Cook County Personal Injury Lawyers
Top-Rated Chicago and Suburban Injury Lawyers with a Record of Results
An accident can easily turn your life upside down. At John J. Malm & Associates, we serve injured individuals and families throughout Cook County, including Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Whether you were hurt in a high-speed crash, on unsafe property, or due to a dog bite or medical negligence, our Cook County personal injury attorneys are ready to help you recover financially, physically, and emotionally.

Legal Advocacy for the Communities of Cook County
Cook County is the most populous county in Illinois and home to a wide range of injury risks, from congested urban roads to dangerous workplaces. Our attorneys are familiar with Cook County court systems, judges, and local rules. We tailor every case to fit your unique needs and use proven strategies to get results, whether through settlement or trial.
Why John J. Malm & Associates Is the Right Choice For Your Cook County Personal Injury Case
- Highly Experienced Team: Our firm brings together more than 90 years of combined personal injury experience.
- Respected by Peers and Opponents: Our legal work has earned recognition and trust in courtrooms across the region.
- Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients and insurance companies know we’ll take cases to court if necessary.
- Hands-On Representation: We prioritize client communication, timely updates, and responsive legal support.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Cook County
Car Accidents
We represent people injured in car crashes, rideshare collisions, and multi-vehicle pileups on highways like I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive.
Truck Crashes
Crashes involving semis and delivery trucks require investigation and legal skill. We hold drivers, companies, and insurers accountable.
Motorcycle Collisions
We stand with injured motorcyclists and their families, helping them fight for maximum recovery after serious crashes.
Pedestrian & Cyclist Injuries
Busy city streets are especially dangerous for walkers and cyclists. When drivers fail to yield or pay attention, we take legal action.
Premises Liability
From icy walkways to broken stairs, property owners must maintain safe conditions. We help injury victims pursue claims when they don’t.
Animal Attacks
Dog owners are liable for bites and attacks. We help victims recover for medical treatment, scarring, and trauma.
Medical Mistakes
Hospitals, clinics, and doctors must follow professional standards. When they don’t, we fight for justice on behalf of the injured.
Fatal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases
Families suffering a loss due to negligence can pursue a wrongful death claim. We guide them through a difficult legal process.
Nursing Home and Elder Abuse Cases
Neglect or mistreatment in nursing homes must never be ignored. We act quickly to investigate and protect vulnerable residents.
Some of Our Firm’s Recent Verdicts & Settlements
- $3 Million – Fatal car accident
- $2 Million – Motorcycle accident
- $1.5 Million – Commercial truck accident
- $1.35 Million – Auto accident resulting in neck injuries
- $675,000 – Pitbull attack on a guest in Chicago area hotel
- $475,000 – Pedestrian struck in parking lot
- $400,000 – Pitbull attack on a woman
- $300,000 – Pedestrian struck in crosswalk
- $225,000 – Neck injury caused by rear-end collision
- $100,000 – Pedestrian struck crossing a street
- $100,000 – Hot coffee spill resulting in burns
What Does a Personal Injury Claim Involve?
Personal injury claims are civil lawsuits that allow injured people to recover compensation from the parties responsible. If someone’s actions, or lack of care, caused your injury, Illinois law allows you to bring a claim for financial and non-economic damages.
Filing in the Cook County Court
Most personal injury lawsuits in Cook County are filed in the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, located at the Richard J. Daley Center at 50 W. Washington Street in downtown Chicago. The Law Division handles cases involving claims of $50,000 or more, including complex injury and wrongful death matters. While filing a lawsuit is often necessary to begin the formal process, many cases settle before reaching trial. Our firm uses strategic pressure and detailed case preparation to pursue a strong settlement, but we’re always ready to go to court when needed.
The Legal Standard: Negligence and Jury Instructions
To succeed in a personal injury case, you must prove negligence: a breach of a duty that causes harm. Illinois courts use Pattern Jury Instructions (IPI) to help jurors understand how negligence is defined, how fault is assigned, and how damages are calculated.
15 Common FAQs about Cook County Personal Injury Claims
1. What makes a personal injury claim valid?
You must show the injury was caused by someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing.
2. What if I was hurt on public property?
You may still have a claim. Public agencies can be held liable under specific rules.
3. What should I do after an accident?
Seek medical care, document the scene, and consult a personal injury lawyer.
4. How long do I have to file a claim in Cook County?
Most claims must be filed within two years, but exceptions apply.
5. What damages can I recover?
Medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and more.
6. Can emotional harm be included?
Yes. Mental anguish and emotional distress can be part of your damages.
7. What if I didn’t go to the ER right away?
You can still pursue a claim, but timely documentation strengthens your case.
8. Can I afford a lawyer?
Yes, we charge nothing unless we win your case.
9. What is comparative fault?
Your compensation may be reduced if you were partly at fault, but you can still recover if under 50%.
10. Will my case settle or go to trial?
Most claims settle, but we prepare every case as if trial is possible.
11. How do I prove the other party was negligent?
Evidence like video, witness statements, expert opinions, and records.
12. Who pays the settlement?
Typically, the at-fault party’s insurer. In some cases, your own policy may apply.
13. Can a parent file for a child?
Yes. Parents or legal guardians can bring claims for minors.
14. Do I need to appear in court?
Not always. Many cases resolve through settlement without trial.
15. How do I get started?
Call us for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your next steps.
Why Your Cook County Injury Case Matters to Us
“Every client we serve is more than a case, they’re someone whose life has been changed. We bring skill, focus, and care to every matter because we know what’s at stake. That commitment drives us to deliver exceptional results.” — Cook County Personal Injury Lawyer John J. Malm
Contact the Award-Winning Cook County Personal Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
If you’ve been injured in Cook County, don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact the top-rated injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates today at 844-MALMLAW or visit www.malmlegal.com to request your free consultation.
Experience you can count on. Justice you deserve.