CALL NOW!

(612) TSR-TIME

CALL 24/7

Author: Steve Terry

Steven Terry is the co-founder and current managing partner of TSR Injury Law. His practice consists solely of representing injured people and pursuing justice against wrongdoers. He has handled thousands of injury claims over a 20-plus-year career. Steve continues to exceed his clients' expectations and hold insurance companies responsible for the damage their insured's cause.

Wright County Garbage Truck Hit by Train

By Steve Terry |

While garbage truck accidents and train accidents usually exist on two completely different spectrums, this is one incident in which the two met and, fortunately, the results were not fatal.

Sean Michael, 41, of Conway St. Cloud was traveling westbound on 5th Street Southeast in Rockford Township on September 19 at 6:30 a.m when he come to a railroad crossing.

As Michael was crossing the tracks, the garbage truck had become stuck, but Michael was unsuccessful at freeing himself from the tracks. He then had difficulty getting out of the truck. Unfortunately, he did not get out of the truck before being struck by a Canadian Pacific Train that was heading Southeast on the tracks.

It has currently not been said why the truck was stuck on the tracks or why Michael had difficulty exiting the truck before the train struck. Fortunately, no one on the Canadian Pacific Train was not injured and fast thinking by the train’s engineer slowed the train down just enough to prevent Michael’s injuries from being worse.

Michael was airlifted to Mercy Hospital by Life Link. Life Link, along with Allina Ambulance, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Buffalo Fire Department responded to the accident.

The accident is currently being investigated.

Listeria Prompts Ricotta Cheese Recall

By Steve Terry |

It is time to check the ricotta cheese in your refrigerator if you have yet to use it or already disposed of it because you heard about this latest recall. As of September 12, 14 people had been affected in 11 states and this includes three fatalities due to Listeria that has been linked to imported ricotta salata cheese, according to the CDC website.

Forever Cheese Inc. voluntarily recalled a single lot of its Frescolina ricotta salata cheese on September 10 due to Listeria contamination.

Listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness that can sometimes be very severe. Some individuals may experience the typical symptoms of food poisoning, while others become very ill and can die from the bacteria. The CDC was able to quickly trace back the source of the bacteria that made 14 people very ill. All of the victims said that they consumed the cheese before becoming sick. The FDA has even been able to identify the exact strain of Listeria involved by testing an uncut sample of the cheese.

The cheese was sold to distributors that services restaurants in approximately 19 states and the contaminated units were shipped between June 20th and August 9. The lot number of the packages is T9425 with production code 441202. The packages contain one or both of these numbers.

Any remaining cheese should be discarded. This is especially important for pregnant women where Listeria can be very dangerous to the fetus. It is also potentially fatal for those with weakened immune systems, children, and older adults.

So far, there has been only one case in Minnesota of an individual becoming sick with 9 other states sharing the remaining 13 victims. All 14 of the individuals had to be hospitalized. Four of them were pregnant with two of them being newborns. The remaining patients were ages 56 to 87.

While this is a small number compared to the 800 cases of Listeria confirmed in laboratories throughout the United States, the fatality rate can be quite high.

Foods that have been linked to previous outbreaks include sprouts, cantaloupe, Mexican-style soft cheeses, celery, and ready-to-eat deli meat.

If you have consumed cheese not knowing that it was contaminated, you may be eligible for compensation. To learn more, contact a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis at TSR Injury Law for your free consultation. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Compression Fracture Injuries

By Steve Terry |

A compression fracture may be debilitating, with lifelong implications. You need experienced, aggressive legal representation in order to receive the best settlement possible. We can help.

Our personal injury lawyers in Minneapolis will answer your questions, handle the medical and insurance issues, take care of all of the paperwork, and file your claim. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form.

Compression Fracture Symptoms

The spine is comprised of 24 vertebrae. The main section of each vertebra is a large, round segment called the vertebral body. A compression fracture causes the vertebral body to collapse in height on one side. Severe compression fractures, as can happen in vehicle accidents, can push fragments of bone into the spinal column and impinge upon the spinal cord. The resultant damage can be partial or complete paralysis from the point of fracture and below:

  • pain in the neck and back
  • sporadic pain in the hips, abdomen, or thighs
  • numbness
  • tingling
  • weakness
  • loss of control of bladder or bowels

Treatment of Compression Fractures

Some traumatic compression fractures can heal without surgery. The most common treatments are medication to control the pain, decrease daily activity, and bracing. The brace is molded to conform tightly to the body and supports the back, restricting movement. In addition to preventing the wearer from bending forward, the brace holds the spine in a hyper-extended state. This takes most of the pressure off the vertebral body, allowing it to heal.

Severe fractures may need surgery to stabilize the vertebrae adjacent to the fracture site. As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications — and since you are dealing with the spine and spinal cord, they can be extremely serious. The complications include:

  • chronic pain
  • partial or total paralysis
  • the need for an additional surgery

Compression fractures take a minimum of 3 months to heal completely.

Contact A Reputable Lawyer

The team at TSR Injury Law are skilled, aggressive, and well-known for their ability to litigate difficult medical cases, including compression fractures and burst fractures. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Tibial Plateau Fracture Injury Compensation

By Steve Terry |

The tibial plateau is critical to the load-bearing capabilities of the human body. Force is directed from the femoral condyles directly onto the tibial plateau, causing a fracture. Fractures of the plateau affect the alignment of the knee, stability, and range of motion (ROM). Most tibial plateau fractures occur in motor vehicle accidents or pedestrian accidents.

Types of Tibial Plateau Fractures

There are different classification systems that are widely accepted. In each of these systems, there are 6 types of fractures based on the fracture pattern and fragment anatomy. They are:

  • I. Wedge Fracture – high energy fracture seen mostly in younger patients, the wedge is not depressed (below the normal level)
  • II. Split Compression – very common in elderly with osteoporosis, the wedge is displaced and may be depressed
  • III. Local Compression Fracture of the Lateral Plateau – depression in the articular surface (part of the bone that comes into contact with other bone)
  • IV. Medial Plateau Fracture – high velocity fracture with bone fragmentation, in some cases not able to be reconstructed
  • V. Bicondylar Fracture – wedge fractures of medial and lateral plateau, in half of these cases there will be peripheral meniscal detachment
  • VI. Complex Bicondylar Fracture – high energy trauma with a combination of forces, tibial plateau break completely separated from the long bone (tibia), 1/3 are open fractures and nearly all of these breaks include extensive soft tissue damage

Complications with Tibial Plateau Fractures

With some tibial plateau fractures, there can be injury to the ligaments, peroneal nerve, menisci, or the popliteal artery. Other complications are:

  • loss of range of motion (ROM)
  • osteoarthritis
  • bone fragments
  • edema (accumulation of fluid)

Recovery from Tibial Plateau Fractures

Not all tibial plateau fractures require surgery. With or without surgery you will not be able to put weight on the broken leg for 6-12 weeks. During that time you will need to pursue therapy to maintain some muscle strength and to work on ROM. The degree of ROM you will be able to attain is dependent on the type of break, complications, and your commitment to physical therapy.

Tibial Plateau Fracture Attorneys

Our personal injury lawyers in Bloomington have a proven record of exceptional settlements and verdicts. Steve Terry, Chuck Slane, Rich Ruohonen, and Nate Bjerke have been named Super Lawyers many times by Minnesota Law & Politics. They will represent you aggressively and ethically.

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

Boating Under The Influence

By Steve Terry |

What is BWI?

Most individuals are familiar with the laws regulating alcohol consumption and the operation of cars and other automobiles. However, few people are aware that similar laws exist governing alcohol consumption and boat operation.

Many individuals associate alcohol consumption and boating as a natural part of a fun weekend out on a lake. However, drinking and operating a boat is an extremely dangerous combination and can result in serious punishments.

Dangers of BWI

BWI, or boating while intoxicated (also known as BUI-boating under the influence), greatly increases the likelihood of being in a serious and potentially deadly accident. A 2002 study revealed that 39% of all boating fatalities were alcohol-related, and that this statistic has been rising over the years.

Additionally, a person who is operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is 10 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than if he or she were operating the boat sober.

In order to maintain safety for themselves and for everyone else on the water, individuals should never consume alcohol while operating a boat.

Penalties for BWI

Not only is boating while intoxicated extremely dangerous, but it is also a punishable offense. Individuals found guilty of boating while intoxicated can be sentenced with a number of penalties including:

  • A felony conviction
  • Serious fines
  • Jail time
  • Revocation of an automobile driver’s license

Exact penalties differ based on jurisdiction and the specifics of the situation. However, no matter what the situation is, boating while intoxicated carries with it stiff penalties.

Contact a Minnesota Boating DUI Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been injured in an alcohol-related boating accident, contact the Minnesota boating accident attorneys of TSR Injury Law today by calling (612) TSR-TIME to schedule a consultation or submit our contact form.

Rotator Cuff Injury Claims

By Steve Terry |

The rotator cuff is the group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, like a cuff, and facilitate the shoulder’s wide range of motion. A rotator cuff injury may be accompanied by pain and swelling. In addition to being painful, an injury to the rotator cuff may interfere with every day tasks, performing your job, and even sleeping.

A rotator cuff may be injured from extending your arm for bracing in a slip and fall accident or from bracing your hands on the steering wheel in a car accident or truck accident. In bracing, the shoulder sustains the force of impact; often resulting in an acute tear in the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff can also be damaged in side-impact motor vehicle accidents.

An MRI is the most common method of determining a rotator cuff injury. It can also provide more information on the shoulder, including the condition of the capsule, glenoid labrum muscles (shoulder socket muscles), and bone; but small tears may be missed. Small tears can be seen and measured with an ultrasound. Ultrasound is also a less expensive diagnostic tool and as more clinicians gain experience, results are becoming more reliable.

There are three classifications of rotator cuff tears:

  • Partial thickness rotator cuff tears — appearance of frayed tissue
  • Full thickness rotator cuff tears — there is a definite hole visible, but the tendon is still attached to the humeral head
  • Full thickness rotator cuff tear with complete detachment from the humeral head — this usually results in significant impairment to shoulder movement

Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injury

There are basically two broad treatment options for a rotator cuff injury: surgical and non-surgical. In most traumatic injuries to the rotator cuff, a full thickness tear is sustained which requires surgery.

Surgery usually involves:

  • debridement or cleaning the injury and removing loose fragments of tendon, bursa, and other debris to allow smooth movement
  • expanding the space for the rotator cuff tendon so it is not pinched or irritated, this may include shaving bone or removing bone spurs
  • stitching the torn edges of the tendon together and attaching to the top of the humerus
  • open repair of the rotator cuff which requires a 2-3 inch incision on the top of the shoulder allowing the surgeon to view the shoulder and injury directly
  • mini-open repair where the surgeon can reach the injury by splitting the deltoid muscle, an arthroscope is also employed in this method
  • arthroscopic repair requiring three small slits

Recovering From a Rotator Cuff Injury

During the first three months, it is vital to follow the doctor’s orders pertaining to shoulder usage, weight lifting limits, and physical therapy. Range of motion exercises are usually started a week after surgery. Depending on the severity of the injury, significant improvements start at about 3 months and progress can continue for 12 months after surgery.

Minnesota Rotator Cuff Compensation Claims

If you have sustained a rotator cuff injury in an accident due to the negligence of another, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our personal injury attorneys in Minneapolis are skilled litigators who will represent you fairly and ethically. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free contact form. There are no upfront fees if wa accept your case and your initial consultation is free.

Minnesota Sees Spike in Traffic Deaths

By Steve Terry |

Nationwide, the number of traffic deaths has spiked. While the number of traffic deaths due to DWI has decreased in Minnesota, the number of deaths for other reasons has increased although the overall number of deaths has seen a decline.

The spike has been seen among drivers that are texting while driving or they are distracted for other reasons.

Years ago, personal injury attorneys wondered what technology would do to their careers. Of course, the goal is for there to be fewer deaths, especially with the implementation of air bags, anti-lock brakes, and other technological advances to decrease the odds of accidents. Unfortunately, where technology was expected to reduce these things, it also increased it in other ways.

Cell phones, iPods, and other such devices that individuals use on a daily basis have made their way into the car and behind the wheel where they don’t belong. If driving was not already an activity where distraction was easy, it is even easier now and is proving to be deadly.

The National Safety Council (NSC) has expressed a great deal of concern over the number of accidents occurring, especially since the safety features in vehicles have been improved.

The NSC has gone on to state that the cost of these accidents have been rather high. Everything from lost wages and productivity and medical expenses to property damage and administrative expenses has led to an estimated cost of motor vehicle injuries and deaths to be calculated at over $276 a billion in 2012, which was a 5 percent increase over 2011.

Driving faster and more distractions have been declared the cause. Even if a person is traveling more than 10 miles below the speed limit because they are distracted, other drivers will become angry and an accident can be caused. When passing a slower driver, the reason tends to be the individual behind the wheel texting or talking on a cell phone.

Minneapolis Burst Fractures Attorney

By Steve Terry |

In the aftermath of the accident, you need peace of mind that your family will be taken care of and your bills covered by insurance. Call TSR Injury Law. We care about your pain and your recovery. We will handle all of the paperwork and file your claim.

TSR Injury Law has extensive experience with burst fracture lawsuits. Our skilled, aggressive Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys have successfully litigated many difficult medical cases. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Burst Fractures

A burst fracture is a spinal injury in which the vertebral body is severely compressed, sometimes to the point of shattering into surrounding tissue and the spinal canal. These fractures occur from extreme trauma, as in a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident.

In a burst fracture, the edges (margin) of the vertebral body are fragmented and spread out in all directions. When the entire margin of the vertebral body is crushed, the spine loses its stability. The bony fragments can bruise the spinal cord causing loss of strength, sensation, and reflexes below the level of the injury. Burst fractures are categorized by:

  • the severity of the deformity
  • to what degree the fragments have invaded the spinal canal
  • the degree of vertebral height loss
  • the extent of neurologic injury

At the scene of the accident, if the victim complains of severe back pain they should not be put into a sitting position. If they stand or walk with a burst fracture, they may increase their neurologic injury.

To diagnose a burst fracture x-rays, CAT scan, and possibly an MRI will be needed to determine:

  • the level of the fracture
  • the type of fracture (compression, burst, or fracture dislocation)
  • the amount of spinal canal compromise
  • spinal angulation
  • the amount of soft tissue trauma
  • bleeding
  • ligament damage

Stable Burst Fracture

A stable burst fracture has little to no neurologic injury and the posterior column is uninjured and remains functional and can be treated without surgery. Treatment with a brace can be very effective. The brace is worn for 8-12 weeks to ensure adequate healing. Physical therapy will be prescribed once the brace is removed.

Unstable Burst Fracture

A burst fracture is ruled unstable if there is:

  • neurologic injury
  • angulation of the spine is greater than 20 degrees
  • there is dislocation of the spine
  • loss of more than 50% of anterior vertebral body height
  • there is greater than 30% spinal canal compromise

Unstable burst fractures do better with early surgery. A reduction maneuver may be performed to straighten the spine. Another treatment option is spinal fusion, with bone graft, to help injured vertebrae heal. Fragments pressing on the spinal canal, may be moved into a better position by a spinal laminectomy.

After any stabilizing surgery, some type of bracing is required for 8-10 weeks. Once the bracing is removed, physical therapy will be necessary to strengthen the trunk and lower extremities.

Minneapolis Spinal Injury Attorney

The degree of recovery depends on the timing of the treatment, the degree of spinal cord compromise, and the stability of the spine. You need legal representation to access all of the insurance available. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free contact form. Our Minneapolis spinal injury lawyers will review your case, handle the doctor and insurance issues, do all of the paperwork, and file your claim.

Minneapolis Amusement Park Accidents Lawyer

By Steve Terry |

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.

Crocs & Escalator Injuries

By Steve Terry |

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

By Steve Terry |

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.

Minneapolis Cerebral Anoxia Attorney

By Steve Terry |

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.