Minnesota Nurse Files $550,000 Claim Against Federal Government After Roadside Stop

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News (2 / 1) 12.11.2026 07:15 / Julia

Physical handling leads to lasting damage

The suit describes how officers yanked open her door, released her seatbelt, and pulled her from the car, with one pressing a knee into her lower back. Martens contends this worsened an existing hip condition and triggered a tear in her spine at the L4 level. She now relies on regular radiofrequency ablation procedures and may require an operation in the future. Images included with the paperwork reportedly capture the scene and visible harm to her hand.

Federal complaint details multiple claims

The 24-page lawsuit, submitted on November 9 to the U.S. District Court in Minnesota, demands $550,000 through the Federal Tort Claims Act. Her legal team argues the agents applied excessive force, committed assault and battery, carried out an unlawful detention, and failed to provide proper oversight. They further assert that the officers broke internal rules covering vehicle chases, detentions, and weapon deployment. Martens states she was placed in restraints, driven partway to a federal facility in the Twin Cities area, then brought back and freed without any charges after local authorities stepped in. The documents also describe ongoing mental health impacts from the episode. The case represents her version of events and awaits court validation.