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.

Minnesotan Pedestrian Killed in Fond du Lac

By Steve Terry |

A husband and wife were crossing a street in Fond du Lac about 7 a.m., Thursday morning, when they were struck by an SUV that was driven by a 30-year-old Fond du Lac woman.

67-year-old Carolyn Muckerheide, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her 74-year-old husband, Eugene, was stabilized at the scene and flown to Theda Clark Medical Center for medical treatment for his serious injuries.

The driver of the SUV and her 2-year-old son were not injured in the accident. Police are continuing to investigate the accident.

There are many complicated legal issues involved in a pedestrian accident. It is critical for you to seek experienced legal representation. The accident needs to be investigated and evidence preserved. This is especially true if it is a matter of wrongful death. Even if the pedestrian was partially at fault in the accident, you may be able to pursue a claim for damages.

Our Minneapolis personal injury lawyers are skilled litigators with years of experience in all types of accidents, including pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and drunk driving accidents. They are consistently named Super Lawyers by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and Law & Politics. Partner Chuck Slane is licensed to practice law in Wisconsin and regularly does so. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Medical Negligence Information

By Steve Terry |

Medical negligence occurs when a medical service provider fails to adequately provide the service that she or he is supposed to provide. For example, when a knee surgeon operates on the wrong knee, she has committed medical negligence. When any type of surgeon forgets to remove a surgery tool from within a patient’s body, he has committed medical negligence.

Medical negligence is a serious problem in the United States. For example, a Harvard University study found that in a certain year medical negligence resulted in 80,000 deaths and 234,000 injuries. A recent Institute of Medicine study found that on average 44,000 to 98,000 patients die in hospitals every year due to medical negligence. Moreover, medical negligence claims have remained relatively stable with slight decreases from 90,000 to around 85,000 every year from 1995 to 2000.

Such high numbers should not be very surprising considering the stressful hours that doctors work. Some work through the night, while others work 24-48 hours straight. Moreover, residents are made to work even more than regular doctors. Add the fact that some doctors may be working on multiple patients at once in a hectic environment, and the chances of medical negligence skyrocket.

But doctors are paid high fees to ensure that they perform their work correctly the first time because, as the numbers indicate, their actions make the difference between life and death.

Are you or a loved one a victim of medical negligence? Contact the team at TSR Injury Law and speak to a lawyer today. Your initial consultation is free.

TSR Injury Law Represents Victim of Circus Juventas Bleacher Collapse

By Steve Terry |

On Sunday, August 16th, the final summer performance of the St. Paul youth circus ended in disaster. The bleachers collapsed. Nearly 450 people fell, many sustaining minor injuries. 7 people were transported to the hospital with significant injuries. TSR Injury Law now represents a victim of the bleacher collapse.

The cause of the bleacher collapse is still not known. The city fined the circus for assembling the wooden bleachers without requesting an inspection prior to being used for a public performance. They had not been inspected since they were purchased in 2006. New bleachers have been installed at Circus Juventas and they have passed inspection by St. Paul officials.

How We Can Help You

Premises liability laws recognize the responsibility of the property owner for the well-being of anyone invited onto the property. Our Minneapolis personal injury attorneys are skilled, aggressive litigators with years of experience. Our partners are consistently named Minnesota Super Lawyers and are experts at establishing fault and proving liability. They have recovered millions for victims. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

St. Paul Artist Struck and Killed by Garbage Truck

By Steve Terry |

Jean Matzke, 70, was walking her dog east on the sidewalk along 5th Street. As she went to cross Sibley Street, toward Mears Park, she was struck by a garbage truck turning left from 5th Street north onto Sibley. She was struck in the crosswalk at 5:53 a.m. Friday morning.

Jean Matzke was known and loved by a wide variety of people. Most recently, she has been known in the neighborhood as a dog walker and a dog lover. Two years ago she adopted an injured boxer. She formerly owned an art gallery in St. Cloud, was an instructor at St. Benedict’s, and was a top textile artist in Minnesota. She earned many accolades for her textiles.

A full investigation is under way and could take 4-6 weeks, according to police spokesman Sgt. Paul Schnell. The accident occurred 30 minutes after sunrise and that may have played a factor. Many times drivers, going east, are blinded by the sun. Officer Schnell said the driver was obviously distraught. The garbage truck driver was tested for drugs and alcohol, but showed no signs of impairment. He had a green light. It is unclear whether Ms. Matzke had the “walk” light.

In a crash involving a 60,000 pound garbage truck, no one comes out unscathed. A pedestrian accident with a garbage truck is the worst case scenario. The losses are staggering, impacting many people through the ripple effect:

  • 2 lives changed — one lost, one bruised and frightened
  • 2 families hurt and grieving
  • 2 communities hurt and grieving

Victims Have Rights

If your family has been impacted by a garbage truck accident, seek legal consultation. You have options. A Minneapolis personal injury attorney at TSR Injury Law, can give advice, handle the paperwork, and file your claim. Our partners are skilled, aggressive, trial-tested litigators with years of experience with garbage truck accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents. They are consistently named Super Lawyers by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and Law & Politics. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our online free consultation form.

DWI Survivor Suffers from Spinal Injury

By Steve Terry |

Kellie Stein’s life changed drastically one day when she fell victim to a drunk driver. Now she says she just “lays there” and that she “just exists.”

On the other side is Kristin Kealy who is a single mother who had no criminal record and her driving record was clean. One night, she made the wrong decision and reached 90 miles per hour on a Coon Rapids road. Her drunkenness and her speed caused her to rear-end a Pontiac Firebird driven by Stein.

Now Stein is paralyzed from the neck down due to a severe spinal injury. In August, she had to leave the hospital to tell an Anoka County judge about the accident and how it changed her life forever.

Stein, 32, had to be rolled into the courtroom in a wheelchair by her boyfriend, who held the impact statement in front of her as she read it. She had dictated her statement to a hospital volunteer so she would be able to read it that day.

At first, her words were not audible as she spoke of the event. Kealy had been out drinking with friend at a Spring Lake Park Bar and at 1:30 a.m. was driving along Coon Rapids Boulevard at incredible speeds before crashing into Stein. A breath test showed that her BAC was .24, which was three times the .08 limit in Minnesota. At first, she told police she wasn’t driving.

As Stein continued to tell the judge about what occurred and the activities she can no longer perform on her own, her voice became stronger. She told him she cannot paint, garden, fish, or design landscapes. She does, however, plan on continuing her education, as she already has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and in psychology.

25-year-old Kealy received a one year jail sentence and said nothing to Stein during the court hearing. The judge sentenced her according to the sentencing guidelines, but he did tell Kealy that he would have sentenced her to spend more time in jail if he had more latitude to do so.

Mother and Daughters Critical after Home Explosion

By Steve Terry |

As of today, a mother and daughters are still in critical condition following an explosion.

On September 15, the home exploded and caught fire as the mother and her three daughters were sleeping.

Sonja Timmos, 31, and her 8-year-old daughter, Kaylee, are currently being treated at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Timmons’s 2-year-old daughter, Mkena, is also in very serious condition at the same hospital, while Jadyn, 2 months old, is doing very well.

The injured mother and daughters are facing a number of surgeries that will be followed by months of rehabilitation.

Fortunately, a neighbor, Matt Schons, had raced into the home after the explosion, grabbing Jaydn, and taking her to safety. This kept her injuries from being much worse than what they are.

According to Dale Johnson II, the fire chief, the cause of the blast that destroyed the home is unknown. An investigation has been launched to find that cause.

Troy Haugen, the fiancé’ of Timmons was 20 miles away at work at the time the explosion happened. He did, however, issue a statement thanking everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time for the family.

Haugen has had a very difficult time as he has stayed constantly by the sides of his fiancé, two biological daughters, and his soon-to-be stepdaughter. He said when he got up that morning, it was a normal day. He said Kaylee and Mkena were awake, so he had them go into the bedroom and watch television until their mom woke up. He went to work and the next thing he knew he heard reports over a police scanner that there was an explosion. He said he did not know what house it was, but he could not get his fiancé on the phone when he tried to call her. It was when he was heading out the door that he heard the bad news.

Timmo’s cousin had called Haugen to tell her that his house blew up. Neighbors say that the force of the explosion could be heard all along the street and that curtains and shattered glass flew across the street, lodging in trees.

So far, aside from Jaydn, Kaylee is the one who has shown some slow improvement, as she has been opening her eyes. She is still critical, however. Timmos and Mkena have not made much progress, but they have not worsened either.

If you or someone that you care for suffers a serious personal injury in a home explosion that may be the result of owner negligence, contact a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis today. At TSR Injury Law, we charge no upfront fees and your initial consultation is free.

Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

New Fungal Meningitis Cases Still Popping Up

By Steve Terry |

It is now January and new fungal meningitis cases are still popping up four months after the New England Compounding Center issued a voluntary recall of several lots of its steroid injection, Methylprednisolone Acetate. In addition to the new cases of fungal infections, other infections have come about as well.

It was found that the primary contaminant in the drug was Exserohilum, which is a type of black mold. The pathogens from the mold contaminated the three lots during the compounding process, which then led to fungal meningitis and other health issues in patients who received the injections. It has been estimated that as many as 14,000 patients were exposed to the contaminated drug and now the personal injury lawsuits have began.

As of now, there have been 664 reported cases and 40 of the individuals died from fungal meningitis.

And while fungal meningitis has received most of the attention, there have also been joint and spinal infections that have occurred near injection sites. Although new meningitis cases have come about, the number and frequency is starting to wane while the number of spinal infections is increasing. This has a lot to do with the fact that spinal infections can take a while to appear.

In Minnesota, there have been 10 cases of fungal meningitis since the late September outbreak and there are two reports of spinal infections. A total of six medical facilities in the state received the drug from the recalled lots. In addition, the FDA has said they cannot verify whether or not other drugs made at the New England Compounding Center are safe. It is estimated that 111 facilities throughout Minnesota have received other drugs from the facility.

Have you been exposed to contaminated medication? You may be eligible to receive financial compensation. Contact a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer from TSR Injury Law today for a free consultation. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

This nationwide outbreak has caused the FDA to scramble because of concerns that have been raised by the outbreak. In late December, there was a hearing held to establish how the federal government and the states should regulate compounding pharmacies. Right now, it is the responsibility of state pharmacy boards to oversee these facilities, but many of the pharmacies are expanding from small operations to large-scale distribution with clients in multiple states. This multi-state dealing is why it may be necessary to push for federal oversight.

At the same time, the government agencies have been struggling to keep up with complaints from patients. On December 20, 2012, the CDC encouraged doctors to consider using MRIs for patients who had pain that did not improve after getting the injection. The previous recommendation was just for patients that had symptoms that were worsening.

As time goes on, new recommendations may come about, improved oversight of compounding facilities may become a reality, and individuals may not have to worry so much about contaminated drugs.

Workplace Explosion Loretto

By Steve Terry |

A Loretto semi-trailer truck repair business had a blast Monday morning. A 20’ high hole was blown out of the side of the facility in an explosion, sending three employees to North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, with minor injuries.

According to Medina Police Chief Ed Belland, the workplace accident happened when employees, at Gary’s Diesel Service, attempted to remove the top from a 1,000 gallon fuel tank. The explosion happened at about 11:30 a.m. Monday morning. The building then caught on fire. Firefighters from Loretto, Maple Plain, and Hanover responded to the call and were able to put the blaze out quickly.

There are special safety standards in place for workplaces that have explosive atmospheres. The proper precautionary measures must be up-to-date in addressing the prevention and control of workplace explosions. OSHA, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, has regulations set in place for work environments that contain potentially reactive chemicals.

Workplace Safety

Employees trust that their work place will be a safe work environment. However, accidents do happen, and they can be very dangerous. Material safety data sheets must be posted in the area that contains the explosive products. A list of safety procedures to follow in the event of a chemical mishap must also be posted. The correct fire extinguishers visibly at hand, too. Should the workplace be in violation of these standards, it is at risk of being punished by OSHA.

If you have been injured in a work explosion or accident, call a Minneapolis injury attorney at TSR Injury Law today. Our partners are skilled, aggressive litigators with years of experience in personal injury cases. We also handle cases of negligence, dog bite injuries, premises liability, and product liability.

Minneapolis Homeowner Liability Lawyer

By Steve Terry |

Homeowner liability accidents are ones that happen on someone else’s property. If you attend a friend’s party and slip and fall, if your child has a serious accident on your neighbor’s trampoline or if your husband drowns in a mate’s pool, all of these instances fall under the homeowner liability laws. If you or someone you love has been injured on someone else’s property, then you may be eligible for financial compensation, either from the homeowner or through their homeowner’s insurance company. Find out more about your legal rights by speaking to a Minnesota accident lawyer as soon as you can.

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

Common Homeowner Liability Claims

Homeowner liability or property liability cases include any serious accident or injury that occurs on someone else’s property. This may include:

How Homeowner Liability Insurance Works

Homeowners are required to purchase liability insurance as part as their homeowners’ insurance policy. Renters may also have liability insurance if they have chosen renter’s insurance. If not, then the landlord or owner of the building will have it.

The biggest problem with homeowner liability is that it is not clear cut. Insurance providers may only offer you the bare minimum and may even deny your claim the first time around. Dealing with a claim denial at this time if your life is the last thing you need. Speak to the experts to help you investigate and determine how much you are actually entitled to. We will make sure that there is no difference between your entitlement and your settlement.

Serious accidents that occur at a friend’s house can be hard on your emotionally and physically. You may feel that if you do ask for compensation that you are jeopardizing the friendship. However, you are entitled to compensation. If you are suffering from a serious accident you may be unable to work, to cover the additional medical costs and to continue to pay your own bills. Compensation from a homeowner’s liability case can help you recover damages to pay for:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical equipment and medication
  • Rehabilitation
  • Surgery, hospitalization and consultation costs
  • And more

You need to put your needs first. Your friend will understand. Homeowners liability insurance is there for a reason- make sure you use it to help you get back on your feet.

Contact a Minnesota Homeowner Liability Lawyer

At TSR Injury Law it is our goal to help you claim the compensation you deserve when faced with a homeowner or property liability case. We will work with you to ensure that the person or company responsible pays the necessary damages. We have the experience to represent you the whole way, even if the case goes to trial. Contact our team of Minneapolis personal injury lawyers today for a free initial consultation at (612) TSR-TIME.

Car Chase in Apple Valley – Car Crashes in Lakeville

By Steve Terry |

There was a hit and run car crash in Apple Valley. The Apple Valley Police responded to the call from the victim of the hit and run. When they tried to stop the suspect, he took off.

During the chase, the Lakeville Police took over the pursuit, which eventually ended in a crash with the squad car, a Lakeville K-9 unit, and the fleeing vehicle. The road surrounding the accident was closed for four hours.

The three-car crash happened near the intersection of Cedar Avenue and 210th St. SW in Lakeville, at about 5:30 p.m., on Saturday evening. One of the squad cars was demolished and 2 officers sustained minor injuries. The 26 year-old driver was apprehended and taken to Regions Hospital to be treated for non life-threatening injuries.

At TSR Injury Law, our Minneapolis auto accident attorneys are experts at establishing fault and proving liability in all types of car accidents, including hit and run accidents. We will handle all of the paperwork, interact with the insurance company, and file your claim. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Yaz Lawsuit Filed in Minnesota

By Steve Terry |

It has been determined in recent years that Yaz belongs on the dangerous drugs list, as it has been the subject of a number of class action lawsuits around the country.

Cathy Wagamon, a Minnesota woman, has filed a lawsuit that states she suffered a pulmonary embolism as a direct result of her use of Yaz.

Both Yaz and Yasmin are oral contraceptives that are quite popular and they have been linked to stroke, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, gallbladder disease, deep vein thrombosis, and other serious life-threatening issues. A number of women have filed lawsuits against Bayer, the manufacturer, including Wagamon, whose lawsuit was filed in the multidistrict litigation case.

Wagamon is seeking compensation for the condition that she suffered from after using the drug. She states that Bayer failed to warn of the effects of the popular birth control pill.

Wagamon began taking it on October 1, 2009 and it was shortly after that she developed the pulmonary embolism after she developed deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which blood clots form deep within the veins. Pulmonary embolisms, on the other hand, can be potentially fatal because it involves a blood clot in the lungs.

Wagamon states in her suit that she would not have taken the pill had she known that there was such a high risk of developing these conditions. She cites the fact that the Food and Drug Administration did receive complaints from patients about the side effects shortly after the drug went on the market. However, Bayer Pharmaceuticals did not issue the proper warnings regarding the side effects and did not notify the FDA. The suit claims that Bayer continued to market Yaz as a superior birth control pill that was safe.

Some of the Yaz lawsuits in the country have been consolidated in an ongoing multidistrict litigation case that deals with the side effects of the medication. Settlements have been reached out of court and approximately 1,444 plaintiffs have received these settlements so far. This is a far cry from the 14,000 cases that are still pending.

If you need help to learn more about your legal options, contact a Bloomington personal injury attorney from TSR Injury Law. Your initial consultation is free and there are no upfront fees if we agree to take on your case.

Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Deadly Motorcycle Accident on Hwy 55

By Steve Terry |

Late Saturday night, May 23, a speeding motorcycle ran into the back of a Nissan Altima; killing both people on the motorcycle. The driver of the Nissan did not sustain visible injury.

The vehicles were going west on Hwy 55, when the Kawasaki crashed into the car. The attending officer said the motorcycle was traveling at a “high rate of speed”. The motorcycle /car accident closed the Mendota Bridge for 4 hours.

This has been a deadly weekend for Minnesota motorists. We have had 7 crashes, with 10 fatalities. It is disheartening for police officers.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or car accident, you need legal representation to receive fair treatment and the compensation you deserve. Call an experienced Bloomington car accident attorney at TSR Injury Law, (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.