Minnesota Personal Injury Blog

Motorcycle Hit By SUV In St Cloud

Mike Bryant — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:54:58 GMT

Sunday afternoon on 16th St in St Cloud a motorcyclist was hit by a SUV. Reports indicate that the SUV driver didn't see the motorcycle and and turn across the bikes path. A very common accident when large vehicles and motorcycles collide.

Increased gas prices have more people riding fuel efficient alternatives. At the same time recent reports indicate that deaths on motorcycles are rising in Minnesota. It's important that the following be kept in mind.

1. Yield the Right away

2. Start seeing motorcycles

3. When on a motorcycle make sure people see you.

4. When just starting to ride make sure you have the correct training.

The road is big enough for everyone.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Medtronic Story Suggests Staggering Numbers Involved With Spinal Surgeries

Mike Bryant — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:40:45 GMT

A recent story in The Minneapolis Tribune questioned the connection between Medtronic and the surgeons that use their products to preform back surgeries. At the heart of the story is payments that surgeons are receiving as consultant fees and questions of why. The docters claim no connection and that they are doing nothing wrong. Hopefully congressional investigations will answer the questions.

Beyond the main story is the underlying information about the Spinal Surgery industry as a whole.

- This is a 7.5 billion dollars Industry.

- 500,000 spinal surgeries are done in the US each year.

- The pedicle screws that are used cost $60 to $100 dollars to make and are discounted to the hospitals at $1,100.

- That the FDA has approved the use of the Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft (which is used to promote bone growth between vertebrae after surgery) at one vertribal level. But, that 80-95% of the Infuse use is off label. Which is beyond one and being usued at multiple levels.

- At least three-quarters of the roughly 200 "adverse events" reported to the FDA involve off-label uses of Infuse.

Interesting numbers that make up what could be a very troubling story.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Medtronic Whistleblower Case Could Change Back Surgeries

Mike Bryant — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:05:31 GMT

A federal whistleblowers case and a couple of legislative investigations are looking at the connection between Medtronic and the surgeons that uses their products for back surgeries. The question at the heart of each action is : Are surgeons being paid to use and recommend these products? Initial payment information suggests that this could be happening.

For the patient this could be extremely troubling. Having a surgery is very scary. To add to the decision the thought that the one you get advice from, may have a hidden financial incentive in what is done, begs the question : who can you trust?

Hopefully the investigations will get to the bottom of the issue. While many of the doctors named in the initial article did not comment, the comments from Medtronic representatives center on how important these doctors are in the development and use of the products. The Doctor's lawyer has filed motions arguing that they have done nothing wrong and they are the top surgeons in the nation.

If nothing else this issue suggests that there should be more disclosure. That the patient should be aware of what, if any, interest the doctor has beyond the actual work. That in making the surgical decisions, people should be able to know who is being paid to promote a type of product. Finally, those involved should answer questions of what payments mean, to ensure that with these very important choices the patient can be confident that they are in good hands.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

More 94 Contruction Means Special Driving Attention

Mike Bryant — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:39:54 GMT

As the summer comes to a end a number of Highway projects are being finished up. Currently between Minneapolis and Alexandria there are three projects going along I 94. Albany to Melrose, Douglas County ,and Clearwater to Monticello.

Road construction means Minnesota Department of Transpositions workers are out on the highway. It also means every driver must watch out. It means you need to slow down. Also keep in mind that work zones come with double fines.

Other safety tips include:

Stay alert, expect the unexpected.
Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
Anticipate lane shifts - merge when directed to do so.
Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
Don't speed in work zones; obey the posted speed limits.
Avoid using mobile phones while driving in work zones.
Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
Be patient!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Citizen Action Gets Things Done On Prevailing Wage In St Cloud

Mike Bryant — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:59:07 GMT

In 1987 the St Cloud City Council passed a resolution that on all public funded projects of 200,000 or more the federal prevailing wage must be paid. In building the St Cloud Library this was not done. Question started being asked and a letter to the Editor was written last week concerning the issue.

As a result Cold Spring Electric Service Inc. paid more than $25,000 it owed to employees as a correction. The owner has indicated that he was not aware of the condition on the project. This is public action that got the law followed.

For the workers, they got paid what the law required. For those involved in these type of projects, it's a reminder of what's required. For everyone this is an example of one letter making a difference.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Stearns County To Send Out Anti DUI Cards

Mike Bryant — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:29:32 GMT

Recently Stearns County was ranked the Sixth deadliest county for DUI deathes in the State of Minnesota. In an effort to combat that problem, the Stearns County's Safe Communities Coalition, a group working to change driving behaviors to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries, is sending out postcards through a local Shopping Newspaper.

The postcards are intended to remind people of the dangers of drinking and Driving and also add to the ongoing discussion about the problem. With the number of deaths caused by driving while intoxicated increasing in the State, this is a noble effort.

It's important we all keep the following in mind:

Don't Drink and Drive

Use designated Drivers

Always remmber that the more you drink the increase chance you will make bad choices.

As Drivers on the road: It's also worth keeping in mind, the deadliest roads in Stearns county to try to stay away from at night.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Settlement of Minneapolis Club Pool Drain Case Shines Light On Known Danger

Mike Bryant — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:27:55 GMT

A year ago many people were shocked when 6-year-old Abigail Taylor was sucked into a damaged Pool Drain at a local Country Clubs wading pool. Legislation was passed several months later to prevent future injuries. At about the same time, Abigail died after suffering through multiple surgeries and efforts to save her . The death was another reminder of what a horrible injury this had been.

Since the time of the incident, there have been many quotes from the club that there was no problem. But, with the recent settlement, news has now come out that the staff talked eight days before the incident about how the powerful suction created by the faulty drain could kill or injure someone, There was no warning and no one did anything to fix the problem. There is also documented history of improperly installing and maintaining the drain and it's part.

This tragedy was recognized, lied about and should have been prevented. For her family and friends this had to be just one more horrid revelation. Hopefully the outrage will do something to prevent such a case from ever happening again.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Budget Cuts and Less Buses

Mike Bryant — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:36:29 GMT

Due to Budget cuts there are fewer bus routes in the St Cloud school districts. Kids are being driven more and walking long distances. They may be seeing more transfers from vehicle to buses. All of these changes add up to the need to watch out.

Kids:

Need to be taught to always keep in mind that cars may not see them
they need to be dressed in ways they can be seen
They need to be taught proper exiting and walking habits.

Parents

Need to always be watching.
Need to make sure kids are not left in cars or put in unsafe conditions.
Need to make sure the safest routes to school are used.

All of us

Need to watch for kids on the road
Slow down for school buses and other vehicles where children are exiting
Ask ourselves if the funding choices of less busing routes makes sense, especially with the increased risks.

With School Safety month upon us it's important we all do our part to make this a safe start to the new School Year.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Back To School In Minnesota

Mike Bryant — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:56:31 GMT

With Labor Day now passed, the first week of Septembers finds kids heading back to school. All the excitement of getting back to see friends and getting back to learning. It's important that safety not be forgotten. Bob Stuber ,founder of Escape School, a group that aims to keep kids safe was recently on the Early Show with the following tips:

Research Route to School: Parents and kids together need to map out what route to take to school, and any alternate routes.
Encourage Responsibility: Kids should not expect cars to look out for them; they need to take responsibility and protect themselves.
Watch Child Reach Safety: If you drive your child to school, don't take off the moment she steps out of the car.
Advocate for Safety Changes: Parents often don't realize how much power they have to change things within a school. If you think your child's bus should have a crossing gate, or your school needs a call-back system (the administration calls if your child does not arrive at school), then gather other parents together and complain.

Concerning Bus Safety this board has :

http://www.injuryboard.com/topic/bus-safety-frequently-faq.aspx?googleid=100078

and California Member Walter Barber had the additional blog:

http://sandiego.injuryboard.com/automobile-accidents/feds-unveil-school-bus-safety-rules.aspx?googleid=228234

I always found this to be the best part of each school year. And see that in my own boys as I drop them off. So have fun, be safe and enjoy the start to a new year.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Celebrating Labor Day

Mike Bryant — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:00:32 GMT

Today is a day of rest and parades. That was the call when Labor Day was originally created in 1882 as the Central Labor Union Day for the regular worker to get a day off. Regular workers that in the in most part make up our clients. The regular citizens that come to us for help. For Justice and to right the wrong of the tortfeasors. Each of which is usually really a claim against the tortfeasors insurance company.

As we work each case, arguablly it is our day also. But it seems so much more apporpriate for those we work for. In the same way it's about each working voter and not really about the politicians that will be speaking today across the country. Today is great day to sulute all of those we have the honor of representing and the privledge of serving.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant