Articles Posted in Personal Injury

When you’ve been injured in an accident, whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident, the moments afterward can feel overwhelming. In addition to seeking medical treatment and dealing with insurance companies, you may be wondering what kind of evidence will strengthen your personal injury claim. One of the most powerful forms of evidence available in personal injury cases is the witness statement.

Witness statements often play a critical role in establishing what happened, how it happened, and who was at fault. But do you always need witness statements to pursue compensation? Not necessarily, but having them can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

This blog explores the importance of witness statements in Illinois personal injury claims, when they are most useful, and how our firm can help gather and use them to protect your rights. Continue reading

If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence in Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. But what exactly can you recover in a legal claim? Understanding the categories of damages available under Illinois law is crucial when evaluating your case. In this blog, we will break down the types of damages available in Illinois personal injury lawsuits, provide legal references, and help you understand how courts calculate compensation. Continue reading

Insurance companies play a critical role in personal injury cases, often determining how much compensation you can recover for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, their primary goal is to protect their own financial interests—not to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies operate in personal injury claims. With over 90 years of combined litigation experience, our award-winning team has successfully negotiated with insurance companies to recover millions for injured clients across Illinois. In this blog, we’ll explore the role insurance companies play in personal injury cases, common tactics they use, and how to protect yourself and your claim. Continue reading

When pursuing a personal injury claim, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is whether to settle your case or proceed to trial. While settlements are more common, some cases require litigation to achieve fair compensation. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each option can help you make an informed decision about the best path forward.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our award-winning team has over 90 years of combined litigation experience, recovering millions for injured clients across Illinois. From our offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we guide personal injury victims through every step of the process, helping them navigate the complexities of settlement negotiations and trials. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of settling versus going to trial in a personal injury case. Continue reading

After an accident—whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or another personal injury—the insurance company may contact you with a seemingly routine request: to sign a medical release form. While this might sound harmless or even necessary, many injury victims don’t realize that signing a blanket medical release can severely hurt their case. Before putting pen to paper, it’s crucial to understand what these forms do, what rights you may be giving up, and why speaking to an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney first is almost always in your best interest.

What Is a Medical Release Form?

A medical release form—often titled something like “Authorization to Disclose Health Information”—is a document that gives the insurance company permission to access your medical records. The adjuster might claim they need this information to evaluate your injury claim, which is partly true. However, what they don’t mention is that the standard release forms they provide are usually broad and unrestricted, giving them access to your entire medical history, not just the records related to your injury.

Umbrella coverage, also known as an umbrella insurance policy, provides additional liability protection beyond the limits of standard homeowner’s, auto, or other personal insurance policies. In Illinois, homeowners can purchase umbrella coverage to protect against significant claims and lawsuits that exceed the limits of their primary insurance policies. This is extremely helpful in personal injury cases, where the cost of treatment for severe injuries often exceeds the policy limits of the primary insurance policy. Continue reading

Filing a personal injury lawsuit can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from an accident and trying to navigate an unfamiliar legal system. Knowing what to expect and understanding the typical timeline of a personal injury case can provide clarity and peace of mind.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have over 90 years of combined litigation experience and a proven track record of securing millions of dollars for injured clients across Illinois. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our award-winning team is dedicated to helping personal injury victims achieve justice. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key stages of a personal injury claim and offer insights into what you can expect at each step. Continue reading

One of the most common questions people ask after being injured in an accident is, “How much is my case worth?” While this is a straightforward question, the answer is anything but simple. The value of a personal injury case depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident. In this blog, we’ll break down the key components that influence the value of your case, helping you understand what to expect if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim in Naperville, St. Charles, or anywhere in Illinois. Continue reading

Medical records play a pivotal role in personal injury cases. They serve as concrete evidence that helps attorneys, insurance companies, and courts assess the severity of injuries, establish causation, and determine appropriate compensation for damages. At John J. Malm & Associates, we routinely rely on medical records to evaluate and strengthen our clients’ claims, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

The Importance of Medical Records in Establishing Causation and Liability

Medical records are crucial in proving causation, which is the link between the accident and the injury. For a plaintiff to recover damages, it must be demonstrated that the injury occurred because of the defendant’s actions or negligence. Medical records provide: