Firm News

Minnesota motorists would be required to use hands-free devices when talking on the phone while driving under a bill that passed the state that goes into effect on 7/1/2019, the sponsors said the measure will cut down on distracted driving and save lives.

The Department of Public Safety says that at least 27 of Minnesota’s approximately 380 traffic deaths last year were related to distractions of all kinds. Experts testified during committee hearings that cellphone use is the fastest-growing distraction, causing a rising number of deaths and injuries.

What can I do under the new law?

The new law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.

Remember, hands-free is not necessarily distraction-free.

What can’t I do with my phone under the new law?

You may not hold your phone in your hand. Also, a driver may not use their phone at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos stored on the phone, using non-navigation apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone.

Can I ever hold my phone?

Yes. Hand-held phone use is allowed to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.

Can I use a GPS navigation device?

Yes. GPS and other systems that can only be used for navigation are exempt from the Hands-Free law. In-car screens and systems are also exempt. In both cases, most of these systems lock when the vehicle is moving.

Is it against the new law to hold a phone in a hijab or other type of headscarf or wrap?

Having a cell phone tucked into a headscarf or head wrap is not against the hands-free cell phone law. The phone must be securely situated to remain hands-free and must not block the driver’s vision in any way.

What would be against the new law is if the driver removed the phone and held it in their hand while they were a part of traffic.

At no time may a driver hold the phone in their hand unless it’s to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.

The new law does allow a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.

If my teen is under 18 years old and has a driver’s permit or provisional driver’s license, can they use their phone in
hands-free mode?

The new hands-free law does not change anything for teens under 18 with a driver’s permit or provisional driver’s license: They cannot make or answer calls while driving (hand-held or hands-free). They can use their phone in hands-free mode in the following situations:

• Using their phone as a GPS device, but only in hands-free or voice-activated mode. They must set their destination before driving. They can’t hold their phone at any time.
• Listening to music or podcasts in hands-free or voice-activated mode is OK, but hand-held scrolling through playlists or channels is not allowed under the law.
• Calling 911 in an emergency situation. If there’s an immediate threat to life and safety, they can use the phone in either hand-held or hands-free mode.

Couldn’t I get distracted by my in-car screen or other distractions like eating, grooming, pets, passengers or reading a book? Why aren’t they covered?

Yes, there are many possible distractions when driving, but cell phone use presents a unique and complex challenge and is addressed by the hands-free law. A driver is still expected to avoid other distractions and drive with due care under other Minnesota traffic laws.

Are there penalties?

Yes. The first ticket is $50 plus court fees and the second and later tickets are $275 plus court fees.

Will this make the roads safer?

Yes, in two ways. In 12 of 15 states with hands-free laws, traffic fatalities have decreased by an average of 15 percent [Source: National Safety Council and Insurance Federation based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data].

This law will also help law enforcement keep Minnesotans safe. Because drivers aren’t allowed to have a phone in their hand, it’ll be easier for law enforcement to see violations and take more effective action.

Through public awareness and education, the goal is for Minnesotans to comply with the new law without enforcement action.

How to go hands-free (from cheapest to most expensive…)

1. Don’t use your phone when you drive. Put your phone in the glove compartment or trunk or backseat or turn on a do-not-disturb app and enjoy the drive. It’s free, and you will be surprised at how many new sights you will see on your drive. A number of large, successful companies have adopted no-phone-use policies for their employees while driving on company time, and after getting used to it, employees report being happier and at least as productive as when they used their phones.
2. Use a single earphone that has the microphone, and you are hands-free. Remember, using earphones in both ears at the same time is illegal in Minnesota.
3. Pair your phone to your current car or truck. If your existing vehicle and phone can talk to each other, pair up and go hands-free.
4. Buy an auxiliary cable and connect your phone’s earphone jack to your car’s AUX jack. You can operate your phone by voice or single touch and listen through your car’s audio system. Auxiliary cables can be purchased for less than $5.
5. If your car is older and doesn’t have an AUX jack but has a cassette player, you can buy an adapter that fits into the cassette player and allows you to connect your phone through the earphone jack. The cassette adapters cost about $30.
6. Buy a holder to clip your phone to the dash. You can use it in a voice-activated or single-touch mode. Clips can be simple and cheap or complicated. Make sure you get one that holds your phone securely. Prices range from less than $5 to $50.
7. Buy a Bluetooth speaker or earphone to pair with your phone. There are many after-market choices for both, all of which let you go hands-free. Prices are generally in the $10 to $50 range.

 more details

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

TSR Injury Law Partner Rich Ruohonen was singled out to receive the Minnesota Association for Justice 2008-09 Excellence Award. Each year this prestigious award honors an attorney who has given outstanding contributions of time and effort on behalf of the organization, has a personal commitment to excellence, and is diligent in community service.

Bloomington, MN (PRWEB) October 27, 2009 — TSR Injury Law Partner Rich Ruohonen received the Minnesota Association for Justice 2008-09 Excellence Award at their Annual Convention held in Alexandria, in August. The Minnesota Association for Justice annually recognizes a distinguished attorney who exemplifies the highest standard of personal and professional excellence in Minnesota.

“I am honored to be recognized for the work I have done for the organization over the past 13 years, but there are many other deserving members that also work tirelessly to help consumers and those injured by the negligent acts of others. Together we are trying to ensure that each and every citizen is guaranteed the right to justice. MAJ is an important organization for my clients. All the effort I put forth in that organization ends up directly benefitting injured persons in the long run. I intend to continue this effort and work with MAJ in the future,” said Rich Ruohonen in response to receiving this award.

Rich is a frequent speaker in continuing legal education seminars for the Minnesota Association for Justice. He is also on the Board of Governors and is involved in several committees for the organization including the Continuing Legal Education Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Legislative Committee. The Minnesota Association for Justice is an organization dedicated to the Constitution’s guarantee of justice for all. TSR Injury Law is a firm whose attorneys and employees share the same goals in helping those injured by the negligent acts of others.

Rich Ruohonen has dedicated his entire legal career to the practice of personal injury law, focusing on cases involving car accidents, traumatic brain injury (TBI), food poisoning, premises liability, medical malpractice, and product liability. He is a sought-after speaker and published writer on matters related to personal injury litigation.

At TSR Injury Law, we are committed to providing excellent service to our clients and our goal is to handle every facet of the legal claim to allow our clients to concentrate on healing. Since we focus on one area of the law, we feel we give the best representation possible. For more information, visit tsrinjurylaw.com or call 612-TSR-TIME for a free consultation. TSR Injury Law is located at 8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 1275, Bloomington, Minnesota 55437.

Steve Terry
Chuck Slane
Rich Ruohonen
8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 1275
Bloomington, Minnesota 55437
612-TSR-TIME
tsrinjurylaw.com
terryandslane.com
minnesotapersonal-injurylawyer.com

Steven Terry – A Reputation Built on Character and Results
By Haley Freeman

Click to read – Steve Terry TSR Injury Attorney of the Month

A well-recognized figure in the Twin Cities, Steven Terry is more than the founding partner of TSR Injury Law and the face that Minnesotans associate with the phrase “TSR Time.” Terry is a genuinely nice guy, husband and father, whose determination to do the right thing for injured people has guaranteed justice for thousands of Minnesota families.

Terry grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and was raised by a well-educated trio: his father, Dr. Robert Terry, his mother, Dr. Jo-Ann Terry and his Harvard-educated stepfather, Frank Steiner. He attended high school at the well-regarded Cass Technical High School (of which Diana Ross is an alumna), where he was a minority in an institution that occupied a full city block in a crime-ridden area of downtown. He moved to Minnesota to be near his father and attend the University of Minnesota, where he developed an interest in criminology and sociology. “I got it into my head that I wanted to be an FBI agent,” he said. “That was my goal and why I went to law school.”

During his second year at William Mitchell College of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and served on the law review, Terry’s FBI fantasy faded away. “I started taking classes in torts, medical malpractice and products liability. I could not believe how interesting this area of law was. The material was so logical and entertaining that I would read assignments before they were due.”

While having lunch with a fellow law student who was clerking for an insurance defense firm, Terry experienced an epiphany. “He told me about a case where his law firm planned to assert the Emergency Doctrine to defend a car crash case. I truly did not understand why he would want to do that since it would further hurt the already injured plaintiff. We had a fairly serious discussion that day about what is right and wrong, and it became clear that I was wired to help the injured person and hold tortfeasors accountable for their actions. Plaintiff ’s work was my future.”

After clerking for The Honorable Isabel Gomez and working briefly for a corporate firm (he quit after a month of reading bank contracts), Terry found a position with two solo personal injury practitioners who hired him as a clerk and eventually as an associate. He then received some sage advice from his now brother-in-law, Peter Barry, who suggested that he advertise in the yellow pages. His bosses, however, didn’t want to make the investment, so Terry took a loan out against his home and made an agreement to share the profits on whatever business came in. Only a year later, Terry had so much work that he signed a separation agreement, took along his secretary Sherri Beyenhof (now the lead paralegal and business manager of TSR) and opened up Terry & Associates.

Terry attributes a great portion of his professional success to the lessons and support he received from his parents. When he was unable to get a bank loan for his new business, Terry’s father “gutted his retirement and gave me the money. He said he knew I was going to succeed. I paid it back with interest in about eight months, and the funds were very helpful, but it was his faith in me that I valued most. My mom instilled a hard work ethic (she earned her doctorate at the University of Michigan while raising me and working fulltime) and always showed me uncompromising love no matter how bad I messed up – loving me for who I am and not trying to make me into somebody else. I’ve always known that if things didn’t go well for me, I could only blame myself, because it was not for lack of foundation given to me by my parents.”

Eighty hour work weeks lasted a few years, and help was needed. The firm soon became Terry & Slane, when Terry was joined by his law school buddy, Chuck Slane. “Chuck used to give me files to litigate that his old firm did not want to handle. After a few years of handoffs, we decided working together would be better.” The firm’s next incarnation came when they were joined by Rich Ruohonen. “It is pronounced like Rich is ‘ruinin’’ the law firm,” Terry explained with his characteristic good humor. “So the firm became TSR, because nobody could pronounce Rich’s last name.”

Each attorney played to their strengths. Slane took over litigation; Terry focused on marketing, business development, firm management; and Ruohonen did both, often explaining “how his back hurts from carrying both of us.” By the time partners Nate Bjerke and Erik Willer came on board, the TSR brand was well-established and the firm elected not to change its name again.

Today, TSR Injury Law has grown to five partners, five associates and 27 staff members. Terry maintains a busy practice, consistently representing 200 clients and managing the firm. TSR’s continued growth is rooted in its culture of expert care, where clients are ethically represented and cases are rigorously pursued. Terry explains that while the TSR brand has become a local icon, it is the firm’s reputation for getting results that brings clients through the door. “Even though we advertise, the majority of our new business comes from current and past clients and from other professionals. We may not be very well-liked by the insurance companies’ bean counters, but the defense lawyers and claim adjusters refer their family to us when they need an attorney. They know who does it the right way and gets results. That’s the greatest testimonial there is.”

About the firm’s sometimes controversial advertising image, Terry said, “I’ve had many lawyers come up and say they don’t like advertising in general, but respect our firm because we do a great job. We don’t just settle and get rid of cases. We try cases and get results. I can’t think of another plaintiff ’s firm that is trying as many cases as we are right now. Our best marketing is our results. Even if we lose at trial, our other clients win because insurance companies offer better settlements knowing we will not go away.”

Because of those litigation results, other firms are sending their cases to TSR. “When someone brings us a case, we take over and prepare it for trial. There are numerous instances when we show up at the first hearing and the insurance company will up their last ‘final offer.’ Over time, the momentum of what my litigation partners have created is the expectation of victory. We are serious about trying cases when offers are not fair. We recently added a courtroom to the firm so our attorneys can better practice and prepare for trial.”

Terry is also the current president of the Minnesota Association for Justice (formerly Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association). He has been on MAJ’s board of governors for almost 10 years with the last five on the presidential track. He became an active participant in the association as a new attorney, serving on its many committees and learning from more experienced lawyers. “I got involved, and those lawyers all took me under their wing,” he said.

As president, he is often at the legislature alongside executive director, Carla Ferrucci, and lobbyist, Joel Carlson, monitoring legislative hearings and promoting consumer rights bills that better protect Minnesota families. “Right now there is a Republican-led debate about rampant insurance fraud in Minnesota. National experts are brought in claiming Minnesota is under attack. The examples given, however, are problems in other states. What is frustrating is no one is pro-fraud. Consumers do not endorse insurance fraud and MAJ certainly does not endorse fraud. But, the question of how big the problem really is in Minnesota and what to do about it is debatable. Insurance companies have proposed that we eliminate certain consumer rights to curb fraud (with the clear inevitable result of protecting and increasing their profits). Instead, MAJ advocates for the enforcement of already existing consumer protection laws, which will achieve the same outcome while protecting current consumer rights. We don’t need more laws, we just need to enforce those we already have.”

Often honored by his peers, Terry has been recognized as a Minnesota Rising Star and Super Lawyer, and he received the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Award for Professional Excellence for his generous pro bono work on the 35W Bridge Collapse Consortium.

Terry is well-known in the Twin Cities, and is frequently seen court-side rooting for the Timberwolves or in his helmet and leathers riding his Harley. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two daughters, and Terry expresses that he likes officing close to his home and kid’s schools so he can be on hand to attend all of their extracurricular events.

His tenacity and unwavering commitment to his own principles have resulted in a gratifying and successful career. “I feel blessed to be where I am. This is absolutely what I was supposed to do with my life. Sometimes I can’t believe that I’ve found a way to practice law, run a business, do exactly what I’m good at and get to work with law partners that are true friends. I truly believe that a personal injury law firm can be aggressive and ethical while still being successful.”

TSR Injury Law has financially supported Toys for Tots for years. In addition to simply writing a Firm check, Steven Terry and family go shopping for kids! We often use multiple vehicles to transport toys since one is not enough. This tradition is a great away to teach our families that not everyone is as fortunate as we are. Every year we focus on a different age group. Thinking about what teenagers versus toddlers want for the holidays is part of the fun challenge. The toys have been delivered to many local businesses to help them support this worthy cause.

On March 4 2011 the Food and Drug Administration released a recall of several brand names of hazelnuts and mixed nuts manufactured by Defranco & Sons out of Los Angeles. To date there have been seven known cases of e coli outbreaks in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin due to the consumption of these nuts.

TSR Injury Law represents one of the 7 victims from the Hazelnut E coli outbreak. We are dedicated to helping those suffering the serious and potentially life threatening consequences of this outbreak. If you have been impacted by this outbreak or any food poisoning then it is important that you seek legal counsel.

E Coli Hazelnut Outbreak Recall

The recalled brand names include Sunripe Mixed Nuts, Sunripe Hazelnuts and George Packing Hazelnuts. There is a possibility that the mixed nuts and hazelnuts may also have been sold as bulk to consumers. The nuts have been sold and packaged in super markets across America and Canada during the months of November and December. Stores in Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Montana have been put on alert. While a recall notice has been released, many people may already have purchased and consumed the product without knowing the dangers.

E Coli Hazelnut Kidney Damage

E coli is a type of food poisoning that results in abdominal cramping, diarrhea and bloody stools. While most victims will recover within a week, there is a chance that E coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which can lead to kidney damage. This occurs after an infection of the digestive system due to food poisoning. E coli can lodge into the digestive system and release toxins into the blood stream. This can destroy red blood cells and cause them to clog in the blood vessels located in the kidney. Your kidneys may be blocked up by these blood vessels making it harder to remove waste and fluid from the body.

HUS symptoms include fever, vomiting, weakness, lethargy as well as paleness, swollen limbs, jaundice, unusual bleeding and bruising and extreme fatigue. You may be hospitalized and require immediate medical attention if suffering from this serious and potentially life threatening infection.

E Coli Nut Recall Notice

Some of the victims affected by the contaminated nuts have been hospitalized and face severe symptoms, pain and suffering. The victims include children, adults as well as people over the age of 50. It is believed that more victims will come forward about their illness and suffering.

Children and the elderly are most at risk for potentially life threatening consequences of this outbreak. It is imperative that you monitor your children if they have consumed any nuts that may have been contaminated.

Hazelnut E Coli Outbreak Lawyer

Facing a serious illness like E coli can be both physically and emotionally draining. You should not have to suffer from this in silence. Hazelnut E coli victims can get the help they deserve by contacting TSR Injury Law firm. You may be eligible for compensation from liable parties including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Other damages

For further inquiries about the E Coli Hazelnut Outbreak Recall, feel free to call a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer from TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME or send an e-mail by clicking on this link: contact us.

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.

TSR Injury Law has supported Minnesota MADD for over a decade. One of the biggest fundraisers is the “Walk Like Madd” event. This yearly activity raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to support MADD’s mission. Over 700 participants enjoy free food, beverages and safety activities presents by many vendors. TSR has fielded a walk team for years. Not only do the lawyers show up, but many Firm staff bring their families, including dogs, for the walk. It is also a great opportunity for victim’s families to remember their loved ones and support a worthy cause to eliminate future drunk driver victims.

Walk Like MADD is a fundraising event to increase awareness for MADD’s programs and services as they strive to keep our children and communities safe.

Who Can Participate in the Walk Like MADD Event?

Everyone is encouraged to bring:

• a friend
• a family member
• a co-worker
• your children
• your dog

Event Activities

• Health and Safety Fair
• Survivor Area
• Kid’s Area
• Pet Area
• Hospitality Area

TSR Injury Law Walk Like MADD Team

TSR Injury Law has had a long-standing relationship with MADD Minnesota. TSR Injury Law partners Steve Terry, Chuck Slane, and Rich Ruohonen will be at the 2010 Walk Like MADD event and will participate in the annual 5K walk. Come and meet your favorite Minneapolis personal injury lawyer — see for yourself their compassion and concern for the victims of drunk drivers. If a drunk driving tragedy has impacted your family, talk to one of them about a free consultation or call (612) TSR-TIME.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 17, 2018 

CONTACT:

Carla Ferrucci, Executive Director
Minnesota Association for Justice
(612) 375-1707 Office
(612) 532-5060 Cell 

The Minnesota Association for Justice

Elects New President – Richard Ruohonen

With the Theme “Think Like There is No Box,”

Richard Ruohonen becomes 64th President of the Minnesota Association for Justice

Brainerd, Minn. – Twin Cities attorney Richard A. Ruohonen was elected president of the Minnesota Association for Justice (MAJ) at the association’s annual convention, which took place on August 17, 2018 in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Mr. Ruohonen pledged to use his one-year term as president to help eliminate barriers that injured consumers encounter when seeking justice in our court system, enhance the professional development of the association’s membership by providing diverse and cutting-edge legal education, and to ensure the sustainability of the association, which has been dedicated to these goals for more than 60 years.

The Minnesota Association for Justice is committed to our Constitution’s guarantee of justice and equal protections for all promotes that mission in all its work. As president, Mr. Ruohonen will lead MAJ’s efforts to ensure that our right to a trial by jury is not undermined in the courts – or at the State Capitol.

“Our mission is to protect everyone’s access to the courts. We actively oppose legislative proposals that undermine or eliminate our legal rights in Minnesota,” Mr. Ruohonen said. “In addition to our legislative advocacy, my presidency will also encourage our members to think creatively in their practice of law: to take some chances to advance your client’s cause, try things you’ve never done before, and adapt your practice with our changing times. Our annual convention theme is, ‘Think Like There is No Box,’ because we want our members to go far beyond their comfort zone. Helping the injured today takes a lot of creativity, tenacity and passion for seeking justice. That is how I practice law and that is how I intend to lead this organization in the coming year.”

Mr. Ruohonen has dedicated his legal career to the practice of personal injury law, where he helps injured people obtain justice by holding those responsible accountable for their actions. He earned his B.A. from Hamline University, with honors, and subsequently received his law degree, with honors, from the Hamline University School of Law.

Rich Ruohonen is consistently named as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine. Rich focuses his practice on cases involving car accidents, traumatic brain injury (TBI), food poisoning, premises liability, daycare liability and product liability. He has represented hundreds of victims of various personal injury accidents and has tried numerous cases to a jury with excellent results.

Mr. Ruohonen is married to Sherry and they have two children, Hannah and Nicholas. Both children are active in sports, including softball, baseball and hockey. Rich helps coach his children’s sports activities in his spare time and is an avid participant in the sport of curling. As a curler, Rich has been to several national championships and is a two-time national champion. He went on to compete in two world championships the most recent one in 2018 held in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also enjoys fishing and water sports in the summer. 

About The Minnesota Association for Justice

The Minnesota Association for Justice (MAJ) is a professional association of attorneys who represent Minnesotans wrongfully harmed or suffer injuries to their person, property or violations or their civil or human rights. MAJ defends the rights guaranteed by the Constitutions and laws of the United States and Minnesota, foremost among them our right to a trial by a jury of their peers and advocates for public policies that enhance consumer protections, accountability and equal access to justice for all. 

Original Press Release

TSR Injury Law Partner and Minnesota Top 40 Plaintiff’s Attorney Charles Slane spoke at a Litigation Arbitration Continuing Legal Education Seminar for the Minnesota Association for Justice. The seminar was entitled “No Fault Arbitrations” and was chaired by TSR Injury Law attorney Erik Willer and Jamie Sonsteby.

Bloomington, MN (PRWEB) November 24 — TSR Injury Law Partner and Minnesota Top 40 Plaintiff’s Attorney Charles Slane spoke at a Litigation Arbitration Continuing Legal Education Seminar for the Minnesota Association for Justice, on November 13, 2009. The seminar was chaired by TSR Injury Law attorney Erik Willer and Jamie Sonsteby. These legal education seminars are held to share the knowledge of the profession to improve the quality of advocacy in the state of Minnesota.

The seminar was entitled “No-Fault Arbitrations” and featured 6 speakers. Chuck Slane opened the seminar with the topic “Why and When to Arbitrate, or Not.” Erik Willer gave the final presentation entitled “New Defense Tactics Seeking to Strike Plaintiffs’ Attorneys as Arbitrators.”

Chuck’s 30-minute presentation addressed the strategies of using rule 68 offers of settlement, collecting penalty interest, and imposing penalties for failing to handle claims in good faith. He shared insight developed from his practice on how to hold insurance carriers accountable when they fail to pay benefits. Specifically, Chuck discussed the benefits of litigating no-fault benefit denials rather than submitting the claim to arbitration.

Chuck Slane is on the board of governors for the Minnesota Association for Justice and is a sought after and frequent lecturer on topics regarding litigation in the personal injury arena. He has extensive trial experience in many different types of personal injury claims including automobile accidents, premises liability, dram shop, wrongful death, and insurance coverage cases.

TSR Injury Law is fast becoming one of the most prominent personal injury law firms in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the state of Minnesota. All three partners are highly regarded speakers and considered experts in litigation and personal injury law. For more information, visit https://www.tsrinjurylaw.com or call Chuck Slane at 612-TSR-TIME for a free consultation. TSR Injury Law has offices at 8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 1275, Bloomington, Minnesota 55437.

Steve Terry
Chuck Slane
Rich Ruohonen
8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 1275
Bloomington, Minnesota 55437
612-TSR-TIME
tsrinjurylaw.com
terryandslane.com
minnesotapersonal-injurylawyer.com

Bloomington, MN (PRWEB) December 9, 2009 — Minnesota Law & Politics has released their annual list of Rising Stars, the state’s top up-and-coming attorneys. TSR Injury Law is pleased to congratulate Erik Willer, personal injury attorney with our firm, for being selected as a 2010 Rising Star.

Rising Stars are limited to attorneys who are 40 or younger or have been practicing for 10 years or less. Only the top 2.5% of Minnesota attorneys are named Rising Stars, based on votes from attorneys throughout the state who nominated the best attorneys they have personally observed in action, of that 2.5% only a few are personal injury lawyers. The attorney-led research team then reviews the credentials, licensure, and standing of potential candidates, assigning points based on predetermined evaluation criteria. The list is compiled and the lawyers with the highest point totals are named Minnesota Rising Stars.

Minnesota personal injury attorney Erik Willer received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan where he was awarded class honors. Before starting law school, Erik worked at a large law firm in Washington, D.C. and with the D.C. City Attorney’s office in the area of child abuse and neglect. In 2000, he entered the University of Minnesota School of Law where he served as Managing Editor of the Minnesota Intellectual Property Review.

Since entering the practice of law, Erik has worked tirelessly as an advocate for his clients, focusing his entire career on the representation of injured people. Erik has successfully represented clients at the trial court, Court of Appeals, and Minnesota Supreme Court in cases ranging from auto accidents, dog bites, and premises liability claims to traumatic brain injury claims and wrongful death actions. He is actively involved with Minnesota Association for Justice, serving on its Board of Governors and numerous committees.

TSR Injury Law is a leading personal injury law firm serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the state of Minnesota. We are committed to providing excellent service to our clients and our goal is to handle every facet of the legal claim to allow our clients to concentrate on healing. We have helped thousands of people recover millions in deserved compensation. For more information, visit www.tsrinjurylaw.com. TSR Injury Law is located at 8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 1275, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55437.

Steve Terry
Chuck Slane
Rich Ruohonen
8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 1275
Bloomington, Minnesota 55437
(612) TSR-TIME

www.tsrinjurylaw.com
www.terryandslane.com
www.minnesotapersonal-injurylawyer.com
www.mncaraccidentlaw.com

Being selected a Minnesota Super Lawyer is an honor bestowed on only 5% of all lawyers in the state. The process is facilitated by Super Lawyers and Law & Politics magazines. Lawyers are nominated by their peers based on professional achievements in:

• verdicts and settlements
• transactions
• representative clients
• experience
• honors and awards
• special licenses and certifications
• position within law firm
• bar / other professional activities
• pro bono and community service as a lawyer
• scholarly lectures and writings
• education and employment background
• other outstanding achievements

After being nominated, the candidates are reviewed and rated. The top 5%, who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, are selected and the lists are published in Super Lawyers and Law & Politics. We are proud to report that our partners have been named Super Lawyers many times.