kopka was northbound and tried to turn left when the southbound SUV struck her vehicle. She was killed instantly in the crash. The 44 year-old male driver and 48 year-old female passenger were taken to Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids. Their injuries appeared to be not life-threatening.

The SUV / car accident will continue to be investigated by the Sheriff’s Department and the Minnesota State Patrol.

Minnesota is no-fault insurance state; but if negligence is involved, the family of a wronged victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim. TSR Injury Law has years of experience representing victims and survivors of serious car crashes. We have recovered millions for accident victims. Our Minneapolis car accident lawyers are skilled, aggressive litigators who know how to fight for you. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Power Plant Blast Injures Minnesota Worker

By Steve Terry | May 13, 2018

An explosion at a coal-burning power plant back in October injured a worker.

The explosion occurred at Minnesota Power’s Taconite Harbor Energy Center. The report from Minnesota power states that a call to emergency responders and firefighters was made at 9:20 a.m. to come to the facility that is located along Lake Superior’s North Shore. When they arrived, Joe Fredrickson, 41, was treated for injuries.

Fredrickson is an 11-year employee of the facility and he was in the coal bunker room where coal is transported on conveyor belts to boilers when the explosion occurred and he did sustain severe burns.

Firefighters from both the Schroeder and Tofte Volunteer Fire Departments fought the blaze. They got it under control and put out. They also stayed on site to ensure that all hotspots were extinguished, but a hotspot had started burning later in the day after they left. The hotspot was found in the insulation in the ceiling and in the coal. The fire chief said that the explosion appeared to be related to coal dust being ignited by an unknown source and that caused a number of spot fires within the building.

It was later determined by emergency crews that there were two explosions, but the cause of either one is still a mystery.

Fredrickson was taken to a Cook County hospital and was later transferred to St. Mary’s in Duluth. Minnesota Power says that he was communicative at the time he was transported. His injuries were determined to be critical, so he was listed in critical condition when he arrived at St. Mary’s.

A spokeswoman for the plant said that the coal bunker facility was in the process of being filled when the explosion occurred. Fredrickson was the only employee in the area and it is not certain how the blast happened. The cause is being investigated to ensure that the accident does not happen again.

If you are the vicitm of a serious burn injury due to a workplace incident, contact a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer from TSR Injury Law today for a free consultation.

Free initial consultation. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Patella Fracture Injury Claims

By Steve Terry | May 12, 2018

TSR Injury Law is a premier personal injury law firm. We emphasis the personal by taking time to listen to you and your needs. Our clients are so pleased with their results, that they refer family and friends to our firm. TSR Injury Law attorneys have years of experience handling broken bone injury cases. We will aggressively represent you if you have been in an accident that was not your fault. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Patella Fracture

The patella is one of three bones that make up the knee joint. It is helpful in providing strength when the knee joint is extended. The patella itself is strengthened by a lining of cartilage on the under side.

A patella fracture most often occurs from a fall onto the kneecap in a sporting accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, or motorcycle accident. Kneecaps can also be fractured when they are twisted or forced into the dashboard in a car crash or truck crash.

Patella Fracture Treatment

When a patella fracture occurs, x-rays will be taken to determine the type of fracture and the degree of displacement. It is critical to determine if the patient can perform a straight leg raise. A straight leg raise test is done while the patient lies flat on a bed. With the leg straight, the patient is directed to raise their foot off the bed and hold it in the air. This is to test the function of the the quadriceps muscle and its attachment to the shin bone. If a straight leg raise can be done, there is a possibility surgery will not be necessary. The knee will need to be immobilized with a knee brace or long leg cast. This will also help to minimize pain and discomfort.

Inability to perform a straight leg test means there has been disruption of the quadriceps tendon, patella, or patellar tendon, meaning the knee will require surgery. During surgery, the fracture is aligned and held in place with a combination of pins, screws, and wires. Occasionally, a portion of the patella may be removed, but this is usually a small fracture fragment.

Patella Fracture Complications

The most common complication following surgery for a patella fracture is that the metal implant can be painful — especially when kneeling. Frequently a second surgery is performed to remove the metal implant. Other complications include:

Stiffness
Arthritis
Infection
Loss of fixation
Fractures that fail to heal
Chondromalacia (kneecap pain)

Patella Fracture Attorneys

If you have suffered a patella fracture due to the negligence of another, you need legal representation; especially if your injury is interfering with your job. You may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, physical therapy, job retraining, wage loss, and pain and suffering. To speak to a Minneapolis auto accident lawyer, call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free contact form. Our attorneys have a stellar reputation for getting the job done.

Minneapolis Coup & Contrecoup Lawyer

By Steve Terry | May 11, 2018

A brain injury is frightening. You do not know what to expect. Many decisions have to be made, including decisions about taking legal action against the negligent party. It is important to act quickly to protect your legal right to compensation. The medical bills and other expenses will add up quickly. Call a Coup – Contrecoup injury lawyer today, at (612) TSR-TIME, and we will help you through the legal maze. If you prefer, you may submit our free consultation form.

About Coup & Contrecoup Brain Injuries

Coup and contrecoup brain injuries occur when the brain slams into the skull, then ricochets back and forth. They are a form of contusion, in which surrounding blood vessels are damaged or destroyed.

The difference between coup and contrecoup injuries involves the point of impact. Coup injuries occur on the side of the skull which is actually struck, while contrecoup injuries occur on the opposite side as a result of the brain jostling within the skull. An individual with a coup injury may also have a contrecoup injury, and vice versa.

These types of injuries are usually the result of a car accident, bodily assault, or some other form of extreme impact. They are sometimes seen in babies who have been violently shaken.

Coup and contrecoup injuries are extremely serious and usually result in permanent damage. Speech, memory, concentration, coordination, and decision-making may all be affected. In addition, there is a risk of paralysis, depending on the severity of the trauma.

Contact Coup & Contrecoup Brain Injury Lawyer

If you or a family member has suffered a coup or contrecoup injury, due to the negligence of another, contact our Bloomington personal injury lawyers to learn more about your legal options. Our partners are experts in the field of traumatic brain injury. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Minneapolis Broken Clavicle Attorney

By Steve Terry | May 9, 2018

If you have suffered a broken clavicle in a slip and fall accident, car accident, or truck accident, you need an experienced Minnesota Personal Injury Attorney to fight for fair compensation. Our partners are skilled, aggressive litigators who have received many awards, including Partner Chuck Slane was named to the prestigious list of Minnesota Top 40 Personal Injury Attorneys. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form. Help is just a phone call away.

The clavicle is commonly known as the collarbone. It spans between the sternum and the scapula, providing protection for the brachial plexus and the subclavian arteries (provides blood to head and arms). It is designed to support and align the shoulder.

Types of Clavicle Fractures

simple, mid-bone fracture
open fracture
nonunion

Broken Clavicle Injury

Broken clavicles are common in slip and fall accidents and motor vehicle accidents. Most of the fractures are simple, mid-bone fractures. This type of broken clavicle tends to heal well on its own with the use of a sling the first week, then switching to a figure-eight harness for a few weeks to keep the bone in line as it heals. A broken clavicle has very few long term complications, although there will always be a visible bump.

If you sustain an open fracture, it is imperative to have a medical professional treat the fracture. Dirt, grass, glass, or any type of debris can contaminate the wound. Surgery may be required to prevent infection.

Surgery may also be required if the break is close to the shoulder (AC) joint. In this position, the clavicle fracture is unstable and prone to a nonunion. Nonunion is when the two pieces of bone will not attach and heal together. A nonunion may be stabilized with a plate and screws, but the fracture site may always be painful and uncomfortable.

Minneapolis Broken Clavicle Attorney

If you are suffering with a broken clavicle due to negligence, especially a nonunion fracture, you need someone on your side fighting for justice. The Bloomington personal injury attorneys at TSR Injury Law will do that for you. We will carry the load — do all of the paperwork, handle the insurance companies, and file your claim. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form.

Minneapolis Broken Scapula Attorney

By Steve Terry | May 3, 2018

TSR Injury Law is a premier personal injury law firm with extensive litigation experience, including broken scapula cases. We want to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. Our personal injury attorneys are experts at proving liability in serious motor vehicle accidents. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Broken Scapula Injury

The scapula (shoulder blade) is a mobile, triangular-shaped bone. It is protected by an intricate system of muscles and cartilage. The scapula is seldom broken. Scapula fractures account for less than 1% of all broken bones.

Scapular fractures are caused by direct, high-intensity trauma. If there was enough force to break the scapula, 3 out of 4 victims will also sustain injuries to the chest wall, lungs, and / or shoulder joint.

Common causes of broken shoulder blades include the following:

Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Slip and Falls Accidents

Treatment of Broken Scapula

A broken scapula needs to be immobilized and then evaluated and treated at the hospital because it can be accompanied by severe, potentially life-threatening injuries. Surgery may be required for some scapula fractures. An orthopedic specialist may need to be consulted to determine the course of treatment.

Physical therapy is critical to avoid a frozen shoulder. The exercises are designed to improve the range of motion. Begin limited use of your shoulder right away. Passive stretching exercises should be continued until complete range of motion returns. This may take 6 months to 1 year.

Without treatment, a broken scapula can result in chronic shoulder pain and disability.

Contact a Minneapolis Broken Scapula Attorney

Our Minnesota Broken Scapula Attorneys are specialists in the field of personal injury law. Our partners are thorough, aggressive, and persuasive litigators — with a reputation for their ability to obtain excellent settlements and verdicts. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form.

$2.3 Million Verdict For Car Crash Victim

By Steve Terry | May 2, 2018

Charles Slane and Rich Ruohonen just obtained a $2.3 Million verdict today for this wonderful 91-year old woman who lost her leg in a crash. American Family denied the claim saying it was her fault with only $50,000 in coverage. They blamed Jean even though their insured plead guilty for dropping a mattress on the highway that caused the crash.

TSR gave American Family an opportunity to do the right thing and pay Jean the $50,000 policy limit but they refused. Now American Family is on the hook for the whole amount. This great group of jurors from our community (pictured below) held the defendant and American Family accountable and provided justice for Jean. It’s TSR Time!! — with Myka Becker and 19 others at Hennepin County Government Center.

TSR Injury Law – Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

New Levaquin Lawsuit is Filed in Minnesota

By Steve Terry | April 27, 2018

A new Levaquin lawsuit has been filed in Minnesota.

Albert Miller filed his lawsuit on September 14, against manufacturer Johnson & Johnson, citing that the drug is responsible for his injuries.

Miller says in his suit that he took Levaquin after being prescribed the drug by his physician and that he now has to undergo painful treatments for the long-term.

The damages he seeks include strict liability, unjust enrichment, negligence, breach of implied and express warranties, fraud, and deceptive trade practices.

Have you suffered serious side effects after taking the drug “Levaquin”? You may be eligible for compensation. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Bloomington, MN at TSR Injury Law for your free consultation.

TSR Injury Law – Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Currently, the U.S. Judicial Panel on multidistrict Litigation created an MDL to speed up the litigation and settlement process for the large number of lawsuits that are being filed against Johnson & Johnson. What the MDL does is promote efficiency in the way of consolidating legal issues so that time can be saved for all parties involved. It also conserves judicial resources.

This is different from a class action lawsuit because all of the cases are separate, which means they are treated one-by-one based upon the facts and the circumstances within each. Miller joined the MDL.

Approved by the FDA in 1997, the fluoroquinolone antibiotic was used to treat sinusitis, bronchitis, and other infections. However, it has been associated with the degrading of tendons and this has resulted in some patients experiencing tendon injuries.

Since it was approved, the FDA has required three warning labels to be added to the drug by Johnson & Johnson. The lawsuit, however, alleges that the company does not see the severity of the tendon issues that some people are experiencing.

It has been theorized by the medical community that the synthetic antibiotics in Levaquin are toxic to tendon fibers. This may be the reason behind the number of tendon ruptures that have occurred in patients taking Levaquin. Some patients have claimed they developed tendonitis as a result, while others have suffered ruptured tendons. Both tendon issues require long-term treatments.

Skull Fractures Lead to Death, Stillwater Man Charged with Murder

By Steve Terry | April 26, 2018

A Stillwater man has been charged with homicide for the death of Adam McCloud.

Eric Kaprice Richard, 22, is facing second-degree unintentional murder while he was committing another felony. He is also charged with manslaughter because of a fight he had with McCloud, 29, on September 28. The fight occurred at Smalley’s Caribbean Barbeque and Pirate Bar in Stillwater.

The complaint says that Richard got into an argument with McCloud over a spilled drink and that Richard repeatedly punched McCloud in the face and head, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground. This resulted in him dying of complications from skull fractures.

Richard claimed he was defending himself after McCloud pushed him several times.

The judge set his bail at $200,000.

In the complaint, it says that a surveillance video shows the two men on the dance floor when McCloud accidentally knocked a drink out of Richard’s hand. There was a conversation between the two men before they left the dance floor. When they returned, Richard had a new drink in his hand. From then on, it appeared the men were friendly with each other, even dancing with one another and with others.

Shortly after the bar closed, McCloud was seen on the video doing what appeared to be a pushing motion. Another man then grabbed McCloud to take him away from the situation. That is when Richard was seen on the camera suddenly punching McCloud, knocking him to the ground.

The man who tried to take McCloud away from the fight told police that the argument occurred after McCloud had replaced Richard’s drink, but that the altercation was due to McCloud’s refusal to pay for it.

The witness said that the two men exchanged words, which resulted in McCloud pushing Richard. He said that McCloud did respond in self-defense by punching McCloud. Richard said that McCloud pushed him approximately four times. He said he took this as an assault, so he acted in self-defense. McCloud then fell to the ground.

The witness told police the two men had words; McCloud pushed Richard, and Richard responded in self-defense by punching McCloud. Richard was then removed from the bar.

Due to the fight, McCloud had intracranial bleeding that was caused by the skull fracture. This bleeding caused respiratory failure, which is what led to his October 4 death.

Traumatic brain injuries can be life changing for all parties involved. If you or someone that you care for has suffered a brain injury that was caused by another person, contact a licensed personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis at TSR Injury Law today.

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

Man Accused of Violating Raw Milk Laws

By Steve Terry | April 25, 2018

E. Coli, salmonella, and listeria are just some of the fatal diseases we think about when we hear the words “raw milk.”

A Minnesota man has been accused of violating state raw milk laws. His attorney argues that he was simply the middle man within a group of people who were sharing their food.

The man, Alvin Schlangen, a central Minnesota organic egg producer, is charged with three misdemeanor counts that include handling adulterated food, distributing unpasteurized milk, and not possessing a food handler’s license. Minnesota law does not allow the sale of raw milk directly to consumers from the farm where it is produced.

On September 19, a Hennepin County jury began their deliberations in the case. After ninety minutes behind closed doors, the jurors recessed for the day.

Schlangen has contended that he does not sell milk. He says that his role is the operator of a private buying club that distributes the milk to the members of the group that mainly resides in the Twin Cities area. He said he is just the delivery guy and that the members he delivers to lease the cows from Amish farmers.

However, the Agriculture Department says the state’s restrictions on raw milk sales are a must to protect the public from deadly diseases.

This presents a large rift between groups that state raw milk provides health benefits that their families would not get due to the pasteurization process killing beneficial bacteria, nutrients, and enzymes. Allergy relief and the prevention of certain diseases are touted as two of the benefits. State officials, on the other hand, state that raw milk can carry dangerous pathogens that can lead to salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.

Schlangen’s attorney states that he does not operate a business, so he is not doing anything illegal. He contends that the group is a voluntary association of people who share food with one another. He said this is not a reason for Schlangen to have a food handler’s license and that the state law does not apply to him.

While it appears no one has become ill within the food sharing group, those on the other side of the argument state that those who would become sick could hold Schlangen and all parties involved responsible for the debilitating illnesses that result from unpasteurized milk.

The state is requesting a guilty verdict on all counts with a maximum penalty of $1,000 in fines and 90 days in jail.

Defective Tire Claims Lawyer in Minnesota

By Steve Terry | April 23, 2018

“Rather than accepting responsibility for their mistakes, tire manufacturers almost always try to blame the tire’s owner for not maintaining the tire, running it without enough air (underinflated) or blamed the driver for losing control after the tire fails. But research has shown that when tread separates from a tire, even professional drivers have difficulty keeping the vehicle under control.

If you or a loved one have injured or killed because a tire lost its tread or otherwise failed, you may have a case against the tire manufacturer. The experienced Minneapolis car accident attorneys at TSR Injury Law will work hard for you to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses that have been the result of the injuries you sustained in the accident.

Types Of tire Defects

Manufacturing Defects The most common type of dangerous tire defect happens when the manufacturer makes a mistake in the way the tire is built or manufactured so that the tire that comes off the line is different that the intended design. These tire manufacturing defects – or mistakes in “”building”” the tire – can cause tires to fail and tread to separate from the tire. Tire manufacturing plants are notorious for requiring their employees to work long, hard hours in hot and uncomfortable conditions – conditions that lead to mistakes.

Aging Tires

After the Ford/Firestone crisis, Ford conducted an in depth study that determined tires older than 6 years should be taken out of service. This is important because most tire manufacturers do not notify either consumers or retailers that sell tires that the tires can become brittle and fail simply from sitting in a warehouse or on a retail shelf, making the tire weaker and prone to failure. Tragically, “”brand new”” tires that sat on the shelf for years can fail shortly after being put onto a vehicle. In these cases, both the retailer and the tire manufacturer may be responsible for the tire’s failure and resulting harm.

Contact the TSR Tire Defect Attorneys

We have stood toe-to-toe with tire manufacturers. We have the resources, the experience and the guts to take on these corporate giants and hold them responsible for tire defects that cause severe injury or even death. When you call us, you will work with a Minneapolis tire defect lawyer who will take the time to evaluate the tire failure and determine if you have a case. To learn more about how we can help you, call us today at (612) TSR-TIME or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation. ”

Minnesota ATV Defect & Accident Lawyer

By Steve Terry | April 22, 2018

The ATV industry has been exploding for years. Traditional all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles (UTV), such as the Yamaha Rhino and John Deer Gator, can offer great utility and recreation, but they can also be dangerous. It can be difficult to comprehend why dangerous defects continue to occur within the manufacturing of these vehicles; defects which contribute to the injuries and deaths of riders and passengers.

As of December 31, 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) calculated that there were 11,001 ATV-related fatalities between 1982 and 2010 in the United States. Over 300 of those accidents occurred in 2010, with 649 of them occurring in 2009, and it is expected that these numbers will continue to increase. However, 2010 alone had 115,000 ATV-related injuries treated in emergency rooms. Approximately 75 percent of those injuries were individuals over the age of 16.

Poor Design

One of the most common issues that Minneapolis ATV defect & accident lawyers see is poor design. This is also true for the UTV, such as the Yamaha Rhino. The Rhino has seen a lot of media attention and lawsuits in the past five years because of its propensity to roll over. Its poor safety design has led to severe injuries and fatalities.

Nonetheless, the perfect example of an ATV with a faulty design is the three-wheeler in the early 1980s. The manufacturers knew that there were risks associated with having only one wheel in the front and two in the back, but they continued to manufacture and sell millions of them. While they haven’t been produced since 1987, there are still some being used today.

Recovering Damages in an ATV or UTV Accident

When involved in an ATV or UTV accident that you feel was the fault of the manufacturer due to faulty parts or design, you need to speak to a Minnesota ATV defect & accident lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to recover money for medical expenses, lost wages, and much more. Whether or not a defect was involved depends upon past defects that have occurred in that particular model. You need an attorney who knows how to reconstruct an ATV accident and about the mechanics of these vehicles.

When seeking compensation, the source of this compensation is the manufacturer, and it is your right to seek out compensation for all expenses that have resulted from your injuries or the injuries or death of a loved one.

Contact a Minneapolis ATV Defect & Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an ATV or UTV accident that is believed or known to be due to defective parts, you need to speak to a licensed Minneapolis personal injury attorney as soon as possible. We will evaluate every angle of your case and work hard to get the compensation you deserve awarded to you. To learn more about how we can help you, call us at (612) TSR-TIME, or fill out our online contact form to tell us about your case and schedule your free case evaluation.