John J. Malm & Associates Obtains $495,000 Settlement in Roadway Defect Motorcycle Injury Case Against City of Chicago

The Illinois personal injury law firm of John J. Malm & Associates obtained a $495,000 settlement for a motorcyclist and passenger injured when their motorcycle struck a hazardous pavement buckle on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive. The defect, a previously patched but improperly repaired section of asphalt, created a dangerous condition, and eyewitness testimony confirmed another vehicle had experienced issues at the same location moments before the crash. The motorcyclist suffered severe injuries including a brain bleed and skull fracture, while his wife sustained a concussion and other injuries.

The claim alleged the City of Chicago was negligent in failing to properly repair the roadway, despite having notice of the dangerous condition. While the City cited budget constraints and municipal tort immunity, the plaintiffs’ attorneys argued a duty to maintain a reasonably safe roadway existed. Evidence included witness accounts and documentation of the defect.

The firm emphasized the vulnerability of motorcyclists to such road hazards and the municipality’s responsibility to ensure roadway safety. Lead attorney Marilynn Frangella stated the City had “constructive notice” of the hazard and failed to correct it. The settlement compensates the couple for their medical expenses and injuries, allowing them to move forward after the traumatic event.

(Source：Ein Presswire)