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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.

Truck Driver Training – Driving Simulator – Drive Cam

By Steve Terry |

Truck driver training has made a technological leap into the 21st century. Technology, especially the driving simulator, is helping fleets to improve safety and performance by making it easier to train and monitor truck drivers. Many large, commercial fleets are adding tools such as computer-based training, driving simulators, and onboard video monitors to their driver education programs in an effort to deliver more and better training and performance feedback. The results are very encouraging.

In an effort to reduce semi truck accidents, “we’ve focused on brakes, we’ve focused on tires — all those things — but the Crash Causation Study shows us that we clearly need to focus on drivers and the issues surrounding them.” ~ Administrator Annette M. Sandberg, head of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Why computer-based training is so effective:

  • Content can be quickly updated from a single source, so that training content is always current.
  • Audio and vibration systems are designed to add accurate driving noise and feel to the experience.
  • It can create all types of challenging driving situations, such as dark, rain, snow, fog, or ice. This will allow the driver to learn how to react in dangerous situations without crashing a truck or causing personal injury.
  • A closed-circuit television allows observers to watch the drivers from the operator console.
  • The simulator allows for taping the drivers so that they can see how they reacted and do a self-critique of their performance.
  • Online training is suited to introduction, refresher, or remedial training.

Why drive cam is so effective:

  • It provides routine performance feedback — clear information as to how well drivers are actually doing on the highways.
  • Global positioning satellites, engine data recorders, and collision avoidance systems provide glimpses into the world of the truck cab.
  • Risky behaviors (speeding, hard braking, poor shifting habits) are identified.
  • It encourages truck drivers to be more attentive to their driving skills, by making them accountable for their behaviors.

Using technology to help monitor driver performance and deliver more personalized training is enabling fleets to improve safety and reduce costs. These new tools will help the industry take the next important step — to reduce the number of crashes and crash-avoidance maneuvers. Ultimately this will save lives.

Hurt In A Collision?

If you have been involved in an accident with a semi truck, contact our Minneapolis truck accident lawyers at (612) TSR-TIME. We have helped hundreds of victims recover millions in compensation. Our personal injury lawyers have received many awards for their litigation skills, including being named Minnesota Super Lawyers. Do not delay. In a semi truck accident, time is money. Records must be subpoenaed and preserved, eyewitnesses interviewed, and the accident scene investigated.

Minnesota Mercury Poisoning Lawyer

By Steve Terry |

In today’s world full of chemicals, toxicity, and pollution, people face a whole host of hazards. The air they breathe, the water they drink, and the food they eat all may be contaminated with dangerous materials. Moreover, the products they use, like computer and light bulbs, are made with products and from chemicals that can be harmful to people’s health.

One such chemical is mercury. People can come into contact with mercury through a number of channels. One such channel is the consumption of salmon. There have been a number of cases where people who have eaten salmon have ingested mercury as well. Another source of mercury is the production of things like coal, gold, and cement. Also, things like batteries and light bulbs contain mercury.

The effects of coming into contact with mercury can be very serious. Milder symptoms include burning, itching, or pain sensations. Skin discoloration and swelling occur, as do peeling of nails and skin. More severe symptoms include excessive sweating, high blood pressure, and loss of hair. Among the worst symptoms are kidney malfunction, insomnia, and loss of memory. When severe enough, mercury poisoning can also lead to death.

People who get poisoning with mercury need to be treated immediately. As with all medical problems, the longer people wait to address them the worse they will get. Moreover, mercury poisoning can lead to severe financial and emotional stress.

Speak with a Minneapolis Mercury Poisoning Attorney

If you have been poisoned by mercury, contact a Minneapolis mercury poisoning lawyer of TSR Injury Law by calling (612) TSR-TIME or submit our consultation form.

Steve Terry Speaks at The MADD Minnesota Statewide Recognition Ceremony

By Steve Terry |

TSR Injury Law supports Minnesota MADD. Every year, MADD recognizes law enforcement, members in the legal community and first responders whose efforts have made a difference in protecting Minnesotans from drunk drivers. Partner Steven Terry was honored to speak at a recent event. As a decade long MADD board member, Steven has provided both financial help through the Firm as well as hundreds of hours of volunteer service. TSR Injury Law is proud to honor law enforcement and legal members who make a difference in this worthy cause.

Robert Street, West St. Paul – One Killed, 5 Injured

By Steve Terry |

There was a two-car crash Saturday night in West St. Paul. All six occupants were taken to Regions Hospital where one woman died from her injuries.

At about 9 p.m., a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier pulled out from the mall parking lot at Robert Street and Marie Avenue, into the path of a 2000 Mercury Mystique. The Mercury broadsided the Cavalier and 2 people were ejected from the broadsided vehicle, including 26-year-old Leslie J. Garvia who died from head and abdominal injuries. Ms. Garvia was not wearing a seat belt.

Another passenger, 26-year-old Jorge Zuniga, was also ejected and suffered non life-threatening head injuries. Zuniga was not wearing a seat belt either. The driver of the Cavalier, Fabio Dierings, and 2 other passengers sustained non life-threatening injuries. Lynette Landrum, driver of the Mercury, of West St. Paul, suffered minor injuries.

Four of the six people involved in the car accident were wearing seat belts. Alcohol is not suspected, according to police.

List of Names Released by Minnesota State Patrol:

  • Leslie J. Garcia, 26, St. Paul, MN
  • Jorge R. Zuniga, 26, Columbia Heights, MN
  • Kimberly J. Fuentes, 8, St. Paul, MN
  • Breidy Garcia, 19, St. Paul, MN
  • Fabio R. Dierings, 23, St. Paul, MN
  • Lynette J. Landrum, 40, West St. Paul, MN

Who Is At Fault?

Minnesota is a No Fault Insurance state; but in the event of a wrongful death due to the negligence of another, which includes inattentive driving, the next of kin can recover compensation. The monetary damages may include:

  • medical expenses
  • funeral expenses
  • loss of companionship
  • loss of advice
  • loss of potential earnings

Contact a Minneapolis car accident attorney at (612) TSR-TIME, to retain legal representation. Our partners are skilled, aggressive, and compassionate lawyers with years of experience handling car accident and wrongful death cases.

DePuy Hip Implant Lawsuit

By Steve Terry |

DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. has recalled its DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing Systems and its ASR XL Acetablar Hip System, as well as its Pinnacle Hip Implant due to evidence that the products are defective. Claims of these defects have been coming out for years, but not before injuries were seen.

In addition to the DePuy recalls, the Zimmer Next Gen Knee Implant has resulted in patients requiring knee revision surgery due to the NexGen loosening and causing a great deal of pain. If you have been injured by any of these products, Terry, Slane, and Ruohonen can help you in holding the manufacturers responsible for the pain and suffering these defective products have caused you.

What Is The DePuy ASR Hip Implant?

The DePuy ASR Acetabular System is used for total hip replacement. The ASR Hip Resurfacing System is used in a newer procedure that is designed to preserve bone. The ASR Acetabular System has been approved by the FDA, but the hip resurfacing system has not been. Overall, about 93,000 of these devices have been implanted in patients all around the world.

The voluntary recall is the result of a British Joint Replacement Registry that showed approximately 12 percent of those who had received the implants needed to have revision surgeries or corrective procedures within five years of receiving the implants. This means that the failure rate is two times the industry average. Doctors have stated that the reason for this failure rate is a faulty design, and this faulty design was not discovered until the devices had already been implanted.

What About The DePuy Pinnacle Hip Implant?

The DePuy Pinnacle Hip Implant has yet to be recalled, but it could be next. Both patients and doctors have reported issues with the Pinnacle Hip Implant that are similar to that of the ASR Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System when the implant is used with a metal liner. The FDA has never approved the DePuy Pinnacle Hip Implant to be used with a metal liner. When used with this liner, the implant becomes loose. Approximately 1,300 complaints regarding corrective surgery to remove and replace the implant have been logged. DePuy has yet to issue a recall, but this does not mean that the product is not defective. The FDA may eventually issue a recall, but the FDA is not always quick to do so.

Zimmer NexGen Knee Implant

The Zimmer NexGen Knee Implant is a piece that is not made of the standard cement and it attaches to the bottom of the thigh bone. Unfortunately, this product is showing a high failure rate. The blame has been placed upon the design, while Zimmer has blamed the surgeons, stating the failure is due to surgical errors or the type of patient receiving the implant.

Patients have experienced:

  • Implant failure
  • Knee pain and other knee complications
  • Loosening of the implant

Each issue results in corrective surgery that can be expensive and very painful.

Call Today For a Free Consultation

If you have one of these implants and you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or you have already had to have revision surgery, call a Minneapolis defective product lawyer from TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME.

Minnesota Fungal Meningitis Lawsuit

By Steve Terry |

If you or a loved one has become ill with fungal meningitis resulting from an epidural steroid injection for back pain, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

The Methylprednisolone acetate steroid injections were manufactured by New England Compounding Center (NECC) of Farmington, Massachusetts and delivered to seventy-six clinics in 23 states, including Minnesota. Administration of the steroid began on May 21, 2012. Many individuals have become ill and some have died. There was also a case of a patient receiving the injection for ankle pain and contracting a joint infection as a result. More of these cases may exist.

Fungal Meningitis Symptoms

Fungal Meningitis has an incubation period of 42 days, which is why those that received the initial injections took so long to become ill. However, the CDC is not entirely sure if 42 days is the longest the illness will incubate; it could be longer. Patients could experience subtle symptoms for month before becoming seriously ill. The early symptoms of fungal meningitis, which affects the spinal cord and membranous lining of the brain include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stiff neck
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Slurred speech
  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Redness and swelling at the injection site a month or so after the injection

The CDC has also stated that methylprednisone acetate is used to treat knee, ankle, and shoulder pain and it is expected that there will be more joint infection cases. The symptoms of a joint infection include pain or redness at the injection site, swelling, and fever.

A fungal infection in any part of the body can be cause for disability or death. In addition, the antifungal medications that are being used to treat the fungal infection can be difficult for patients to tolerate over time. It is unclear how the fungi found its way into the vials. After distribution of the steroid to the clinics, the FDA confiscated fifty sealed vials and found that they were contaminated. It is also unclear exactly how many individuals will require treatment. Nonetheless, having to deal with a life threatening illness involves a great deal of pain and suffering, as well as medical bills that are not the fault of the patient.

Fortunately, all infected patients and their families have rights and it is important to know those rights. Because of the injuries and medical costs, you may be entitled to compensation. In fact, the lawsuits against the manufacturer have already begun and representation by a Minneapolis fungal meningitis lawyer who is experienced in representing clients in infectious disease cases will yield the best results.

Contact A Fungal Meningitis Attorney

Fungal meningitis can be fatal or lead to permanent disability. If you have a loved one currently battling fungal meningitis or you have suffered from it and are recovering or recovered, contact Terry, Slane & Ruohonen as soon as possible to learn about your rights and options. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis immediately at (612) TSR-TIME for a free consultation.

Minneapolis Cephalohematoma Attorney

By Steve Terry |

We cannot even imagine your pain right now, but we do care and want to help. At TSR Injury Law, we are committed to helping families that have suffered preventable birth injuries win the compensation they deserve. Contact our Minnesota Cephalohematoma Attorney at 612-TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

What Is a Cephalohematoma?

All bones, including the skull, have a tough covering called the periosteum. When the skull experiences sufficient force, blood vessels that nourish the periosteum can be torn. This causes a small pool of blood to form between the skull and the skin covering it. This is known as a cephalohematoma.

Causes and Consequences of Cephalohematoma

A cephalohematoma is almost always the result of a birth injury. It can happen any time the infant’s skull is placed under pressure during birth. The most common causes include:

  • Difficult births
  • The use of forceps during childbirth
  • Vacuum extractions

This injury causes a small, soft lump to form on the baby’s head. It usually resolves on its own within a few weeks or months. However, there are certain complications associated with cephalohematoma, such as:

  • An increased risk of jaundice within the first few days
  • A cyst formed over a skull fracture, which can be confused with cephalohematoma
  • Possible trauma to the brain beneath the cephalohematoma

If your child experiences health complications following this injury, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. An experienced Minnesota cephalohematoma attorney can inform you of your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Contact a Minneapolis Cephalohematoma Attorney

Childbirth is stressful enough without any medical complications. If your infant has suffered a preventable birth injury, call TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME, or submit our contact form.

Pedestrian Killed in Crosswalk, Cokato, MN

By Steve Terry |

A 91-year-old woman was struck by an SUV while crossing Highway 12, in Cokato, Minnesota. She died before she could be airlifted from the scene.

Ruby Voight had just gone shopping. She was walking home at about 5:15 p.m. with her packages in the basket of her walker. The 1996 Chevy Tahoe, driven by 55-year-old David Rostomily, was driving westbound on Hwy 12. Ruby was in the crosswalk at Johnson Avenue NW when she was struck.

Wright County Sheriff’s Office and the State Patrol were at the scene. They will continue to investigate the accident. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor. Mr. Rostomily stopped and is cooperating with authorities.

Helping Accident Victims and Families

In pedestrian accidents, especially when a wrongful death has occurred, it is vital to interview eyewitnesses and protect evidence. The loss of a parent or grandparent is very difficult and if the estate was not in order, a significant amount of money could have been lost to taxes.

The attorneys with TSR Injury Law have years of experience handling pedestrian accidents and wrongful death cases. We will support you through this difficult time by providing legal counsel, doing all of the paperwork, and filing your claim. Call (612) TSR-TIME and speak to a licensed Minneapolis personal injury attorney or submit our free consultation form and a member from our legal team will contact you shortly.

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

Head-On Crash with Semi Kills Man

By Steve Terry |

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a North Mankato man was killed in a crash on December 10th when his car was hit head-on by a semi-truck in Nicollet County.

Authorities state that the crash happened at approximately 4 p.m. on highway 169 near Highway 14. The 63-year-old victim was driving his two-door Jeep southbound on Highway 169 when he jumped the median after losing control over the vehicle. When he entered the northbound lane of the highway, he was hit head-on by a semi-truck.

The State Patrol cites icy road conditions as the cause of the crash.

The victim has been identified as James Hughes. Hughes was previously employed with the St. Peter School District as an assistant principal. He had been employed with the district for 22 years and had retired in 2008. He was also student council advisor during his time with the district with officials stating he was a very well-liked individual.

Although slippery conditions are cited as the main reason for the crash the Minnesota State patrol is being assisted by the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s office in the investigation.

The Iowa semi-truck driver received minor injuries. Hughes died on the scene and is the third death that has been blamed on the snow storm that passed over Minnesota that weekend. One other death occurred while a man was shoveling snow from his sidewalk and the second death occurred when a semi-truck lost control on Highway 61 and struck a man in his family car and an SUV.

Shoreview Pedestrian Hit and Killed

By Steve Terry |

A pedestrian in Shoreview was hit and killed by a car recently near Vadnais Lake and now authorities are investigating what happened.

Police say that the pedestrian accident occurred on rice Street in Shoreview. When they arrived, they found Ryan Earl Esslinger, 24, on the ground unconscious, but he was breathing. Paramedics arrived on the scene where they treated him and transported him to an area hospital.

The State patrol says that Esslinger, a St. Paul resident, was riding his skateboard northbound on Interstate 694 in the Rice Street area. He was riding along a wooded area that sits along Vadnais Lake on its western edge. That is where e was struck by a car that was also heading northbound.

After being taken to the hospital, Esslinger died at around 9 p.m.

The driver, a 21-year-old female, called 911 and cooperated with officers when they arrived. She was wearing a seatbelt and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The name of the driver has not been released since the accident is still being investigated. It is clear that the driver striking Esslinger was not intentional, but no details have been released pending the outcome of the investigation as to whether Esslinger may have fallen, rode the skateboard in front of the car, or if the car temporarily left the road and struck Esslinger.

The families of victims are often unsure what to do following an unexpected accident. At TSR Injury Law, our Minneapolis personal injury lawyers have many years of experience handling these types of cases and can help to explain the legal options that may be available. For more information, we encourage you to call us today at (612) TSR-TIME or to complete the “Free Case Evaluation” form on this page.

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

Brain-Injury Death of Child Results in Criminal Charges

By Steve Terry |

A woman’s live-in boyfriend has been charged with inflicting neck and head injuries that resulted in the death of a 22-month-old little girl.

The mother told authorities that the defendant wanted her to stand by him through the criminal proceedings, but she said she had also been physically abused by him.

Dilworth, Minnesota resident Raul Perez, 24, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the August 31 incident that caused the death of Ariel Reyes.

It was not long after Ariel’s death that her mother told authorities that she had experienced several months of physical abuse at the hands of Perez, according to the criminal complaint. She said the abuse included him beating her and lifting her from the floor by her hair. She says that Perez also burned her with a lighter.

When being questioned by the police, Perez denied striking or shaking Ariel and said that he had never harmed any of his three sons, according to the complaint.

The criminal complaint says that on August 29, just before noon, paramedics responded to a call to go to the home in Ada, Minnesota where they saw Perez trying to revive Ariel through mouth-to-mouth. She did not respond and died 48 hours later at a hospital in Fargo. It was then that the medical examiner found head and other injuries.

When the incident allegedly occurred, Perez was watching the little girl and her 5-year-old brother while their mother went to the grocery store and stopped at a gas station.

After paying for gas, the mother saw Perez running down the street, holding the 5-year-old and saying that Ariel was not breathing and that an ambulance was on its way.

A doctor noted that there were many injuries to the little girl, including forehead, jaw, shoulder, and thigh bruises. There was also bruising at the base of her spine and she was diagnosed with a number of brain injuries, including bleeding in her eye.

At the hospital, the mother said that Perez said he did not want to go to prison because that would mean he would have to leave his three boys. This is when he allegedly asked her to not turn her back on him.

Perez told police that Ariel had said something to him that made no sense, so he picked her up to get her to stand up and she fell to the floor motionless, which is when he then tried resuscitating her.

If you are the parent of a child that has suffered a serious personal injury, help is available. Contact a Minneapolis personal injury attorney from TSR Injury Law for a free, no obligation consultation. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

4 Killed in Car-Truck-Van Crash Near Albert Lea

By Steve Terry |

Four people were killed in a crash involving a car, a semi truck, and a minivan. The accident happened Wednesday, about 2:30 p.m, near Albert Lea.

A woman driving a Toyota sedan swerved and hit a semi truck head-on, which caused the semi truck to lose control and swerve into oncoming traffic. The semi truck hit a Honda minivan head-on. Following the serious auto accident, the driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene and 3 of the 4 occupants of the minivan were killed. The truck driver did not sustain serious injury.

The accident occurred on Interstate 90, near Hwy 13, where the highway is under construction and traffic flow is down to two lanes. Rain had been heavy just prior to the accident, but the Minnesota State Patrol does not think weather was a factor.

MN DOT closed the interstate near the crash site while crews cleaned up. A reconstruction team was called in to determine what happened.