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At John J. Malm & Associates, we often hear from clients who say, “Don’t worry — the other driver had full coverage.” Unfortunately, “full coverage” is one of the most misunderstood terms in the world of auto insurance, and it can lead to serious confusion — especially after a car accident.

In this blog, we explain what “full coverage” really means (and doesn’t mean), how it affects your ability to recover damages after a crash, and what Illinois drivers need to know to protect themselves and their claims. Continue reading

In Naperville, Illinois, dog owners are legally responsible when their pets injure others — and for good reason. Dog bites can lead to serious physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial strain. So how does liability work here? Illinois law and local Naperville ordinances offer a strong framework to protect victims and hold negligent owners accountable.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we proudly represent individuals and families in Naperville and throughout DuPage County who have suffered serious injuries due to dog bites and animal attacks. Our experienced Naperville dog bite attorneys understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress that often follow a sudden and unprovoked dog bite. We are committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable under Illinois law and securing the full compensation our clients deserve. With a proven track record in personal injury litigation, including complex dog bite claims, we are here to guide you every step of the way—protecting your rights and pursuing justice with skill and compassion. Continue reading

Strolling through downtown Naperville is one of life’s simple pleasures—whether you’re grabbing a latte, meeting friends, or just enjoying the charming scene. But urban walking comes with risks, and as our city grows, staying safe on foot is more important than ever. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout Illinois—including pedestrians harmed in preventable accidents. Our local team of Naperville pedestrian accident lawyers has seen firsthand how a simple walk downtown can turn tragic due to a driver’s negligence or a poorly designed intersection.

As Naperville continues to grow and attract more visitors to its bustling downtown, it’s critical that residents and visitors alike stay informed about pedestrian safety. In this blog, we’ll share the top 10 ways you can stay safe while walking in downtown Naperville—practical tips backed by local data, community input, and our experience handling serious injury cases. Continue reading

Motorcycle accidents are often severe, complex, and life-altering. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, finding the right attorney is one of the most important steps you can take toward securing fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

But how do you know if a lawyer is the right fit? The answer lies in the questions you ask during your first meeting.

Whether you’re meeting in person or via video conference, your consultation is an opportunity to evaluate the attorney’s experience, communication style, and strategy for handling your case. In this blog, our top-rated Naperville personal injury lawyers outline the most important questions to ask and explains what to listen for in their answers. Continue reading

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how devastating it is to lose a loved one under any circumstance—but especially so when their passing could have been prevented. Our Naperville-based firm has decades of experience helping families across Illinois seek justice in the face of nursing home abuse and neglect. When a resident dies due to substandard care, negligent staff, or dangerous facility conditions, their family has every right to demand accountability. A wrongful death lawsuit isn’t just about financial compensation—it’s about justice, closure, and preventing future harm to other vulnerable residents.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about filing a wrongful death claim against a nursing home in Illinois—from the legal framework and process to common causes of fatalities and what kind of compensation may be available. We’ll also offer resources to help you make informed decisions. Continue reading

Dog bites are more than just painful—they can lead to serious infections if not treated promptly. In Naperville and across the U.S., approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with about 20% of these bites becoming infected. Understanding the potential infections and the importance of immediate medical attention is crucial for anyone who is bitten or attacked by a dog. Continue reading

Texting and driving is a persistent and deadly problem on Illinois roads. Despite statewide bans, public service campaigns, and growing awareness of its risks, many drivers continue to text behind the wheel. This dangerous habit leads to thousands of preventable car accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year.

Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving—one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes nationwide. In Illinois, it’s not just dangerous; it’s also illegal. Understanding the law, the risks, and your options if you’re injured by a distracted driver can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Continue reading

Motorcycle riding offers freedom and exhilaration, but it also comes with significant risks. Among these is the danger posed by uninsured or underinsured drivers. Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are essential protections for motorcyclists, ensuring financial security in the event of an accident with a driver lacking adequate insurance. In this blog, we discuss why it’s important for bikers to have uninsured and underinsured coverage and how this coverage can protect riders in the event of a serious motorcycle accident. Continue reading

After an accident—whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or another personal injury—the insurance company may contact you with a seemingly routine request: to sign a medical release form. While this might sound harmless or even necessary, many injury victims don’t realize that signing a blanket medical release can severely hurt their case. Before putting pen to paper, it’s crucial to understand what these forms do, what rights you may be giving up, and why speaking to an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney first is almost always in your best interest.

What Is a Medical Release Form?

A medical release form—often titled something like “Authorization to Disclose Health Information”—is a document that gives the insurance company permission to access your medical records. The adjuster might claim they need this information to evaluate your injury claim, which is partly true. However, what they don’t mention is that the standard release forms they provide are usually broad and unrestricted, giving them access to your entire medical history, not just the records related to your injury.

Dog bites can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Each year, thousands of Americans are injured by dog attacks, many of them children. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), insurers paid over $1 billion in dog bite liability claims in 2022 alone.

But what many people don’t realize is that when it comes to settling these claims, insurance companies don’t evaluate dog bite cases based on the real harm suffered — they use an internal ‘rating scale’ system that often undervalues the true cost of these injuries.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we’ve seen how this process works from the inside. And we’ve seen too many victims settle for far less than they deserve simply because they didn’t understand how insurance companies calculate claims — or how to fight back. Continue reading

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