Romanucci & Blandin increases number of clients catastrophically harmed at grain elevators in Minneapolis

Attorneys call for an end to the “epidemic of injuries” at these abandoned properties 

MINNEAPOLIS (October 29, 2026) – Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury law firm Romanucci & Blandin and co-counsel Kevin Riach of Riach Law in Minneapolis are now investigating the catastrophic injury of a second teenager harmed at a grain elevator in Minneapolis. Then 18-year-old Madison Frey was paralyzed on September 28, 2025, when she fell while at the Upper Harbor Terminal along the Mississippi River in north Minneapolis, commonly known as “Alien City”.  In August of this year, the legal team announced representation of Ash Ranallo-Korbel, 18, who suffered life-changing injuries after falling at the out-of-service Checkerboard grain elevator in Minneapolis. That incident took place on August 3, 2026, at the facility, located at 37th Street East and Cheatham Avenue. 

The lack of proper security and public safety protocols at abandoned grain elevators and other buildings in Minneapolis is a well-documented issue of concern in the community. For years, these facilities have been featured in social media posts, and complaints have been made to city officials about the easy access to the properties and the unsafe conditions at them. These facilities – including both where the firm’s clients were injured – have been known to be accessible by ‘urban explorers’ who are most often curious teenagers.  

The law firms’ investigations are examining the history of each grain elevator property, owners, reports of concern by community members, interactions between owners and Minneapolis officials, as well as the city’s adherence to protocols for securing dangerous real estate parcels. 

Both clients are still struggling to recover from their severe, life-changing injuries.  

Romanucci & Blandin has a long history of representing clients in the Minneapolis area, including the families of Renee Good, George Floyd, Amir Locke and Daunte Wright. The legal team representing the teenager includes Founding Partner Antonio M. Romanucci, Partner John R. Gorey and Attorney Isabella A. Mazzanti, with co-counsel, Minnesota Attorney Kevin C. Riach. 

“The epidemic of injuries at abandoned grain elevator properties is common knowledge in Minneapolis. For years, neighbors and concerned citizens have warned officials about the risks and the public nuisance at these facilities, and multiple injuries have occurred. Our team is casting the net wide in our investigation to determine who all of the contributors have been to the dangerous state of these properties and why nothing has been done to properly secure them thus far. These injuries have to stop,” said Founding Partner Antonio M. Romanucci, Romanucci & Blandin. 

Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact Romanucci & Blandin for a confidential conversation at 312-458-1000 or intakes@rblaw.net. 

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About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC 

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. For nearly 30 years, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards. Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured. We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.