BEST PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER – HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Hennepin County is the legal center of the metropolitan Twin Cities. The Hennepin County Government Center, located in downtown Minneapolis, is the regional hub of major litigation. The Hennepin County Personal Injury Lawyers at the Schmidt Salita Law Team have over 70 years experience in successfully bringing justice to their personal injury clients in Hennepin County’s courtrooms, as well as courtrooms across the State of Minnesota.
5-STAR RATED INJURY LAWYERS
The Hennepin County Personal Injury Lawyers at the Schmidt Salita Law Team are 5-star rated by their clients who have experienced the personalized quality of their legal work, individual care and thoughtful dedication given to every case.
AV-RATED INJURY LAW FIRM
The Schmidt Salita Hennepin County Personal Injury Lawyers are AV-Rated by the most respected legal directory, Martindale Hubbell. The firm is rated AV-Rated: A for the highest quality legal services, and V for the very best professional and ethical standards. That rating is made by Judges and other lawyers who have personal knowledge of the quality of their work and ethics. Similarly, the firm is A+ Rated for Professionalism and A+ Rated for Reputation by Expertise.com.
Collectively, the firm has over 70 years of experience successfully representing the victims of personal injury in over 10,000 cases.
AWARD WINNING INJURY ATTORNEYS
The Hennepin County Personal Injury Lawyers are award winning, having received awards from the American Bar Association, the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, and the Minnesota Association for Justice.
OUR LAWYERS CAN HELP WITH CONCUSSION-RELATED INJURIES: A POTENTIALLY SEVERE PROBLEM
A concussion injury is a mild Traumatic Brain Injury, otherwise called a “TBI.” But there is nothing “mild” about its severe impact in terms of incidence and severity. The risks at play with concussions include the potential of personal lost function and total economics loss.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are 1.4 million TBIs that result in hospital and emergency department visits every year. 50% of these cases “fly under the radar”, never seeking medical attention. That means that there were really more than 2.8 million total cases, 75 to 90% of which fall into the mild category.
Yet, there is nothing mild about a “mild” TBI. That term is used in the medical literature to reference those TBIs that do not involve a skull fracture, a closed head injury without a hematoma or bleeding, and those that do not show positive organic damage on MRI or CT scanning.
Mild TBIs can often result in severe disability, including cognitive dysfunction, severe visual impairment, and severe balance and dizziness disorders. They can result in delayed major health problems, including delayed seizure disorders, Parkinson’s disease, early Alzheimers and dementia, and even infectious diseases.
Concussion Injuries Have Been Overlooked For Many Decades.
The severity of concussion injuries has been overlooked for decades. The NFL ignored the horrible brain damage of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy from concussion injuries for over 30 years. It has been called to public attention back in 1986 by the National Brain Injury Foundation (NBIF) which disclosed that autopsy studies had provided proof positive that “even minor blows to the head” with only brief periods of unconsciousness could produce permanent damage to the brain. 30 years later, a study of 202 brains of professional football players revealed proof positive of “Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy” (CTE).
In 1996, the U.S. Congress tried to remedy this ignorance by passing the Traumatic Brain Injury Act. In 1986, the Center for Disease Control attempted to educate the medical community, publishing “Heads Up-Facts For Physicians About Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)”. In 2011, the Minnesota legislature recognized the problem and passed the Minnesota Sports Concussion Law (Minn. Stat. 121A.38.) In spite of these heroic measures, the “Silent Epidemic” has continued to be ignored.
Concussion Injuries Continue to be Overlooked Today.
It has long been recognized that the same forces that cause “whiplash of the spine” also cause “whiplash of the brain”, or concussion. The symptoms of both are quite common, especially headaches. In 2016, the Brain Injury Association of America acknowledged that (1) concussion injuries are not always understood as brain injury, (2) they are frequently not diagnosed or underdiagnosed, and (3) subsequent problems not associated with the concussion are common.
It is a fact that a large percentage of medical doctors fail to provide concussion screening to car accident victims at a level of scrutiny even close to the level, required by law, for youth athletes! Recognizing this problem, our law firm routinely screens new car accident victims for concussions. We have found that approximately 60% of the victims of moderate to severe car accidents have presumptive evidence of a concussion injury. Well more than ½ have not been diagnosed by a medical doctor or other health care provider. This is a problem of massive proportions.
Basic Concussion Screening is Very Simple – But Often Misunderstood.
Basic concussion screening is not difficult. Remember that the goal is not to reach a definitive diagnosis. Instead, it is simply to do a “quick and dirty” preliminary screen to look for presumptive evidence of a concussion that would call for a referral to a concussion expert. Presumptive evidence is sometimes called circumstantial evidence. It shows the existence of one fact by proving the existence of other facts, from which the first may be inferred. Here’s one example of “quick and dirty” screening:
Step #1: Ask detailed questions about the patient’s memory of the traumatic event, both before and after. Remember that loss of memory of details before the trauma is “anterograde amnesia” which is strong evidence of a TBI. Loss of memory of details after the trauma is “retrograde amnesia,” which is the strongest evidence of a concussion, more than actual loss of consciousness.
Step #2: Ask about loss of consciousness (LOC). Remember that LOC can be total (coma) or partial (lethargy or stupor). Mere confusion or disorientation is a partial loss of consciousness sufficient to be evidence of a concussion injury.
Step #3: Use one of the well-recognized screening tools such as the Rivermead Post Concussion Questionaire or the SCAT5. Either can be given to the patient for self-assessment in the waiting room and then reviewed with the Doctor during the examination. Both screening tools ask the patient to identify classical symptoms of Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS) such as headache, nausea, blurred vision, mental confusion, etc., and then to self-rate the severity of each.
TOP WORKERS COMPENSATION LAWYERS
The Schmidt Salita Law Team includes Hennepin County’s top workers compensation attorneys.
TOXIC EXPOSURE & WORK-RELATED INJURY CASES
Schmidt Salita’s Henneping County Personal Injury Lawyers include attorneys with direct experience representing the victims of exposure injuries from lead, TCE, pesticides and herbicides, and other highly toxic chemicals – as well as infectious diseases.
Respiratory Disease: There are at least six disorders associated with exposure to airborne dust in farming: hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS), chronic bronchitis (CB), acute pulmonary symptoms (APS), asthma, and mucous membrane irritation (MMI). HP is caused by exposure to antigens found in silage and in spoiled hay and grain. HP is commonly seen on dairy farms but has also been found on farms where grain is stored in drying bins and is found in poultry houses and mushroom houses. ODTS occurs after exposure to large amounts of organic dust. Workers affected by ODTS include those uncapping silos on dairy farms, cleaning grain bins, moving moldy grain, and working in swine confinement facilities. The precise cause of CB, other than airborne dust, has not been isolated; nor have the individuals who are at high risk been identified. However, workers in swine confinement areas, poultry farmers, and handlers of grain appear to have risks of suffering from CB. The occurrence of APS has been studied in grain farmers and swine confinement workers, and both groups have exhibited symptoms. Asthma can be triggered by many farm antigens. Also, many farm antigens cause MMI.
In addition to airborne dust, some gases can cause acute toxicity. The primary locations of these gases are silos, manure pits, and modern semi-enclosed animal production buildings. Soon after corn is ensiled, nitrogen oxide levels begin increasing and continue to increase for about seven days. Anyone entering silos during the first two weeks after filling may experience difficult or labored breathing or, in the extreme case, death. Hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide are some of the toxic gases emanating from manure pits, especially when the manure is being agitated. Even when the levels of these gases are not high enough to be fatal, unconsciousness may cause drowning or near-drowning in manure liquids. High levels of ammonia have been documented in poultry and swine confinement facilities, especially in winter. Concentrations of ammonia in these facilities would ordinarily be only a strong irritant to the eyes, nose, and throat but when combined with organic dust they could cause pulmonary damage.
Cancers: Leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers of the lip, skin, stomach, prostate, and brain have excessive occurrences in farmers. The marked frequency of these cancers in farmers have not been conclusively identified. However, “cancers of the skin and lip are linked to increased exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Other common exposures like nitrates, pesticides, viruses, antigenic stimulants, various fuels, oils, and solvents are the primary suspects for many cancers. Some evidence indicates women on farms have higher incident rates of multiple myeloma than men on farms.
Pesticide Toxicity: Exposure to pesticides can produce acute and chronic toxic reactions. Acute reactions develop immediately after moderate or high exposures to pesticides. Symptoms of acute toxic reactions include dizziness, vomiting, headache, fatigue, drowsiness, and skin rashes. Although this area of toxicity is not yet fully scientifically documented, some of the suspected chronic effects are central nervous system damage, lung diseases, soft tissue sarcoma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, and lung cancer. More research on the chronic effects of pesticide exposure is required.
Dermatitis: Occupational dermatitis is very common among workers on U.S. farms. Among the agents causing dermatitis and related skin conditions are ammonia fertilizers, animal feed additives, pesticides, plants, sunlight, cattle, swine, sheep, moist and hot environments, and chiggers, bees, and wasps.
Musculoskeletal Syndromes: Degenerative musculoskeletal syndromes are widespread among farmers and farm workers. Low back pain, hip arthrosis, and degenerative arthritis of the knee and upper extremities are the most reported syndromes. Chronic vibration from tractors and farm machinery and repetitive trauma associated with farm work can lead to musculoskeletal syndromes.
Noise-induced Hearing Loss: Another occupational hazard for farmers and farm workers is hearing loss caused by exposure to farm machinery, especially tractors. Hearing losses affect about a quarter of younger farmers and one-half of older farmers. Significant numbers of those affected have been found to develop a communication handicap by age 30.
Stress-Related Mental Disorders: Farmers, farmworkers, and farm family members have high rates of stress-related mental disorders, especially depression. Some of these disorders appear to be related to isolation, and others result from agricultural stressors such as economic hardship and weather conditions. Factors beyond a farmer’s control, such as reduced revenue, increased workload, weather, management problems, were found to cause significant mental stress.
CAR ACCIDENT EXPERTS
The Car Accident Attorneys at Schmidt Salita Law know just how stressful and lonely it can feel after experiencing a car accident. Challenges quickly pile one on top of the other, including healing personal injuries, comforting the accident victims and their family, processing emotional or mental trauma, finding enough money for car repairs, and dealing with the insurance companies. Recognizing these substantial challenges, the Schmidt Salita Law Team has crafted a free, downloadable guide to help. We call it the ABC’s of Motor Vehicle & Personal Injury Claims in Minnesota.
CONVENIENT LOCATION
The Schmidt Salita Car Accident Lawyers live in the west metro area and have served the residents of Orono, Mound, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Shorewood, Excelsior, Plymouth and Maple Grove for over 30 years. Their offices are conveniently located in the Ridgedale Office center in Minnetonka, near the Ridgedale Shopping Center.
You don’t have to go downtown for a great personal injury lawyer. Our main office is conveniently located to be easily accessible to all of Hennepin County. They are located in the Ridgedale Office building near the intersection of I494 and I394, near Ridgedale Shopping Center. This location offers ample ground level parking with easy, handicapped accessible walk-in access.
Remember – YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO DOWNTOWN FOR A TOP PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER! The Schmidt Salita Trucking Accident Lawyers offer legal services for Minnesota’s truck accident victims equal to, or better than, the lawyers in their downtown offices. Schmidt Schmidt Salita’s Legal Experts have easily accessible offices in suburban locations. Our clients don’t have to fight the traffic, pay for a parking place and wander through the downtown skyway maze to find their lawyer’s office.
CONTINGENT FEE ARRANGEMENTS AVAILABLE
A contingent fee agreement means you don’t have to pay for the lawyer’s service “up front.” Your lawyer agrees to work on your case without any payment until the lawyer produces a settlement. The lawyer will only get paid when the client receives compensation from a settlement or court judgment – and then as a percentage of the recovery.
Contingent fee agreements for lawyers are very similar to those of real estate agents who do their work without pay until the house gets sold; only then do the agents collect their fees as a percentage of the property’s total sales price.
This type of agreement has two big advantages. First, it allows the client to get the services of a personal injury attorney when they otherwise wouldn’t be financially able to pay for one. Second, a contingent fee agreement has a built-in incentive for the lawyer to do a good job because the larger the settlement the more the attorney is paid.
RECENT SUCCESSES
The Hennepin County Personal Injury Lawyers at the Schmidt Salita Law Team are proud of our recent successes, including the following:
–$3.2 million recovery after a favorable Hennepin County jury award in a medical malpractice case against a Twin Cities Orthopedics surgeon.
–$2.4 million arbitration award in a medical malpractice case against a major Minnesota hospital chain.
-$1.5 million settlement for an elderly woman who suffered a concussion injury (mild Traumatic Brain Injury).
-$1+ million recovery for the victim of a concussion injury.
-$3 million recovery for a teenager who was killed in a car-truck collision.
The Hennepin County Personal Injury Lawyers at the Schmidt Salita Law Firm serve all of the cities of Hennepin County, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Anoka, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Buffalo, Burnsville, Carver, Champlin, Chanhassen, Chaska, Corcoran, Cottage Crystal, Grove, Dayton, Deephaven, Delano, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Elk River, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Greenwood, Hopkins, Independence, Lakeville, Long Lake, Loretto, Mankato, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Maplewood, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Monticello, Mound, New Hope, New Ulm, Oakdale, Orono, Osseo, Ostego, Plymouth, Prior Lake, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Rockford, Rogers, Roseville, Sartell, Savage, Sauk Rapids, Saint Bonifacius, Shakopee, Shorewood, South St. Paul, Spring Park, St. Cloud, St. Louis Park, St. Michael, St. Peter, Stillwater, Tonka Bay, Waconia, Waite Park, Wayzata, Woodbury, Woodland and surrounding areas.
PERSONAL INJURY LEGAL SERVICES WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
A Schmidt Salita Car Accident Lawyer will come to your home, or the hospital, for your initial visit. The Schmidt Salita Law Team strives to provide personal injury legal services with a personal touch to help the victims of personal injury through a very difficult time in their lives.