Articles Posted in Personal Injury

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Filing a personal injury lawsuit can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from an accident and trying to navigate an unfamiliar legal system. Knowing what to expect and understanding the typical timeline of a personal injury case can provide clarity and peace of mind.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have over 90 years of combined litigation experience and a proven track record of securing millions of dollars for injured clients across Illinois. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our award-winning team is dedicated to helping personal injury victims achieve justice. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key stages of a personal injury claim and offer insights into what you can expect at each step. Continue reading

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One of the most common questions people ask after being injured in an accident is, “How much is my case worth?” While this is a straightforward question, the answer is anything but simple. The value of a personal injury case depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident. In this blog, we’ll break down the key components that influence the value of your case, helping you understand what to expect if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim in Naperville, St. Charles, or anywhere in Illinois. Continue reading

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Medical records play a pivotal role in personal injury cases. They serve as concrete evidence that helps attorneys, insurance companies, and courts assess the severity of injuries, establish causation, and determine appropriate compensation for damages. At John J. Malm & Associates, we routinely rely on medical records to evaluate and strengthen our clients’ claims, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

The Importance of Medical Records in Establishing Causation and Liability

Medical records are crucial in proving causation, which is the link between the accident and the injury. For a plaintiff to recover damages, it must be demonstrated that the injury occurred because of the defendant’s actions or negligence. Medical records provide:

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The event industry is a massive and profitable sector, generating billions of dollars annually across the globe. Whether it’s a major sports event, a sold-out concert, an expo, or a high-profile festival, these gatherings draw large crowds and offer significant financial opportunities for organizers, sponsors, and performers. In the U.S. alone, concerts, sporting events, and festivals have become a cornerstone of entertainment, bringing together millions of people. However, along with the excitement and economic benefits comes a critical responsibility—ensuring the safety of attendees.

Event organizers are tasked with managing the complex logistics of hosting large crowds while protecting the public from potential hazards. From concert venues packed with thousands of fans to stadiums filled for high-stakes sporting events, the safety of attendees is paramount. Failing to do so can not only lead to tragic injuries but also have severe legal and financial repercussions. This blog explores the significant duty of care that event organizers must uphold, the legal implications of failing to do so, and the steps they must take to keep attendees safe. Continue reading

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After being involved in an accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the aftermath—medical bills, injuries, vehicle damage, and the insurance process can all pile up quickly. During this time, you might be contacted by the at-fault party’s insurance company, offering you a settlement. In most cases, this settlement offer will come with a release form, a document that, once signed, means you agree not to pursue any further legal action related to the accident.

While it might seem tempting to resolve the matter quickly, signing a release without consulting an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can have long-lasting consequences. Here’s why you should never sign a release without first talking to a lawyer. Continue reading

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When attorneys prepare for trial, their focus is often on presenting compelling direct evidence—eyewitness testimony, physical proof, or documents that clearly show what happened. However, in many cases, circumstantial evidence plays a crucial role in shaping the jury’s perception of the facts. Unfortunately, the Illinois Jury Instruction on circumstantial evidence is often overlooked, even though it can be a game-changing tool in convincing the jury of a client’s case.

What Is Circumstantial Evidence?

Circumstantial evidence refers to facts and inferences that lead a jury to a conclusion indirectly, rather than through direct observation or testimony. For example, if a person was seen entering a building and later leaving with wet clothes, it could be inferred—based on circumstantial evidence—that it rained while they were inside, even if no one directly saw the rain. Continue reading

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School zones are designed to be safe havens for children. However, the reality is that car accidents in these areas are not uncommon. The combination of young, small, unpredictable pedestrians and drivers who may be distracted or in a hurry creates a potentially dangerous environment. In Illinois, as in many other states, the law imposes stricter regulations in school zones to mitigate these risks. Understanding the nature of car accidents in school zones, the statistics, and the legal implications is crucial for drivers and parents alike.

The Scope of the Problem

Car accidents in school zones pose a significant threat to the safety of children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 111 children are killed every year while walking to or from school, and more than 25,000 are injured in school zone accidents. These numbers are alarming and highlight the importance of adhering to safety measures in these areas. Continue reading

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Street and drag racing have long been glamorized by movies and television shows, often depicted as thrilling and rebellious. However, the reality is far from the glitz and glam. These illegal racing activities pose significant dangers to both participants and innocent bystanders. In Illinois, the rise in street racing incidents has prompted law enforcement and communities to take a closer look at the perils associated with this dangerous trend. This blog will delve into the risks of street and drag racing, supported by alarming statistics and expert insights.

The Allure of Street and Drag Racing

Street racing typically involves drivers competing on public roads, often late at night or in isolated areas, to avoid detection by law enforcement. Drag racing, on the other hand, involves a straight-line race between two cars over a short distance, usually a quarter-mile. Both activities are illegal and dangerous, yet they continue to attract participants due to the adrenaline rush, the competitive spirit, and the perceived glamour associated with high-speed racing. Continue reading

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When dealing with severe injuries, time is of the essence, and air ambulances often play a critical role in providing rapid transportation to medical facilities and trauma centers. For personal injury cases in Illinois, understanding the use and costs of air ambulance services is essential for ensuring victims receive the best possible care and support.

The Importance of Air Ambulances

Air ambulances are used primarily for transporting patients in critical condition who require immediate medical attention that ground ambulances cannot provide quickly enough. These services are especially crucial in rural or remote areas where access to specialized medical facilities is limited. The Golden Hour principle, which suggests that patients have the best chance of survival if they receive care within the first hour after a traumatic injury, underscores the importance of rapid transport provided by air ambulances. Continue reading

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Determining liability for dog bites claims can be complex, especially when a child is in charge of the dog at the time of the incident. In Illinois, the law provides clear guidelines to establish responsibility and ensure victims receive appropriate compensation. This article explores who can be held liable in such scenarios and the relevant legal principles that apply.

General Liability for Dog Bites in Illinois

Under Illinois law, dog owners are generally held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, as stated in the Animal Control Act. This means that if a dog bites someone without provocation, the owner is responsible for the damages, regardless of whether the owner was negligent or knew of the dog’s propensity to bite.

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Contact Information
Naperville Office
1730 Park St #201
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: (630) 527-4177Fax: (630) 527-4178
St. Charles Office
1700 Lincoln Hwy #G
St. Charles, IL 60174
Phone: (630) 524-2323

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