John J. Malm & Associates Wins $375,000 for Woman Struck in Bolingbrook Grocery Store Parking Lot

Attorneys Jason P. Schneider, Rachel E. K. Legorreta, and John J. Malm of John J. Malm & Associates obtained a $375,000 settlement on behalf of a woman who was struck by a vehicle in a grocery store parking lot in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The crash resulted in serious orthopedic injuries, including a fractured clavicle and a tibial plateau fracture—both of which required extensive medical treatment and have long-term implications for her mobility and quality of life.

The Incident: Pedestrian Struck While Walking in Marked Crosswalk

Our client was walking out of a local grocery store and into a marked crosswalk in the parking lot when she was hit by a vehicle whose driver failed to yield. The collision knocked her to the ground with force, causing immediate trauma to her shoulder and leg.

Parking lot pedestrian accidents are unfortunately more common than many believe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of pedestrians are injured in parking lots every year—often due to distracted or inattentive drivers. These environments combine frequent pedestrian traffic with limited visibility and driver inattention, increasing the risk of serious injury.

In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has highlighted the growing dangers pedestrians face not only on busy roadways but also in commercial parking areas. Drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks regardless of whether they are on public streets or private lots.

The Injuries: Clavicle Fracture and Tibial Plateau Fracture

Following the crash, our client was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Imaging confirmed that she had sustained a clavicle fracture and a tibial plateau fracture. The clavicle (collarbone) fracture affected her upper body mobility and required immobilization and rehabilitation. The tibial plateau fracture, located at the upper part of the shinbone near the knee, is particularly concerning due to the weight-bearing nature of the joint.

According to medical authorities including the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine, tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries that can compromise the knee joint’s stability and function. They often lead to long-term issues such as arthritis, reduced mobility, chronic pain, and in many cases, the future need for total knee replacement surgery.

Our client required surgery to stabilize the tibia with internal fixation and underwent months of rehabilitation to regain mobility. Although her recovery was successful in many respects, she continues to suffer from joint stiffness and pain that limit her ability to walk for extended periods or perform certain daily activities.

Legal Approach: Using Surveillance Video to Establish Liability

One of the most critical elements of this case was securing video footage from the grocery store’s security cameras. Upon being retained, our legal team acted quickly to request and preserve the surveillance footage. The grocery store’s video clearly showed our client walking lawfully within the crosswalk and the driver failing to yield.

This footage proved instrumental in negotiations. It eliminated any doubt about our client’s right of way and showed definitively that the driver was at fault. Combined with the medical documentation and expert opinions on future complications, the video helped us build a powerful case for compensation.

“We use every tool at our disposal to advocate for our clients—including video surveillance when it’s available,” said Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer John J. Malm. “In this case, the grocery store’s footage was key to showing that the driver failed to yield to our client as she exited the store. It allowed us to demonstrate fault clearly and secure the outcome she deserved.”

Settlement Outcome: $375,000 for Life-Altering Injuries

Through aggressive negotiation and thorough documentation, the top-rated Illinois pedestrian accident lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates secured a $375,000 settlement prior to trial. The settlement covered:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation
• Future medical needs and anticipated joint deterioration
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

The result reflects the gravity of our client’s injuries and the strength of the evidence our team assembled. It provided meaningful financial relief and peace of mind for our client as she continues her recovery.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

Our team of six award-winning attorneys brings more than 90 years of combined experience in handling personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents in parking lots and commercial areas. We are known for our attention to detail, aggressive advocacy, and ability to use all available tools—like surveillance video and expert testimony—to present the strongest possible case.

When you are injured through no fault of your own, we are here to fight for your full compensation.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact John J. Malm & Associates. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.

Call 844-MALMLAW or fill out our online contact form to speak with an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney today.