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A car accident can cause serious injuries even when there are no broken bones, dramatic cuts, or obvious signs of trauma. One of the most common—and frequently underestimated—injuries following a collision is a concussion.

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and stretch or damage brain cells. Symptoms can affect how a person feels, thinks, acts, and sleeps.

Yes, you may be able to receive compensation for a concussion caused by a car accident. If another driver’s negligence caused the collision, an injured person may have a personal injury claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Continue reading

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Chicago is a city built for walking. Millions of residents, workers, students, tourists, and commuters use the city’s sidewalks every year to reach public transportation, businesses, schools, parks, restaurants, and their homes. But while sidewalks are supposed to provide pedestrians with a safe path separated from vehicle traffic, cracked pavement, uneven slabs, potholes, missing sections, snow and ice, and other hazards can turn an ordinary walk into a serious trip and fall accident.

The question is not simply whether Chicago’s sidewalks are safe. The more important question is whether a particular sidewalk was reasonably maintained and whether the person or entity responsible for that sidewalk knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition. Continue reading

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Uber and Lyft have transformed the way people travel, but rideshare accidents can create complicated personal injury claims. Unlike a typical two-car collision, an Uber or Lyft accident may involve the rideshare driver, another motorist, the rideshare company, multiple insurance policies, and questions about what the driver was doing in the app at the precise moment of the crash.

That complexity is one reason accident victims should be extremely cautious about accepting a quick settlement from Uber, Lyft, or an insurance company representing a rideshare driver. A settlement offer may appear attractive when medical bills are arriving, you cannot work, and you need money immediately. But accepting a settlement generally means giving up the right to seek additional compensation later. Continue reading

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Commercial truck accidents are among the most devastating crashes on Illinois roads. Because tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. After a serious truck accident, one of the first questions investigators, trucking companies, and injured victims may ask is whether the truck driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Federal law requires commercial motor vehicle drivers to undergo drug and alcohol testing in certain circumstances following a crash. These testing requirements are designed to improve highway safety, identify impaired drivers, and hold negligent trucking companies accountable. For victims pursuing a personal injury claim, the results of a post-accident drug or alcohol test can also become critical evidence.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have represented victims of serious truck accidents in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Understanding when drug testing is required, what substances are tested for, and how these results may affect a personal injury lawsuit can help injured victims protect their legal rights. Continue reading

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Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family can make. While many Chicago nursing homes provide compassionate, high-quality care, others fail to meet state and federal standards designed to protect vulnerable residents. When inspectors identify violations, they issue citations or deficiencies that can range from relatively minor issues to serious violations that place residents in immediate danger.

The two primary agencies responsible for regulating nursing homes in Illinois are the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Together, these agencies conduct routine inspections, investigate complaints, and enforce laws intended to ensure nursing home residents receive safe, dignified, and appropriate care.

For families, understanding why nursing homes are cited can help identify warning signs of neglect or abuse before a loved one suffers serious harm. It can also provide valuable insight into whether a facility has a history of recurring problems. Continue reading

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Commercial trucks are essential to the American economy, transporting nearly every product consumers use each day. However, because fully loaded tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, collisions involving these vehicles often result in devastating injuries or fatalities. While any crash involving a semi-truck can be serious, certain types of truck accidents are especially dangerous because of the tremendous forces involved and the unique operating characteristics of commercial vehicles.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 168,000 people were injured and over 5,000 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in a recent reporting year, with occupants of passenger vehicles accounting for the majority of fatalities. Large truck crashes have steadily increased over the past decade despite improvements in vehicle safety technology.

Understanding the most dangerous types of truck accidents can help motorists recognize hazardous situations, drive more defensively around commercial vehicles, and better understand why victims often suffer catastrophic injuries after these crashes. Continue reading

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Walking is one of the best ways to experience Chicago. Whether you’re commuting to work in the Loop, exploring Millennium Park, visiting Wrigleyville, or walking your dog in one of the city’s many neighborhoods, being a pedestrian comes with serious risks. Heavy traffic, distracted drivers, rideshare vehicles, bicyclists, and changing weather conditions all contribute to pedestrian accidents throughout the city.

Unfortunately, pedestrian fatalities have increased nationwide over the past decade, and Chicago has not been immune to this troubling trend. While drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care around pedestrians, everyone who walks near roadways should take steps to protect themselves.

In this blog, we discuss five of the most effective ways to stay safe as a pedestrian in Chicago and reduce your risk of being seriously injured in an accident. Continue reading

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The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends of the year on Chicago’s waterways. Thousands of residents and visitors head to Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, Monroe Harbor, Burnham Harbor, Diversey Harbor, and nearby lakes to celebrate Independence Day with boating, fireworks, and waterfront parties. While the holiday is known for fun and celebration, it is also one of the most dangerous weekends for recreational boating accidents.

Every year, law enforcement agencies increase patrols during the Fourth of July because boating crashes, injuries, and fatalities rise dramatically during holiday weekends. Alcohol consumption, overcrowded waterways, inexperienced boat operators, nighttime navigation, and distracted boating all contribute to a higher risk of serious accidents. Nationwide, the U.S. Coast Guard consistently identifies the Fourth of July holiday as one of the busiest and deadliest boating periods of the year.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Chicago boating accident, understanding why these crashes occur and who may be legally responsible is critical to protecting your rights. Continue reading

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When families place a loved one in a nursing home, they trust that facility to provide safe, attentive, and compassionate care. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect remain serious problems throughout Illinois and across the United States. When a resident suffers injuries because of inadequate staffing, poor supervision, medication errors, falls, bedsores, or physical abuse, families often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next.

A nursing home lawsuit can help hold negligent facilities accountable and recover compensation for the harm caused to vulnerable residents. However, many families have never been involved in litigation and are understandably anxious about what to expect during the legal process.

Understanding how a Chicago nursing home lawsuit works can help families make informed decisions and protect the rights of their loved ones. While every case is different, most nursing home claims follow a similar path from investigation through settlement or trial. Continue reading

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Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene attracts millions of diners every year, from neighborhood diners and family-owned establishments to world-class fine dining destinations. While most patrons expect an enjoyable meal, a simple trip to a restaurant can quickly turn into a serious accident when dangerous conditions are left unaddressed.

Slip and fall accidents in restaurants can cause devastating injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and permanent disabilities. When a restaurant owner or operator fails to maintain reasonably safe premises, Illinois law may allow injured victims to recover compensation for their losses.

If you have been injured in a restaurant slip and fall accident in Chicago, understanding your legal rights and knowing what evidence to preserve can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Continue reading

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