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John J. Malm & Associates Wins $300,000 Settlement for Woman Injured in Oak Brook T-Bone Collision

Attorneys Marilynn Frangella and John J. Malm of John J. Malm & Associates recently obtained a $300,000 settlement for a woman who suffered serious injuries after a T-bone crash in Oakbrook, Illinois. This tragic case highlights the dangers drivers face when other drivers disregard traffic signals.

John J. Malm & Associates Attorneys John Malm and Marilynn Frangella

The Crash: A Red-Light Violation Leads to a Serious T-Bone Collision

Our client was driving westbound on 22nd Street in Oak Brook, a busy suburban corridor near Oakbrook Center mall. As she lawfully entered an intersection with a green traffic signal, another driver ran a red light and struck her vehicle in a violent T-bone collision.

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, often result in severe injuries due to the lack of structural protection on the sides of most vehicles. In this case, the force of the impact was significant.

Two independent eyewitnesses came forward at the scene and told responding officers that our client had the right of way. Their statements confirmed that the other driver had entered the intersection against a solid red light, providing clear evidence of negligence.

The Aftermath: Severe and Lasting Injuries

As a result of the collision, our client sustained multiple serious injuries to her right ankle, including:

  • A comminuted and slightly displaced fracture of the talus
  • Intra-articular extension to both the tibiotalar and talocalcaneal joints
  • Posttraumatic hemarthrosis (bleeding into the joint space)
  • Significant soft tissue swelling

The talus is a critical bone in the ankle that helps connect the leg and foot, making these injuries especially serious. Comminuted fractures, where the bone is broken into multiple pieces, can be complex and often require extensive surgery to repair.

First Surgery: Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)

Our client underwent a major orthopedic procedure known as Open Reduction Internal Fixation to repair the fractures. During this surgery, the broken talar dome was repositioned and stabilized using internal hardware (such as screws and plates). The goal was to realign the fragments of the bone and allow for healing while restoring the function of the ankle.

While the initial surgery was successful in stabilizing the fracture, the road to recovery was far from over.

Ongoing Complications and Second Surgery

Unfortunately, our client’s recovery did not progress as hoped. She developed two debilitating conditions:

  • Arthrofibrosis of the right ankle joint – a painful condition where excessive scar tissue limits joint mobility
  • Equinus contracture – tightness in the Achilles tendon, causing the ankle to be stuck in a downward-pointing position

These conditions severely impacted her ability to walk, perform daily tasks, and work.

To address these complications, she required a second, even more extensive surgery, which included:

  • Right ankle arthroscopy with extensive debridement (removing scar tissue)
  • Excision of talar and distal tibial exostosis (removal of bone overgrowth)
  • Hardware removal from the first surgery
  • Right open Achilles tendon lengthening
  • Posterior capsular release to restore ankle range of motion

The recovery from this second procedure was difficult, involving months of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Despite the medical intervention, our client continues to experience ongoing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, which affects her quality of life and ability to return to her pre-accident activities.

How Our Firm Helped Secure A Substantial Settlement

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious accident can have on a person’s life. After the accident, our client contacted our firm for legal representation. We immediately launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Here’s how we built a strong case on her behalf:

  • Gathered key evidence, including the police report, medical records, surgical documentation, and eyewitness statements
  • Calculated economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and potential future care
  • Documented non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of normal life
  • Negotiated aggressively with the at-fault driver’s insurance company

Our firm is known for not backing down when insurance companies try to minimize a client’s damages. In this case, we were able to secure a $300,000 settlement, providing our client with the financial resources she needs to move forward.

Why Choose the Top-Rated Illinois Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates?

Our firm has earned a reputation throughout Illinois for delivering results in complex personal injury cases, including serious car crashes. We are proud to be known for:

  • Experienced Trial Attorneys – We are prepared to take your case to trial if needed.
  • Personalized Legal Strategy – Every client receives tailored representation based on their unique injuries and needs.
  • Proven Track Record – We have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for injury victims.
  • No Fee Unless We Win – We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover for you.

As personal injury attorneys serving Oak Brook, Naperville, Wheaton, Joliet, and beyond, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing justice for our clients.

“This case shows how a moment of negligence—running a red light—can have devastating consequences. Our client endured two major surgeries, a long recovery, and will likely face ongoing challenges. We’re proud we were able to help her receive the compensation she deserves so she can begin to rebuild her life.” — John J. Malm, DuPage County car accident attorney

A Strong Result for a Deserving Client

Thanks to the skilled advocacy of our legal team, our client was able to obtain a $300,000 settlement to help cover her extensive medical costs and compensate her for the immense pain and suffering she endured. While no settlement can undo the damage, it can provide financial security and a sense of closure.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact John J. Malm & Associates to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us put our experience, dedication, and proven results to work for you.

Client Reviews

"The Malm law firm is extremely professional and friendly. I would definitely refer others to this law firm."

D.K., Naperville, IL

"John, thank you again for all your hard work and dedication to my case. I really appreciated knowing I did not need to worry about anything and that my case was in good hands. It was so nice to have a peace of mind the entire time."

J.O., Naperville, IL

What can I say besides thank you for all you did. You handled my car accident case well -- with experience, knowledge and patience. You are an absolutely great attorney. You have made it possible for me to start living a normal life again. Thank you again, God Bless.

E.R., Naperville, IL

"John is the best. I would not want anybody else to handle a case for my family."

T.D., Aurora, IL

"I am truly blessed to have been referred to John and his team. Without John, my case would have been swept under the carpet. He truly made me feel cared for, protected and comfortable. I never was treated as just another case, and never felt ignored or neglected. I recommend John and his firm to...

A.G., Elgin, IL

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