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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.

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.

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

By Steve Terry |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TSR Injury Law
8300 Norman Center Drive
Suite 1275
Bloomington, MN 55437

Actos Victims File Minnesota Lawsuit

By Steve Terry |

The latest lawsuit filed against the manufacturer of Actos, a type II diabetes drug that is allegedly dangerously defective, comes from a Minnesota couple.

William Blumenstine and Kathy Jo Williams filed their product liability lawsuit against Actos manufacturer Takeda on May 14, 2012 in United States’ District Court for the District of Minnesota. The lawsuit states that Mr. Blumenstine began taking the medication in 2004 to improve blood sugar that was high due to type II diabetes. He continued his use of Actos in 2008, but discontinued use shortly after experiencing hematuria and urinary retention. After having a cystoscopy performed, it was found that he had bladder cancer as identified by a tumor in his bladder. He had to undergo treatment and surgery to deal with his bladder cancer that is believed to have been caused by Actos.

There are many plaintiffs involved in lawsuits surrounding Actos and Takeda with claims that Takeda did not issue the proper warnings about the serious side effects. One of the side effects not warned about includes bladder cancer.

Actos was one of the 10 best selling medications in the U.S. in 2008. Worldwide sales total in the a billions of dollars. While the drug is very effective in treating diabetes, it has been established that patients that use it for more than 12 months have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. Germany and France have suspended the sale of Actos, but Takeda continues to sell the medication in the U.S.

Actos’s popularity is due to its ability to improve blood sugar control in patients with type II diabetes. Due to the condition affecting millions of individuals in the U.S., Actos is the most popular medication manufactured by Takeda. Thus far, a number of patients have been affected by the serious side effects and have taken legal action. If you have suffered serious side effects after taking the drug, contact a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer from TSR Injury Law – you may be eligible to file a damages lawsuit.

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

TSR Injury Law Awarded $6M Verdict vs New Horizon Kids Quest Daycare

By Steve Terry |

Rich Ruohonen and Chuck Slane of TSR Injury Law won an important verdict at trial when a Hennepin County jury returned a verdict of over $6 million on Tuesday in the case of a 3 ½ year old boy who was physically and sexually assaulted at a New Horizons Kids Quest daycare center in the Grand Casino Mille Lacs in 2008.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Rich Ruohonen and Chuck Slane of TSR Injury Law of Bloomington, MN, said today that the jury’s verdict in their most recent case finally offers some justice for a young boy and his family. A Hennepin County jury returned a revised verdict of $6,032,585 on Tuesday in the case of a 3 ½ year old boy who was physically and sexually assaulted at a daycare facility at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs operated by New Horizon Kids Quest in January 2008.

According to the lawsuit filed in Hennepin County, MN District Court (Case No.27-CV-12-9958), on January 23, 2008, 3½ year-old boy, “JK” was entrusted to the care of the New Horizon Kids Quest day care center at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs. The lawsuit alleged that New Horizons Kids Quest promised to keep him safe and secure and broke that promise. The daycare center’s staff allegedly left the child unsupervised for more than 90 minutes, and during that time a 9 ½ year old boy physically and sexually assaulted him. According to court documents, surveillance cameras in the daycare facility captured some of the assault, but much of the crime took place in the third level of a play system which were outside the camera’s view. Court documents indicated that after this incident, New Horizons Kids Quest was kicked out of the Grand Casino Mille Lacs by the tribal authorities.

According to court documents, JK was beaten and raped, suffering a subconjunctival hemorrhage in his eye from being strangled and numerous bruises over his face and body from being beaten, as well as injuries from the sexual abuse. Now eleven years old, he still suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has difficulties regulating his emotions or reacting to those emotions effectively, his attorneys argued. The child has been through significant medical treatment and takes medications daily to help treat his PTSD. Although he has improved over the years, medical experts testified at trial that JK suffers from permanent PTSD and the damage would never fully heal.

“Finally, after eight years, this little boy as his family received the justice they deserve. He will finally be able to get the help he needs to get better and to deal with the effects of what happened to him and the PTSD he suffers from this assault,” said TSR Injury Law’s Rich Ruohonen. “This family has waited eight years for justice, and this verdict will help bring them some semblance of closure and comfort.” Ruohonen added.

TSR Injury Law’s Chuck Slane added, “It took a long time, but JK and his family can finally rest easier knowing that those responsible have finally been held accountable in court.”
An eight-person jury heard the case over two weeks in Hennepin County. Dan Haws from HKM and Shari Aberle from Dorsey Whitney defended the case for New Horizons Kids Quest while the Honorable Ivy Bernhardson presided over the trial. The case, number 27-CV-12-9958, was heard in Hennepin County District Court.

About TSR Injury Law

TSR Injury Law is a Minnesota personal injury law firm that is passionate about obtaining justice for clients who suffer from injuries through no fault of their own. TSR Injury Law’s partners, Steve Terry, Chuck Slane, Rich Ruohonen & Nate Bjerke have been named Super Lawyers by Minnesota Law & Politics and have successfully resolved countless personal injury cases, often obtaining judgments several times larger than insurance companies’ initial offers. TSR Injury Law believes that effective legal representation is built on more than just litigation and works hard to build solid relationships with clients, feel compassion for their suffering and help them achieve justice. For more information call (612) TSR-TIME.

Read the Article on PR News

TZD – Toward Zero Deaths

By Steve Terry |

The Toward Zero Deaths approach is based on the belief that even one traffic-related death on our roads is unacceptable. This “zero deaths” idea was first adopted in Sweden in 1997 as “Vision Zero” and since then has evolved to several state DOTs, including Minnesota, that have identified zero deaths as a core objective in their Strategic Highway Safety Plans.

TZD uses a data-driven, interdisciplinary approach that targets areas for improvement and employs proven countermeasures, integrating application of education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical and trauma services (the “4Es”). A combination of strategies from different focus areas is often most effective for solving a particular problem.