Experienced Minnesota Attorneys/Lawyers
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Top Verdicts & Settlements
Product Liability
Brain Injuries
Description:
This case involved a 19-year-old young man who was working in a local gas station in rural Minnesota. The trial was one of the longest jury trials for a single injured plaintiff in Minnesota history. This major product liability case was appealed all the way to the United States Supreme Court, which ultimately upheld the verdict as reduced by the Minnesota Supreme Court. The result was not only a successful recovery for the plaintiff, but also established legal rights for protection of the public and those injured by defective products. The Minnesota Supreme Court reduced the original verdict to $8,200,000.00 as follows: $3,700,000.00 compensatory damages and $4,500,000.00 punitive damages.
This case involved a 19-year-old young man who was working in a local gas station in rural Minnesota. The trial was one of the longest jury trials for a single injured plaintiff in Minnesota history. This major product liability case was appealed all the way to the United States Supreme Court, which ultimately upheld the verdict as reduced by the Minnesota Supreme Court. The result was not only a successful recovery for the plaintiff, but also established legal rights for protection of the public and those injured by defective products. The Minnesota Supreme Court reduced the original verdict to $8,200,000.00 as follows: $3,700,000.00 compensatory damages and $4,500,000.00 punitive damages.
School Accident
Brain Injuries
Description:
A 16 year old teenager suffered a traumatic brain injury during a private school physical education golf class when she was struck in the head by a golf ball hit by another student. The school asked the Court to dismiss the case claiming that the girl had assumed the risk of injury. A federal court judge denied the school's request because the school had a duty to provide a safe class environment. In fact, questions existed about whether the school did so. The case later settled for $10 million.
A 16 year old teenager suffered a traumatic brain injury during a private school physical education golf class when she was struck in the head by a golf ball hit by another student. The school asked the Court to dismiss the case claiming that the girl had assumed the risk of injury. A federal court judge denied the school's request because the school had a duty to provide a safe class environment. In fact, questions existed about whether the school did so. The case later settled for $10 million.
Grain elevator explosion
Traumatic Brain Injury
Description:
A young farmer suffered a severe brain injury in a grain elevator explosion, leaving him in a persistent vegetative state. A settlement was negotiated with the elevator's insurance carrier without a lawsuit.
A young farmer suffered a severe brain injury in a grain elevator explosion, leaving him in a persistent vegetative state. A settlement was negotiated with the elevator's insurance carrier without a lawsuit.
Lawyer Team:
James S Ballentine
James S Ballentine
Semi Tractor -Trailer Accident
Traumatic Brain Injury
Description:
A 35-year-old mother and wife suffered brain damage and the loss of one leg as a result of a collision with a semi tractor-trailer which pulled out onto a highway in a thick fog. Pretrial investigation revealed that the truck driver had been warned shortly before the accident not to drive until the fog lifted.
A 35-year-old mother and wife suffered brain damage and the loss of one leg as a result of a collision with a semi tractor-trailer which pulled out onto a highway in a thick fog. Pretrial investigation revealed that the truck driver had been warned shortly before the accident not to drive until the fog lifted.
Medical Malpractice
Brain Injuries
Description:
This case involved a recovery for a victim of medical malpractice. The plaintiff, an Army veteran, went to a hospital in Southern Minnesota reporting that he had blacked-out while driving his car. Investigation revealed a large aneurysm (a weakening in the wall of the blood vessel) in his brain. Because he had no health insurance, the plaintiff went to the Veteran's Hospital in Minneapolis. There, investigation confirmed the presence of the aneurysm. The decision was made to undertake surgery. Surgery was scheduled for a Monday morning, but when the plaintiff arrived at the hospital on Sunday afternoon, he was told that no one knew anything about the scheduling of the surgery; despite the fact the nurse's notes specifically reflected that Plaintiff was to return that day for preparation for surgery. The plaintiff was sent home, with instructions to return the next morning to meet with the surgeon. Plaintiff and his family arrived at 10:00 a.m., and were not seen by the surgeon until 5:00 p.m. At that time, the Neurosurgical resident informed him that she had no idea why he was there, that surgery had not been scheduled, and he should go home and wait to hear from them. Five days later the aneurysm ruptured, and the plaintiff was profoundly brain damaged.
This case involved a recovery for a victim of medical malpractice. The plaintiff, an Army veteran, went to a hospital in Southern Minnesota reporting that he had blacked-out while driving his car. Investigation revealed a large aneurysm (a weakening in the wall of the blood vessel) in his brain. Because he had no health insurance, the plaintiff went to the Veteran's Hospital in Minneapolis. There, investigation confirmed the presence of the aneurysm. The decision was made to undertake surgery. Surgery was scheduled for a Monday morning, but when the plaintiff arrived at the hospital on Sunday afternoon, he was told that no one knew anything about the scheduling of the surgery; despite the fact the nurse's notes specifically reflected that Plaintiff was to return that day for preparation for surgery. The plaintiff was sent home, with instructions to return the next morning to meet with the surgeon. Plaintiff and his family arrived at 10:00 a.m., and were not seen by the surgeon until 5:00 p.m. At that time, the Neurosurgical resident informed him that she had no idea why he was there, that surgery had not been scheduled, and he should go home and wait to hear from them. Five days later the aneurysm ruptured, and the plaintiff was profoundly brain damaged.
Train Accidents
Brain Injuries
Description:
The claimant's family lost a son and brother, and a young boy was left brain-injured as a result of a car/train collision. This confidential multi-million dollar settlement allowed for structured annuity to pay necessities and income loss of the young boy and relieve the financial burden on the parents. The wrongful death settlement will allow for the college education and early adulthood start-up expenses for the surviving sibling.
The claimant's family lost a son and brother, and a young boy was left brain-injured as a result of a car/train collision. This confidential multi-million dollar settlement allowed for structured annuity to pay necessities and income loss of the young boy and relieve the financial burden on the parents. The wrongful death settlement will allow for the college education and early adulthood start-up expenses for the surviving sibling.
Pedestrian Accidents
Brain Injuries
Description:
A 3 yr old boy was running to his babysitter in crosswalk in a recreational area when he was struck by a truck. He suffered numerous injuries but the most severe was a brachial plexus (loss of use of right arm) and brain injury (several difficulties in cognitive functioning are consistent with brain trauma). He was able to maintain his grade level after accident but continues to receive counseling. Settlement was $4.5 million with a structure that Guarantees payment of $10,014,632.00 with a probable payment of $20,551,285.00.
A 3 yr old boy was running to his babysitter in crosswalk in a recreational area when he was struck by a truck. He suffered numerous injuries but the most severe was a brachial plexus (loss of use of right arm) and brain injury (several difficulties in cognitive functioning are consistent with brain trauma). He was able to maintain his grade level after accident but continues to receive counseling. Settlement was $4.5 million with a structure that Guarantees payment of $10,014,632.00 with a probable payment of $20,551,285.00.
Semi tractor-trailer Accident
Traumatic Brain Injury
Description:
The case involved a 47-year-old woman who was a passenger in a van that was rear ended by a semi tractor-trailer, in Orlando, Florida.
The case involved a 47-year-old woman who was a passenger in a van that was rear ended by a semi tractor-trailer, in Orlando, Florida.
Semi Tractor-Trailer Accident
Multiple Fractures / Serious Brain Injury
Description:
The case involved a serious crash that occurred on a Twin Cities freeway when a semi-tractor trailer lost control while going westbound on a six-lane freeway and jackknifed into the eastbound lanes, striking Mr. A's van. Mr. A was trapped for almost two hours in the vehicle and suffered severe injuries, including a badly fractured hip, mulitple skull fractures, a serious brain injury and a fracture of the left arm. After over two months of hospitalization, he was released, and required follow-up hip replacement surgery and was left with the effects of his brain injury leaving him permanently disabled from his prior work in real estate.
Prompt investigation by experts hired by Mr. Riley, including the downloading of the "black box" data in the truck, showed that the truck driver's explaination of how the crash occurred was untrue. Because Mr. A was self-employed, Mr. Riley retained multiple experts to explain the income he was losing as a result of the crash, as well as experts to testify regarding his future medical care needs.
The matter was settled at mediation for $3,400,000.00.
The case involved a serious crash that occurred on a Twin Cities freeway when a semi-tractor trailer lost control while going westbound on a six-lane freeway and jackknifed into the eastbound lanes, striking Mr. A's van. Mr. A was trapped for almost two hours in the vehicle and suffered severe injuries, including a badly fractured hip, mulitple skull fractures, a serious brain injury and a fracture of the left arm. After over two months of hospitalization, he was released, and required follow-up hip replacement surgery and was left with the effects of his brain injury leaving him permanently disabled from his prior work in real estate.
Prompt investigation by experts hired by Mr. Riley, including the downloading of the "black box" data in the truck, showed that the truck driver's explaination of how the crash occurred was untrue. Because Mr. A was self-employed, Mr. Riley retained multiple experts to explain the income he was losing as a result of the crash, as well as experts to testify regarding his future medical care needs.
The matter was settled at mediation for $3,400,000.00.
Semi-Tractor Trailer Accident
Traumatic Brain Injury
Description:
The case involves a 46 year old man whose vehicle was struck by a semi tractor trailer that crossed over into his lane of traffic. The plaintiff was hospitalized for 2 weeks and unable to return to work because of his injuries.
The case involves a 46 year old man whose vehicle was struck by a semi tractor trailer that crossed over into his lane of traffic. The plaintiff was hospitalized for 2 weeks and unable to return to work because of his injuries.
Product Liability
Brain Injury
Description:
The case involved an 18-year-old young man who was a passenger in a friend's car when it struck one of two horses that suddenly appeared on a dark country road. The weight of the horse collapsed the passenger side of the car, causing a significant head injury which resulted in blindness. Subsequent investigation indicated that the horse had escaped from a pasture, which was delineated by two strands of Baygard HV Electric Fence Tape. The tape was not fit to be used as a permanent fence to restrain horses.
The case involved an 18-year-old young man who was a passenger in a friend's car when it struck one of two horses that suddenly appeared on a dark country road. The weight of the horse collapsed the passenger side of the car, causing a significant head injury which resulted in blindness. Subsequent investigation indicated that the horse had escaped from a pasture, which was delineated by two strands of Baygard HV Electric Fence Tape. The tape was not fit to be used as a permanent fence to restrain horses.
Automobile Accident
Daughter - fractures and head injury with personality change, Death of her unborn son, Mother - fracture and head injury.
Description:
The case involved a woman and her pregnant daughter who were injured by a careless truck driver.
The case involved a woman and her pregnant daughter who were injured by a careless truck driver.
Semi Truck Accident
Brain Injury and Neck Injury
Description:
This jury verdict was for a 44 year-old farm wife who suffered a closed head injury and neck fusion in a tractor/semi accident.
This jury verdict was for a 44 year-old farm wife who suffered a closed head injury and neck fusion in a tractor/semi accident.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Traumatic brain Injury
Description:
The case involved a 14-year-old young man who was injured when the pick up in which he was riding in rolled over. The defendant, a minor, who was driving the vehicle, was intoxicated.
The case involved a 14-year-old young man who was injured when the pick up in which he was riding in rolled over. The defendant, a minor, who was driving the vehicle, was intoxicated.
Premise Liability
Brain Injury
Description:
The case involved a middle aged man who suffered a closed head injury as the result of the negligence of the defendant resort. He was in a coma for 10 Days. The plaintiff had an excellent recovery with some long-term memory loss. After rehab care he was able to work as a store manager within six months of the injury.
The case involved a middle aged man who suffered a closed head injury as the result of the negligence of the defendant resort. He was in a coma for 10 Days. The plaintiff had an excellent recovery with some long-term memory loss. After rehab care he was able to work as a store manager within six months of the injury.
Car Accidents
Head injury with dizziness and post-traumatic stress disorder
Description:
The case involved a store manager who suffered physical and psychological injuries following a rear-end motor vehicle accident.
The case involved a store manager who suffered physical and psychological injuries following a rear-end motor vehicle accident.
Automobile Accident
Traumatic Brain Injury stitches under her right eye, fluid in her stomach and they removed part of the small intestine.
Description:
The case involved a 46-year-old woman who was driving her car when a commercial pick up truck that did not see a stop sign hit her broadside going 55 mph.
The case involved a 46-year-old woman who was driving her car when a commercial pick up truck that did not see a stop sign hit her broadside going 55 mph.
Medical Malpractice
Brain Injuries
Description:
This case involved the labor and delivery of a child. The fetal heart monitor showed early signs of fetal distress and the doctor failed to perform an early cesarean section. A cesarean section was eventually performed and the child was born, but suffered brain damage with residual spastic quadriplegia and mental retardation. The settlement was structured to provide a lifetime of care and support for the child.
This case involved the labor and delivery of a child. The fetal heart monitor showed early signs of fetal distress and the doctor failed to perform an early cesarean section. A cesarean section was eventually performed and the child was born, but suffered brain damage with residual spastic quadriplegia and mental retardation. The settlement was structured to provide a lifetime of care and support for the child.
Automobile Accident
Traumatic Brain Injury
Description:
A physician was shoveling snow in his driveway one morning before work when a car being driven by a lawyer slid into him, causing a brain injury. The lawyer's insurance policy provided only $100,000.00 of coverage, but additional coverage through the lawyer's law firm was established by proof that the lawyer was driving from home to court, rather than to his office, and was therefore legally considered to be on the job at the time of the accident.
A physician was shoveling snow in his driveway one morning before work when a car being driven by a lawyer slid into him, causing a brain injury. The lawyer's insurance policy provided only $100,000.00 of coverage, but additional coverage through the lawyer's law firm was established by proof that the lawyer was driving from home to court, rather than to his office, and was therefore legally considered to be on the job at the time of the accident.
Semi tractor-trailer Accident
facial Injuries: brain Injury, aggravation of pre-existing Huntington's Disease
Description:
The case involved semi-truck traveling too fast for a curve and tipped over onto a young driver's vehicle.
The case involved semi-truck traveling too fast for a curve and tipped over onto a young driver's vehicle.
Slip, Trip and Fall
Traumatic Brain Injury
Description:
his case involves a 56 year old man who slipped and fell at a business center. The fall was caused by ice build up coming out of the drain pipe. The claim was that the drain pipe was situated hazardously and the owners of the center failed to do anything to correct the problem. Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was working at the time of the fall so workers compensation paid all his medical bills and wage loss and assigned their rights to recovery back to the plaintiff. This case settled for $1,054,418.00.
his case involves a 56 year old man who slipped and fell at a business center. The fall was caused by ice build up coming out of the drain pipe. The claim was that the drain pipe was situated hazardously and the owners of the center failed to do anything to correct the problem. Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was working at the time of the fall so workers compensation paid all his medical bills and wage loss and assigned their rights to recovery back to the plaintiff. This case settled for $1,054,418.00.
Automobile Accident
Severe post traumatic headaches, cervical strain
Description:
Plaintiff's vehicle was rearended by the Defendant and pushed into the motor vehicle in front resulting in 3 totaled vehicles. The Plaintiff's head was split open when he was thrown forward into the windshield. His seat was sheared off at impact and after hitting the windshield he was thrown backward to the floor of the back seat. The Plaintiff was taken by ambulance to Regions Hospital.
Plaintiff's vehicle was rearended by the Defendant and pushed into the motor vehicle in front resulting in 3 totaled vehicles. The Plaintiff's head was split open when he was thrown forward into the windshield. His seat was sheared off at impact and after hitting the windshield he was thrown backward to the floor of the back seat. The Plaintiff was taken by ambulance to Regions Hospital.
Automobile Accident
Closed head injury, neck and back injury
Description:
The case involved several laborers who were injured in a rollover highway accident.
The case involved several laborers who were injured in a rollover highway accident.
Automobile Accident
Brain Injuries
Description:
The case involved a young man who sustains a serious brain injury when a vehicle pulling a trailer was unable to stop and collided with his car. The case settled the morning of closing arguments after a four-week trial.
The case involved a young man who sustains a serious brain injury when a vehicle pulling a trailer was unable to stop and collided with his car. The case settled the morning of closing arguments after a four-week trial.
Automobile Accident
Brain Injuries
Description:
The case involved a 7-year-old little girl who suffered a closed head injury when her bicycle was struck by a speeding automobile.
The case involved a 7-year-old little girl who suffered a closed head injury when her bicycle was struck by a speeding automobile.
Auto Accidents
Brain Injuries
Description:
This case involved an 18-year-old woman who pulled from a stop sign and was struck by a speeding pick up truck. She sustained brain damage, but is able to take care of her daily cares. A settlement was placed into a structured settlement in a special needs trust that will provide for the special needs of the client for the remainder of her life.
This case involved an 18-year-old woman who pulled from a stop sign and was struck by a speeding pick up truck. She sustained brain damage, but is able to take care of her daily cares. A settlement was placed into a structured settlement in a special needs trust that will provide for the special needs of the client for the remainder of her life.
Car Accidents
Brain Injuries
Description:
This case involved a husband and father who was employed in the meat department of the local food store who suffered a closed head injury in a motor vehicle collision. This man sustained a permanent disability, which entitled him to social security and disability benefits. Additionally, the liability settlement was placed in a structured annuity returning many times its value to the plaintiff and his family.
This case involved a husband and father who was employed in the meat department of the local food store who suffered a closed head injury in a motor vehicle collision. This man sustained a permanent disability, which entitled him to social security and disability benefits. Additionally, the liability settlement was placed in a structured annuity returning many times its value to the plaintiff and his family.
Auto Accidents
Closed head injury
Description:
The case involved a man who suffered a closed head injury in a collision with a cement truck.
The case involved a man who suffered a closed head injury in a collision with a cement truck.
Semi Truck Accidents/Auto Accident
1. Head. Client suffered a blow to the head, possible concussion. 2. Right side pelvis. The client suffered significant fracture to the right pelvic area. 3. Low back pain. 4. Stitches to the left hand and wrist. 5. Right knee, four stitches. 6. Left Lung
Description:
The case involved a 33-year-old man who was driving home is car, when the defendanta^s tractor-trailer runs a red light broad siding his vehicle.
The case involved a 33-year-old man who was driving home is car, when the defendanta^s tractor-trailer runs a red light broad siding his vehicle.
Automobile Accident
Traumatic Brain Injury, fractured pelvis
Description:
This case involved a 16-year-old young woman, who was driving through an intersection in Elk River, when a pick up pulling a full trailer of asphalt ran the red light an crashed into the young woman.
This case involved a 16-year-old young woman, who was driving through an intersection in Elk River, when a pick up pulling a full trailer of asphalt ran the red light an crashed into the young woman.
Slip and Fall
Traumatic Brian Injury
Description:
The case involved a young man who slipped on the ice and fell outside of a restaurant. He struck his head on the ground causing him to have short-term memory loss. The defendant denied negligence and offered zero before trial.
The case involved a young man who slipped on the ice and fell outside of a restaurant. He struck his head on the ground causing him to have short-term memory loss. The defendant denied negligence and offered zero before trial.
Auto Accidents / Traumatic Brain Injuy / Broken Bone
traumatic brain injury, left mandibular fracture, and rib fractures
Description:
The case involved a 24-year-old young man who was helping people out of the ditch during a snowstorm. After helping all the people out of the ditch, he returned to his car and was hit from behind by two cars driving at excessive speed.
The case involved a 24-year-old young man who was helping people out of the ditch during a snowstorm. After helping all the people out of the ditch, he returned to his car and was hit from behind by two cars driving at excessive speed.
Construction Accidents
Mild Head Injury
Description:
Sheet Rock taper fell through unguarded hole in floor. Primary claim was asserted against general contractor who had overall responsibility for site safety.
Sheet Rock taper fell through unguarded hole in floor. Primary claim was asserted against general contractor who had overall responsibility for site safety.
Automobile Accident
Brain Injuries
Description:
The case involved a young man injured while a passenger in a motor vehicle accident.
The case involved a young man injured while a passenger in a motor vehicle accident.
Automobile Accident
Closed head injury, short term memory problems, low back pain, tendonitis in the right shoulder, left arm both bones radius and ulnar broke, both had plates and pins, splinectomy for lacerated spleen with 4 units of blood, right ankle fracture, screws ins
Description:
The case involved a 46-year-old female nurse who was on her way home in the rain when another driver lost control of his car and hit her head on.
The case involved a 46-year-old female nurse who was on her way home in the rain when another driver lost control of his car and hit her head on.
Semi Truck Accidents
posterior labral tear, right shoulder adhesive capsulitis (surgery), disc bulge at C5-6, Head Injury
Description:
The case involved a 40-year-old mother who was heading from her parents home in Watertown to her home. She was driving her 1994 Chevrolet Blazer. Heading westbound on Highway 55. She stopped in a long line of traffic. Her car was struck from behind by an International semi tractor- trailer truck.
The case involved a 40-year-old mother who was heading from her parents home in Watertown to her home. She was driving her 1994 Chevrolet Blazer. Heading westbound on Highway 55. She stopped in a long line of traffic. Her car was struck from behind by an International semi tractor- trailer truck.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain Injury
Description:
The case involved a police officer, was asked to detain an intoxicated passenger exiting an airplane. The passenger became violent and the plaintiff was knocked to the floor of the jet way, sustaining a brain injury. He was disabled from his former employment as a police officer.
The case involved a police officer, was asked to detain an intoxicated passenger exiting an airplane. The passenger became violent and the plaintiff was knocked to the floor of the jet way, sustaining a brain injury. He was disabled from his former employment as a police officer.