Articles Posted in Negligence

Most personal injury cases settle before trial, but some don’t. If your Illinois case doesn’t settle, the path forward includes pretrial preparation, a jury or bench trial, a verdict (and possible judgment), post-trial motions and appeals, and if you win the sometimes-difficult process of collecting the judgment. In this blog, we walk through what to…

Fireworks are a hallmark of American celebration, particularly around the Fourth of July. But in Illinois, where most consumer fireworks remain illegal, these festivities can take a tragic turn. Each year, hundreds of residents suffer burns, amputations, and other catastrophic injuries due to fireworks misuse or malfunction. When someone is harmed by fireworks—whether at a…

Electric scooters (also known as e-scooters) have become a common sight on urban streets across the U.S., offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to cars and public transportation. But with their popularity comes a significant increase in e-scooter accidents, raising serious questions about liability. Who is responsible when an e-scooter crash results in injuries or…

After an accident, you might be wondering, “Is it really worth it to hire a lawyer for my personal injury case?” The answer, in most cases, is a resounding yes. Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress piling up quickly. An experienced Illinois personal injury…

If you’ve recently received a personal injury settlement — or you’re pursuing one — you may be wondering whether the money is subject to taxes. After all, a settlement can represent compensation for a serious accident, lost wages, medical bills, and even pain and suffering. So, do you owe the IRS or the State of…

Divorce is a complex legal process that impacts nearly every aspect of a person’s life, including their finances, property, and even ongoing legal matters such as personal injury claims. If you are in the middle of a personal injury case and either you or your spouse files for divorce, it can significantly affect the outcome…

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how overwhelming it can be for families when a loved one dies during the course of a pending personal injury claim. The grief of losing someone is compounded by the uncertainty of what will happen to their case. Thankfully, Illinois law provides a pathway to ensure the…

Loss of consortium is a legal concept that allows a spouse to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and other relational benefits resulting from injuries sustained by their partner due to another’s negligence or wrongful act. In Illinois, this claim recognizes the profound impact that a serious injury can have not only on…

When an accident or injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, the injured party may consider filing a lawsuit to seek compensation. But what if the person responsible is a minor? Can you sue a teenager or child for negligence, and if so, what are the legal challenges? This question is especially relevant as teenagers…

If you’re a plaintiff in a personal injury case, the deposition stage can feel intimidating. A deposition, often described as a “question-and-answer session under oath,” allows the opposing side’s attorneys to dig into the details of your case. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 212, deposition questions can cover a broad range of topics as long…