Electric bicycles, or “e-bikes,” are rapidly becoming a popular way to get around the City of Chicago. Teenagers, commuters, and recreational riders alike are embracing the convenience of electric assist. But as their popularity grows, the laws governing their use have not kept pace, which, unfortunately, has led to serious e-bike accidents. Continue reading
When people think of personal injury claims involving knee injuries or shoulder injuries, they often envision torn ligaments, fractured bones, surgeries, physical therapy, and permanent limitations. What’s less visible but just as real (sometimes more debilitating) is the psychological harm that can accompany traumatic physical injury. Among the psychological consequences, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one that plaintiffs and their attorneys increasingly recognize, and, under the right facts and with appropriate evidence, can seek to recover as part of the damage package. Continue reading
Airports are busy, high-traffic places where people hurry, luggage rolls, food and drink are spilled, and weather moves quickly from dry to snowy, all of which makes slips and falls surprisingly common and often serious. If you slip at O’Hare or Midway, the question everyone asks first is: who pays? The short answer is: it depends. Determining responsibility turns on who controlled the exact location where you fell, what they knew (or should have known) about the hazard, and whether reasonable steps were taken to inspect and fix or warn about the danger. Below we explain the most important legal concepts, the likely responsible parties at Chicago’s two major airports, what evidence matters, and practical next steps for someone injured in a terminal, garage, concession area, or curbside. Continue reading
Nighttime pedestrian accidents are a persistent and deadly problem in Chicago. When streets are poorly lit, pedestrians are far harder for drivers to see, crosswalks and sidewalks become hazard zones, and split-second decisions turn into life-changing injuries or fatalities. In this blog, we explain how inadequate lighting contributes to nighttime pedestrian crashes, summarize recent Chicago and Illinois data, review research on lighting as a safety countermeasure, and outline practical steps pedestrians can take to reduce risk. Continue reading
When maneuvering through the heart of Chicago, you may find yourself questioning whether a U-turn is allowed, and more importantly, whether it’s safe. The rules may differ subtly from the rest of Illinois, and the risks are tangible: U-turns can lead to serious, and sometimes deadly, car accidents. This blog unpacks the law, local restrictions, accident data, and practical advice for navigating, or avoiding, U-turns in Chicago. Continue reading
Truck accidents are different from ordinary car accidents. Because commercial trucks are larger, heavier, and often traveling with freight or passengers, collisions with big rigs, delivery trucks, or tractor-trailers can cause catastrophic injuries, complicated insurance issues, and multiple potentially liable parties. Cook County is one of Illinois’ busiest driving regions. Data shows that Cook County accounted for a large share of crashes, injuries, and fatalities, making it especially important for victims to know the right steps to protect health and legal rights after a crash. Continue reading
If you or a loved one lives in an Illinois nursing home or skilled nursing facility, it’s essential to understand the legal protections that apply every single day, from the right to be treated with dignity to the right to challenge an unsafe discharge. These rights come from both Illinois law and federal regulations, and they’re enforceable through state oversight and the courts.
This guide explains the core rights, what facilities must do, how to spot problems, and how to take action if something goes wrong. Continue reading
“Full coverage” is a phrase most drivers toss around like it’s a single, well-defined product, but it isn’t. When someone says they have “full coverage,” they usually mean they have more than the state-required liability; what they actually have is a bundle of different coverages, each with its own rules, limits, and fine print. That misunderstanding can cost you time, money, and leverage after a car accident. This post peels back the marketing-speak and explains, in plain English, what those coverages are, how they affect a car accident claim, and what you should do to protect yourself. Continue reading
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Illinois, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or occupant of another vehicle, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Bus accident claims are often more complex than standard car accidents because they may involve government entities, commercial bus operators, or public transit systems. At John J. Malm & Associates, our experienced team of Chicago personal injury attorneys understands the unique legal and procedural challenges of these cases. Here’s what you need to know about filing a bus accident claim in Illinois. Continue reading
Taking your dog for a walk is a daily routine for many Chicagoans, offering both exercise and companionship. But what happens when another dog, unleashed, aggressive, or poorly controlled, attacks you or your pet during that walk? Unfortunately, dog attacks are not rare in Chicago and can result in serious injuries to both humans and animals. Understanding the causes of these attacks, your legal options, and how to protect yourself can make all the difference. Continue reading
Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog
