Blog

With more than 35 years of experience, the team at Hurley McKenna & Mertz has built a reputation for tackling some of the country’s most complex and emotionally challenging legal cases. Our attorneys and staff have worked together for decades, guided by trust, respect, and a shared commitment to the truth.

The HM&M Blog is where we share insights, resources, and updates across our core practice areas:

Medical Malpractice – Breaking down patient rights, hospital responsibilities, and the realities of pursuing claims against healthcare providers.
Sexual Abuse – Covering legal developments, survivor resources, and our fight to hold institutions accountable.
Vehicle Accidents – Offering guidance on navigating insurance, liability, and recovery after serious crashes.
Personal Injury – Helping victims understand their options for compensation when negligence causes harm.
Product Liability – Shedding light on unsafe products and the corporations that must be held responsible.
Nursing Home Abuse – Advocating for the safety and dignity of vulnerable elders facing neglect or mistreatment.

Through this blog, we aim to make the law more accessible, highlight important case updates, and provide information that empowers victims and families to take the next step toward justice.

All Posts

Brother of Deceased Woman Speaks out Against Progressive Insurance

This week, a man brought to light a case of shocking greed and callousness by Progressive Insurance Company. In 2010, the man's sister was tragically killed when a driver ran a red light as she drove through an intersection. Because the driver was underinsured, the woman's estate was woefully undercompensated for this loss. The woman's policy with Progressive covered her losses in the event that she was involved in an accident that was caused by an uninsured driver. Yet, inst

Aug 16, 20121 min read

HM&M Representing 27 Survivors of Christian Brothers Sex Abuse

As reported in multiple news outlets, we at HM&M are currently representing 27 men who survived abuse at the hands of predatory and pedophile priests serving Catholic schools operated by the Irish Christian Brothers. The Irish Christian Brothers filed for bankruptcy in April of 2011. The bankruptcy court set August 1, 2012 as the deadline for victims of abuse at Christian Brothers schools to file claims against the order. The majority of the abuse was perpetrated by three s

Jul 31, 20121 min read

Ford Recalls 421,000 Escapes Due to Unintended Acceleration

This past week, Ford announced that it was recalling approximately 421,000 Escapes manufactured from 2001-2004 due to a defect that causes unintended acceleration in the vehicles. The defect at issue resulted from cruise control cables being damaged during an unrelated recall earlier this year. The defect could prevent a fully depressed gas pedal from returning to its normal position, thus leading to an unintended acceleration. According to Ford, this recall resulted from an

Jul 26, 20121 min read

Dangerous Stryker Metal-on-Metal Hip Components Recalled

In the wake of an FDA investigation of metal-on-metal hip implants, Stryker recently followed the lead of other artificial hip manufacturers and recalled its Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck hip stems. According to Stryker, these components are dangerous because they can potentially corrode inside a patient's body. Yet, in its release, Stryker failed to fully describe the substantial risks associated with metal-on-metal hip implants. When metal-on-metal hip implant

Jul 8, 20121 min read

Consumers May Ignore Product Recalls as Recalls Become More Common

U.S. regulators are concerned that the increasing frequency of product recalls could lead to the public becoming more likely to ignore important recalls. Last year, approximately 6.5 recalls occurred each day for products such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food. Experts believe the recent prevalence of recalls is the result of a combination of greater oversight by regulators, better testing procedures, and the use of social media by consumers to discuss common issu

Jun 11, 20121 min read

Investigation of 2009 Plane Crash Reveals Widespread Negligence

The investigation of the tragic crash of Air France Flight 447 in 2009 had led experts to suggest that the pilots were not properly trained to handle the plane in an emergency situation and were too dependent on the plane's autopilot system. Air France Flight 447 was traveling from Rio de Janiero to Paris on May 31, 2009 when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 228 passengers and crew on board the plane. The black box tapes revealed tha

Jun 11, 20122 min read

Kids Confusing Mini Laundry Detergent Packets with Candy

Recently, miniature laundry detergent packets began appearing in stores across the country. These mini detergent packets provide an alternative to large bottles and detergent spills. Yet despite their convenience, doctors are reporting that children are confusing these packets with candy and swallowing them. With approximately 250 cases reported to poison control centers already this year and potentially severe health consequences, these miniature laundry detergent packets sh

May 31, 20121 min read

Federal Regulators Call for Mandatory Brake Override System

In response to the deadly crash and subsequent recall of millions of Toyota and Lexus automobiles due to unintended acceleration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing that all automakers be required to design a brake-throttle override system into future vehicles. These override systems would prevent unintended accelerations by automatically releasing the throttle when the car's on board computer senses that the brake pedal is depressed, and thus una

Apr 12, 20121 min read

Confession Four Years Later Highlights Impediments to Justice in Hit-and-Run Accidents

Four years ago, a 20 year old woman was tragically struck and killed by a driver while crossing the street in the early morning hours. After hitting the woman, the driver stopped momentarily but then fled the scene as others arrived, even though he knew the woman was seriously hurt. This fatal hit-and-run went unsolved for four years. Yet, last Sunday, the driver came to the home of the victim's sister and confessed to the accident. The driver asked her not to call the police

Mar 1, 20121 min read

Boy Scouts of America Ordered To Turn Over Confidential Files in Sex Abuse Case

A judge ordered the Boy Scouts to release confidential files on abuse allegations, raising questions about decades of secrecy and failed protections.

Feb 23, 20121 min read

Counterfeit Cancer Drug Found in U.S.

Swiss drug maker Roche is warning doctors, hospitals, and patient groups that a counterfeit version of its widely used cancer drug, Avastin, has been found in the U.S. Tests of counterfeit vitals indicated that they did not contain the active ingredient used in the cancer drug. At this point, it is not clear how much of the counterfeit product was distributed in the U.S. or whether it has caused any harm. The FDA has not received any reports of side effects linked to the coun

Feb 15, 20121 min read

Cook County Morgue Fails to Identify Body for 14 Months, Suit Alleges

The Chicago law firm of Hurley, McKenna & Mertz P.C. has filed a lawsuit against the County of Cook on behalf of the family of a woman whose body lay unidentified in the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office for over fourteen <14> months. The suit alleges that 47 year-old Carmelita Johnson went missing in Chicago in January of 2010. On April 10, 2010, Chicago Police Department officers discovered the body of Ms. Johnson on the Lake Michigan shore south of Rainbow Beach. Chi

Feb 7, 20122 min read

550 Sexual Abuse Claims Against Archdiocese Of Milwaukee Made Before Bankruptcy Court Deadline

Last year, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee filed for bankruptcy protection, stating that sexual abuse lawsuits against it could lead to debts that it could not afford. The bankruptcy court set February 1 as the deadline for claims to be filed against the Archdiocese. Before this deadline, approximately 550 clergy sex abuse claims were filed. In fact, one priest was accused of abusing around 200 boys at a suburban school for deaf students over a 24 year period. The Archdiocese of

Feb 1, 20121 min read

Illinois Considering Cell Phone Ban for Drivers

An Illinois State Representative has introduced new legislation that would ban cell phone use while operating a vehicle throughout the State. Yet the use of hands-free devices would continue to be allowed under the new law. Nine other states have enacted similar laws banning cell phone use while driving. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, cell phone distractions were the main cause of over 500 crashes in Illinois during the first half of 2010. As an Illin

Jan 23, 20121 min read

Italian Cruise Line Offers Discount On Future Cruises To Survivors of Ship Disaster

This past week, the owners of the Costa Concordia offered stunningly low compensation to survivors of the wrecked cruise ship in the form of a 30 percent discount on future cruises. A spokesman for Costa Cruise said, "The company is not only going to refund everybody but they will offer a 30 discount on future cruises if they want to stay loyal to the company." As a Chicago personal injury lawyer, I find the company's response to be troubling on multiple levels. First, the s

Jan 23, 20121 min read

Drug Maker Recalls Over-the-Counter Medicines Following Dangerous Mix-Up

Drug Maker Novartis recalled popular drugs including Excedrin, Bufferin, NoDoz and Gas-X. The Food and Drug Administration and Novartis are warning consumers that these over-the-counter medications may be mixed up with powerful painkillers such as Percocet. Officials became aware of the error following hundreds of complaints about "broken or incorrect tablets winding up in pill bottles." While no injuries resulting from the mix-up have been reported at this point, accidental

Jan 11, 20121 min read

Illinois Supreme Court Changes Law, Allows Parents to Recover for Emotional Distress

CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN The Illinois Supreme Court reversed the 1st District Appellate Court and ruled that Jeff and Amy Clark could seek damages for emotional distress caused by the wrongful birth of their son. The Clarks had relied on an erroneous genetic diagnosis before having their son, born with Angelman's Syndrome. The Court did not allow the Clarks to recover the cost of caring for their disabled child after he reaches the age of majority, a position urged by Just

Nov 19, 20111 min read

Catholic Bishop Hid Evidence of Priest's Child Pornography from Parishoners

From roughly the 1950's to the 1980's, child sexual abuse by clergy occurred across the country virtually unchecked. Churches, including but not limited to the Catholic Church, hid allegations of sexual abuse. The Church clearly put its reputation ahead of innocent victims for many years by hiding abuse committed by its employees. As reported in Reuters today, the pattern continues. A priest accused of producing child pornography was welcomed into a young victim's home and in

Nov 15, 20111 min read

Penn State Scandal Reminds us that Teachers, Coaches and Churches Must Report Abuse

Last week, Penn State reached settlement agreements with seven men who were sexually abused by the school's former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. Sandusky was convicted last June on 45 counts of child sex abuse and sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison. Penn State has reportedly set aside $60 million to settle claims related to Sandusky's abuse. I am pleased to see that Sandusky's victims are receiving compensation from Penn State, but no amount of money can fully

Nov 13, 20111 min read

Penn State Abuse Scandal Reveals Same Pattern as Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

The Penn State sexual abuse scandal reminds us as trial lawyers that large institutions that deal with children do a terrible job of policing themselves when it comes to child sexual abuse. Institutions like the Catholic Church, and its Archdioceses in Chicago, Milwaukee and Boston, for example, have failed to respond to the problem of sexual abuse of children by priests, brothers and nuns honestly and firmly. Instead, the Catholic Church, like Joe Paterno and the Penn State

Nov 10, 20112 min read