Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog

What to Do After an Elevator Accident in Chicago

June 26, 2025 | John J. Malm

In a vertical city like Chicago, elevators are part of everyday life. From high-rise apartments and office buildings to public transit hubs and construction sites, tens of thousands of elevators operate daily across the metro area. But when something goes wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic. At John J. Malm & Associates, we represent victims injured due to unsafe conditions, including elevator accidents caused by poor maintenance, defective parts, or inadequate oversight. This blog explores the risks associated with elevator use in Chicago, highlights real-world incidents and statistics, and explains your rights if you or a loved one has been injured. Continue reading

The Top Causes of Car Accidents on I-290

June 19, 2025 | John J. Malm

If you drive Chicago’s Eisenhower Expressway—better known as I‑290—you know it can feel like a battlefield. Long stretches of heavy, stop-and-go traffic. Mash-ups with I‑294, I‑88, and I‑90. Short ramps. Sudden bottlenecks. It all adds up to a roadway infamous for crashes. In fact, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that on one particular 8‑mile stretch between Manheim Road and Cicero Avenue, around 2,000 accidents happen each year.

But what makes I‑290 so crash-prone? In this blog, we discuss the top six causes of car accidents on I-290 and what you can do if you suffered injuries in a crash. Continue reading

Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and What to Do

June 12, 2025 | John J. Malm

We entrust nursing homes with one of our most precious responsibilities: the well‑being of aging family members who often need care beyond what we can provide at home. Unfortunately, barriers like understaffing, inadequate training, and burnout can lead to neglect—often unintentional, but harmful nonetheless.

Neglect occurs when a resident’s basic needs—such as hygiene, nutrition, medical attention, or mobility assistance—are not met. This can degrade quality of life, erode dignity, and sometimes even threaten lives. What’s more, neglect often goes unnoticed until it’s too late; one study found that only about 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse or neglect are ever reported.

For adult children, spouses, or other loved ones, knowing the signs and knowing how to respond swiftly can be lifesaving. In this blog, our top-rated Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers explains the signs of neglect and abuse you should look out for and what you can do if you suspect nursing home neglect. Continue reading

Legal Options for Tourists Hit by a Car While Walking in Chicago

June 5, 2025 | John J. Malm

Chicago is one of America’s most visited cities, known for its lakefront skyline, historic neighborhoods, and bustling streets. But with busy intersections, distracted drivers, and high volumes of foot traffic, pedestrian accidents involving tourists are an unfortunate and growing reality. Being hit by a car is traumatic—especially in a city you don’t live in. If you’re a visitor injured while walking in Chicago, you still have legal rights. In this blog, we explain what to do after being struck by a car in Chicago, who may be liable, and how an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages—even if you’re from out of state or another country.

Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago

Pedestrian fatalities and injuries have been on the rise in Illinois, and Chicago is no exception.

What Causes Wrong-Way Accidents in Chicago?

May 30, 2025 | John J. Malm

Wrong-way crashes are among the most terrifying and deadly types of car accidents. While they are relatively rare, they are disproportionately fatal—especially in a dense urban area like Chicago, where high-speed roadways and complex interchanges intersect with heavy traffic. Recent trends show that wrong-way driving crashes are on the rise in Illinois, and Cook County is among the hardest-hit regions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong-way accident in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, understanding your legal rights is critical. At John J. Malm & Associates we represent victims of serious auto accidents in Chicago and across Illinois. We know how devastating these incidents can be, and we’re here to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

The Alarming Rise of Wrong-Way Crashes in Chicago

Who’s at Fault in a Chicago Pedestrian Accident? Understanding Illinois Right-of-Way Laws

May 22, 2025 | John J. Malm

Pedestrian accidents remain a pressing concern in Chicago, with recent data highlighting a troubling increase in fatalities. In 2024, the city recorded 38 pedestrian deaths on surface streets, marking a significant rise from previous years. Understanding the intricacies of Illinois right-of-way laws is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to navigate the streets safely and determine liability in the event of an accident. Continue reading

How to Choose the Right Nursing Home for Your Loved One

May 15, 2025 | John J. Malm

Choosing a nursing home for your loved one is one of the most important — and emotional — decisions a family can make. Whether it’s due to advanced age, illness, or the need for specialized medical care, finding the right facility requires thorough research, careful planning, and honest conversations. A good nursing home can enhance your loved one’s quality of life, while a poor choice can lead to neglect, isolation, and even abuse.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a nursing home and provide tips to ensure your loved one receives the care, dignity, and respect they deserve. Continue reading

What Is Highway Hypnosis?

May 8, 2025 | John J. Malm

Highway hypnosis, also known as “white line fever,” is a phenomenon where drivers enter a trance-like state during long, monotonous drives, often with no recollection of the journey. This altered mental state can lead to serious safety concerns on the road and can lead to serious car accidents. In this blog, we discuss the phenomenon of highway hypnosis and what you can do to prevent a crash. Continue reading

Thinking About Law School? You May Want to Consider How Much Borrowing You’ll Do — and Whether It Will Be Worth It

May 1, 2025 | John J. Malm

The Dream and the Reality of Law School

Picture this:
You’re standing outside your graduation ceremony, diploma in hand, wearing a borrowed robe that feels heavy with pride — and possibility. You’ve spent years preparing for this moment. Late nights. Heavy textbooks. Endless exams. And now, you’re ready to step into the world as a lawyer.

But somewhere behind that excitement, there’s a voice asking:
“Was it worth it?”

For too many new law school graduates, the answer comes with a sharp edge — shaped by the size of their student loan bill. If you’re thinking about law school, pausing to really understand the debt, the payoff, and the path ahead is one of the smartest choices you can make. Continue reading

Steps to Take After a Chicago Rideshare Accident

April 24, 2025 | John J. Malm

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Chicago easier and more convenient than ever. But when accidents happen—especially those involving serious injuries—the process of figuring out what to do next can be confusing and overwhelming.

Who is responsible? What kind of insurance coverage applies? And how can you protect your right to compensation?

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Chicago—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver—there are specific steps you should take to protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial recovery.