Families don’t place loved ones in nursing homes expecting perfection — but they do expect safety. That’s why a serious fall inside a nursing facility is so jarring. It raises an uncomfortable question almost immediately: How did this happen when someone was supposed to be watching?
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in nursing homes, and they’re also among the most preventable. While facilities often describe them as “unavoidable,” the reality is that many falls trace back to missed warning signs, ignored care plans, or unsafe conditions that never should have existed in the first place.
 
Why Falls Happen So Often in…
Continue Reading Falls in Nursing Homes: A Leading Cause of Elder Injury 

A hit-and-run accident doesn’t just leave physical injuries behind — it leaves confusion, anger, and a lot of unanswered questions. One moment everything is normal. The next, you’re hurt, shaken, and watching the driver responsible disappear down the road. 
What comes after is often just as frustrating. Medical bills start arriving. Work becomes difficult or impossible. And somehow, despite doing nothing wrong, you’re the one left trying to piece everything together. That’s why hit-and-run injury cases are rarely simple — and why legal guidance matters. 
 
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver causes an accident…
Continue Reading Why Hit-and-Run Injury Cases Often Require a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney 

Going to the grocery store is something most people do without thinking. You grab a cart, follow your list, and head toward the checkout. But when something as simple as a puddle in the aisle or a broken floor tile is overlooked, what should have been a routine trip can quickly turn into a painful experience.

Slip and fall accidents are common in grocery stores across Illinois. The injuries from these falls can be serious, ranging from sprained ankles and broken wrists to concussions or spinal damage. In many cases, the accident could have been prevented if store employees had…
Continue Reading Slip and Fall Injuries at Illinois Grocery Stores: What Evidence Helps Prove Negligence

Lighting is something most people take for granted. You flip a switch, a room lights up, and you go about your day. But when a bulb goes out or an area is poorly lit, especially in a public or commercial space, the risk of injury goes up. One missed step or unseen puddle in a dark stairwell can change your life in a matter of seconds.

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common reasons people get hurt on someone else’s property. And when the lighting is poor, it becomes even harder to see obstacles or dangerous conditions.
Continue Reading How Lighting Conditions Impact Slip and Fall Liability in Illinois

If you were recently injured in an accident and are thinking about calling a lawyer, you are not alone. Many people hesitate to reach out because they are unsure what that first meeting will be like. They wonder what kind of questions will be asked or whether they are expected to make a decision on the spot. Others worry they will be pressured or judged for not knowing much about the legal process.

A free consultation is meant to ease those concerns. It is a chance for you to talk with an experienced attorney, ask honest questions, and learn whether…
Continue Reading What to Expect from a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney

If you are dealing with a serious injury and pursuing legal action in Illinois, chances are you have heard about the importance of expert medical testimony. But if you are like most people, you may not be entirely sure what that means or how it could impact your case.

The truth is that expert medical testimony often becomes the foundation of a strong personal injury lawsuit. It can help clarify what caused your injuries, how severe they are, and how they are likely to affect your future. Without this testimony, your case may come down to little more than your…
Continue Reading The Role of Expert Medical Testimony in Serious Injury Lawsuits

If you have filed an injury claim in Illinois, there is something important you need to be aware of. Insurance companies sometimes hire private investigators to watch people who are seeking compensation. It might sound extreme, but it happens more often than you think. And it is perfectly legal in many situations.

Surveillance is not just for dramatic court cases or high-profile lawsuits. Even everyday personal injury claims, like a car accident or a slip and fall, can trigger this type of attention. The goal is simple. Insurance companies want to reduce the amount they have to pay. If they…
Continue Reading What to Know About Surveillance and Private Investigators in Illinois Injury Cases

If you’ve suffered an injury in Illinois and are considering legal action, you may be worried about how a pre-existing condition could impact your case. You are not alone. Many people assume that having a prior injury or medical issue disqualifies them from receiving compensation. That’s simply not true. While it may complicate your case, it does not eliminate your rights. To better understand your options, contact attorney Michael J. Brennan today for a free legal consultation and personalized guidance on how to move forward.

Understanding What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition

A pre-existing condition refers to any injury, illness,…
Continue Reading How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Personal Injury Claim in Illinois

When a serious accident happens, the effects often spread far beyond the person who was hurt. A spouse may lose companionship, intimacy, and the sense of partnership that once defined their relationship. These personal and emotional losses are real, and Illinois law provides a way to seek recognition and compensation for them through what is known as a loss of consortium claim.

Loss of consortium is a legal term that covers the harm suffered by the uninjured spouse when their partner’s injury changes the nature of their marriage. It recognizes that trauma does not end with the physical pain of…
Continue Reading Understanding Loss of Consortium Claims in Illinois Injury Cases

When a personal injury case ends, it can feel final. You sign the papers, accept the settlement, and move forward believing there is nothing left to do. But what if new information surfaces or you learn that something was hidden from you? Can a personal injury case ever be reopened in Illinois?

In some situations, the law allows people to challenge a closed case and ask the court to take another look. The process is not easy, but it exists for good reason. If you believe your case ended unfairly or you discovered something that changes the facts, Attorney Michael…
Continue Reading Can You Reopen a Closed Personal Injury Case in Illinois

If you’ve been injured in Illinois because of someone else’s carelessness, every detail counts. That includes what you post on social media. While it might seem harmless to share updates or photos, those posts can come back to hurt your case in a big way. Insurance companies and defense attorneys are watching. 

To protect your rights and strengthen your case, contact attorney Michael J. Brennan today for a free legal consultation. What you do online now could decide how your case plays out later.

Social Media is Not as Private as You Think

You might think that because your accounts…
Continue Reading How Social Media Can Hurt Your Illinois Personal Injury Case

If you are involved in a personal injury case in Illinois, there will likely come a time when you need to give a deposition. This is a formal question and answer session that takes place before trial. It allows both sides to understand the facts of the case and to prepare for settlement or court. A deposition may sound intimidating, but it is a normal step in the legal process and one your attorney will help you handle with confidence.

Attorney Michael J. Brennan works closely with his clients before every deposition so they feel calm, prepared, and ready to…
Continue Reading What to Expect During a Personal Injury Deposition in Illinois

Motorcycle accidents are often life-altering events that can lead to severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardships. As a motorcyclist, you have far less protection than drivers in cars, making you more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries in the event of a collision. Whether it’s navigating medical treatments, dealing with insurance companies, or determining liability, recovering from a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially without legal guidance.
This is where the question comes in: should you get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident? The answer is a resounding yes. Motorcycle accident claims can be quite complex, and the challenges…
Continue Reading Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?