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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.

Metatarsal Fracture Injury Claims

By Steve Terry |

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

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

What Is a Metatarsal Fracture?

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

Additional facts about metatarsal fractures:

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

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

How A Lawyer Can Help

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

No fees until we win your case.

1 Dead and 2 Injured in Minnesota Aircraft Crashes

By Steve Terry |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minneapolis Asbestos Lawyer

By Steve Terry |

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

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

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuits

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

Asbestos Related Illnesses

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

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

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

Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit

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

Helping Asbestos Victims

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

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

Man Charged with Criminal-Vehicular Homicide

By Steve Terry |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DWI Patrols Increased for Holiday Weekend

By Steve Terry |

In an effort to NOT repeat the Memorial Day accident statistics, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced on Thursday that State Patrols will be prolific and diligent this weekend — against drunk drivers. The department will conduct Operation NightCAP (night time concentrated alcohol patrol) in a thirteen county area: Anoka, Blue Earth, Crow Wing, Dakota, Hennepin, Itasca, Ramsey, Rice, St. Louis, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington, and Wright. (They will also crack down on seat belt violations. Citations may now be issued even if there are no other violation.)

Last 4th of July weekend, 70% of the deaths were alcohol-related. There were nearly 2,000 arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Operation NightCAP was very effective last year, issuing nearly 150 seatbelt citations and nearly 200 DWI arrests.

TSR Injury Law and MADD Minnesota applaud this additional effort taken to prevent a deadly weekend. Founding partner, Steve Terry, and MADD Minnesota Executive Director, Jean Mulvey, filmed a PSA commercial that will be airing this weekend. It is addresses the issue of drunk driving and the importance of a designated driver.

Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents are all too common in Minnesota. If you have suffered injury due to a negligent drunk driver, contact a Bloomington car accident lawyer at TSR Injury Law. We will help you through the legal maze, handle all of the paperwork, negotiate with the insurance adjusters, and file your claim. Our partners have years of experience in personal injury law, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Roseville, MN 7 Car Crash Leaves 1 Dead

By Steve Terry |

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

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

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

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

Help For Victims and Families

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

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

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

By Steve Terry |

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Steve Terry |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ruohonen said he will explore his options.

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

by Vivian Clark
Messenger Staff Writer

MDA Says Raw Pet Food Contains Salmonella Risk

By Steve Terry |

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has issued an alert to consumers to not handle or feed two brands of pet food to their animals after the MDA laboratory found the dog food to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The two brands that are affected are the 2lb Bravo! Raw Food Diet Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats. This is a pet food product that is frozen and has production code 06/14/12. This production code can be found on the package’s white tag. The product was also manufactured by Bravo! And they are located in Manchester, CT. No other products from this manufacturer have been found to be contaminated.

The other product is Steve’s Real Food Inc.’s Turducken Canine Diet in the 8 ounce packages. This Murray, Utah-based product is also a frozen pet food product with the date 10/27/13 printed on the label and the code B209. These numbers can be found on the package’s lower front panel.

So far there are no reports of animal or human illnesses associated with the handling or consumption of the foods. Consumers have been asked to discard the products if they have them on-hand.

Salmonella is very dangerous to both humans and animals. A human that handles the food and then places their fingers in their mouth can contract it and become very ill.

Pets with Salmonella may experience fever, a decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and may even become lethargic and have bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Infected pets can also infect humans and other pets.

Human symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramps, and fever. The symptoms typically appear within 12 to 72 hours after being exposed, but can begin even a week after exposure. The infection usually concludes in 5 to 7 days, but there are cases that require hospitalizations. In rare cases, the infection can result in death, especially in those with weakened immune systems and the elderly.

If you or a loved one suffers salmonella poisoning, you may be eligible for compensation. To learn more about your options, contact a personal injury lawyer in Bloomington, MN at TSR Injury Law for your free consultation.

Retinal Detachment Injury Claims

By Steve Terry |

The retina is a micro-tissue that lines the inside of the eye. Light strikes the retina causing a biochemical change within layers of the retina that stimulates an electrical response. Nerve endings within the retina transmit visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain.

Retinal Detachment

With retinal detachment, the retina is torn or pulled from its normal position and separated from the blood vessels. This is an emergency situation because separation from blood supply can quickly lead to degeneration of the retina (tissue death). If left undiagnosed or untreated, retinal detachment can lead to blindness and, in the most serious cases, loss of the eye.

Most retinal detachments are due to trauma. The trauma can be caused by a car accident, truck accident, or fall. In a motor vehicle accident the head may hit the windshield, steering wheel, or other blunt object.

Retinal Detachment Symptoms

In about half of the traumatic retinal detachments, the injury is instantaneous. In the other half, there is gradual onset with warning signs that may include:

  • A shadow, like a curtain, across part of the field of vision that does not go away. It affects the peripheral vision first.
  • Noticeable amount of vision loss. Any sudden vision loss is a medical emergency.
  • Sudden flashes of light or floaters.

Retinal Detachment Attorney

If you have suffered a retinal detachment in an accident due to negligence, you need an attorney on your side to establish fault and secure fair compensation. Our Bloomington personal injury lawyers have years of experience with excellent results. TSR Injury Law is fast becoming one of the most prominent personal injury law firms in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Tips For Safer Cycling

By Steve Terry |

More and more people across the country are beginning to use bicycles as their preferred mode of transportation. There are many advantages to doing so, from saving on gas to getting much needed exercise. Unfortunately, this hobby also comes with risks. To increase your safety on the road, please consider the following tips.

Minnesota Bicycle Accident Prevention: Sharing the Road with Drivers

  • When riding your bicycle, keep your eyes open. Many drivers are not used to sharing the road with bicyclists, which means they will not be looking out for you. You may want to avoid bicycling in crowded areas until you have learned how to look around and behind you while maintaining your balance.
  • Do not pass cars on the right. Drivers may turn right without noticing you are there.
  • Obey all traffic laws. They are not just for cars; they apply to all types of vehicle.
  • Do not ride against traffic. Drivers do not expect this and may not see you in time.

Minnesota Bicycle Safety Tips

  • Always wear a helmet when riding your bicycle. This will greatly reduce your chances of suffering a disabling or even fatal bicycle injury if you are in an accident.
  • Do not wear headphones while riding a bicycle. You need to be alert to your surroundings.
  • Use safety equipment for night bicycling. This includes a white light for the front of your bicycle that is visible for at least 500 feet and a reflector light that is visible for at least 300 feet. Some riders also choose to wear reflective vests to maximize their visibility.

Need Help? Contact Us Today

Even if you follow every safety tip, you can still be injured by a negligent driver. If this has happened to you or a loved one, contact the Minnesota injury lawyers at TSR Injury Law, at (612) TSR-TIME, to discuss your legal options or submit our contact form.

Lisfranc Fracture Injuries and Compensation Claims

By Steve Terry |

If you have suffered a Lisfranc fracture due to the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis, MN or call (612) TSR-TIME. We have years of experience with these cases and have recovered significant amounts for the Lisfranc fracture victims we have represented. We want to help you and will pursue every angle to maximize your compensation.

What Is A Lisfranc Fracture?

A Lisfranc foot fracture is a fracture of the midfoot and may initially be mistaken for a sprain. The midfoot area is the arch at the top of the foot where many small bones meet. The metatarsals extend from the midfoot to the toes. Most of the bones in this area are held in place by ligaments. The ligaments extend across and down the foot except between the first and second metatarsal, leaving this area more vulnerable to dislocation or fracture.

There are three classifications of Lisfranc fractures:

  • divergent: the metatarsal fractures are splayed in different directions
  • homolateral: where all five metatarsals are fractured in the same direction
  • isolated: one or two metatarsals are fractured

If a Lisfranc fracture is suspected, x-rays will be taken. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to aid in diagnosis. Undiagnosed Lisfranc fractures can lead to joint damage or pressure can build-up in the muscles, damaging nerve cells and blood vessels.

Lisfranc Fracture Treatment

Most Lisfranc fractures require surgery. Reduction is achieved by means of screws that are inserted into the bones across the joints. An external fixator may be used, where the screws are inserted through punctures in the skin, rather than an incision.

With a Lisfranc fracture, the foot will be in a cast for 6-8 weeks and during that time the foot cannot support weight. After the cast, a rigid arch support or walking brace may be recommended. It is helpful to do foot exercises to build strength and help restore ROM.

Post-traumatic arthritis can develop in the joint following a Lisfranc fracture. If that happens, the bones may have to be fused together. Planovalgus deformity is another complication. That means the foot flattens longitudinally, turning outward.

Legal Help 24/7

Our lawyer are skilled, dynamic litigators with a reputation for excellent settlements. We will handle the insurance companies, do all the paperwork, and file your claim. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free contact form today.