Coon Rapids Heart Safe Community

June 5, 2014  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

This week, BGS took part in the Coon Rapids Heart Safe Community initiative receiving bystander CPR training from Coon Rapids Police Officer Bryan Platz. We received important instruction on CPR and using the firm’s own AED Device. The Coon Rapids Heart Safe Community initiative was launched by Coon Rapids Police Officer Bryan Platz in an effort to increase the survival odds of someone who suffers sudden cardiac arrest. Nationwide, only about 8{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest (outside of a hospital setting) will survive. Officer Platz has been on the scene of such events where bystanders were too afraid to help, and he hopes his efforts to inform the community will increase the survival odds for the next victims. His program trains people in hands only CPR and explains the basic instructions to use an AED Device. Medical experts report that if an AED and CPR are used during the crucial first two minutes of a case of sudden cardiac arrest, there is an 85{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} success rate in revival. However, if the public doesn’t know what to do, they wait for emergency responders to arrive and miss this opportunity. The Heart Safe initiative is hoping to inform the community and increase the success and survival rate for those suffering from SCA….

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Premise Injuries on Public Property

June 2, 2014  |  Adriel B. Villarreal

If a person is injured while on your property, you may be held liable for damages.  As a property owner, it is your responsibility to create a safe environment for both your family and anyone that visits your property. But when premise injuries take place on public property, the issue becomes a little more complex. Premise Injuries on Public Property – Who’s at Fault? Public property is usually owned by a government entity. This may be the state or it may be the federal government. Determining who is in charge of maintaining the property will determine who’s at fault. It’s important to find out who’s in charge of the property as quickly as possible. In some cases, the statute of limitations may be quite short. If the property is owned by the state of MN, you only have six months to file a claim. The statute of limitations for federally owned properties is two years. This is why it’s so important to act quickly if you are hurt on public property and protect your rights while there’s still time. Understanding Your Rights In many cases, state laws provide immunity to government agencies and their employees. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Public entities can be held liable in the following situations:…

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Thorson, Seykora, and Erb Re-certified as Real Propert Law Specialists

May 22, 2014  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

The Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) announces the re-certification of Steve G. Thorson, Charles M. Seykora and Timothy D. Erb of Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. as MSBA Board Certified Real Property Law Specialists. This Certification program is administered by the MSBA and approved by the State Board of Legal Certification. The certified specialist designation is earned by leading attorneys who have completed a rigorous approval process, including an examination in the specialty area, peer review, and documented experience. Certified attorneys have demonstrated superior knowledge, skill and integrity in their specific field and can use the designation of specialist to advertise their credentials. The MSBA has been accredited as an independent professional organization for certifying attorneys as Criminal Law Specialists, Real Property Law Specialists, Civil Trial Law Specialists and Labor and Employment Law Specialists. This achievement has been earned by fewer than 3% of all licensed Minnesota attorneys. More information about Certified Legal Specialists is at MSBA Certification. With over 16,000 members, the MSBA is the state’s largest and most influential voluntary organization of attorneys, providing continuing legal education and public service opportunities for lawyers, and assistance to the legal system. The MSBA has been accredited as an independent professional organization for certifying attorneys as Real Property Law Specialists since 1988. 600 Nicollet…

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