Articles Posted in negligence

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…

Each year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs, and Illinois consistently ranks near the top of the list for dog bite-related injuries and insurance claims. Despite how common these incidents are, many victims do not realize the importance of reporting a dog bite to local authorities. In Illinois, notifying animal control or the local…

When a commercial truck driver causes a crash and dies in the accident, it can leave victims and their families confused about what comes next—especially when it comes to legal claims. Many wonder: Can you still sue the trucking company if the at-fault driver is no longer alive? The answer is yes—in many cases, you…

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Illinois and you’re not a U.S. citizen, you may feel uncertain or even fearful about pursuing a personal injury claim. Many undocumented immigrants, visa holders, or green card applicants worry that filing a claim will lead to exposure, discrimination, or even deportation. Fortunately, Illinois law provides…

Pressure sores—also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers—are localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, typically occurring over bony prominences due to prolonged pressure, friction, or shear. Among the four recognized stages of pressure ulcers, one type stands out due to its severity and complexity: the unstageable pressure sore. Unstageable pressure sores are serious…

In June 2025, FreshRealm, Inc. initiated a nationwide recall of several ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold under the Marketside brand at Walmart and the Home Chef brand at Kroger. The recall was triggered by potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause life-threatening infections. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s…

Pedestrian accidents can result in life-altering injuries, long-term disabilities, and even death. Despite the severity of these incidents, many victims find that insurance companies are quick to downplay the value of their claims. At John J. Malm & Associates, our Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys have seen firsthand how insurers minimize the impact of these crashes…

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand that car accidents often happen in the blink of an eye—especially at intersections where drivers may be confused about the rules of the road. One of the most misunderstood traffic control devices in Illinois is the flashing light at an intersection. Whether it’s flashing red or yellow,…

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand that nothing is more traumatic for a parent than seeing their child suffer an injury—especially in a place that should feel safe, like a neighbor’s backyard. When a child is injured in a swimming pool accident, the situation can quickly escalate into a complex legal matter. Parents…

Illinois’s version of the “Dead Man’s Act,” is an unusual but enduring rule of evidence that limits what interested witnesses may testify to about conversations with—or events observed by—a deceased person. Enacted in 1973, it serves to both prevent potential fabrication of testimony and ensure fairness in civil proceedings. Though rooted in common law dating…