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

Boy Scouts of America Releases the Victims' Fifth Amended Compensation Plan

Update on BSA’s Fifth Amended Plan: HMM shares concerns on settlements, recovery options, and what survivors need to know.

Sep 16, 20213 min read

Was My Child’s Birth Complication Preventable?

Becoming pregnant and giving birth to a healthy, happy baby is one of life’s greatest joys for mothers. While the majority of pregnancies and births impart minor or no complications, far too many mothers and their babies in the United States suffer a range of birth injuries. While some preexisting health conditions may elevate the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, mothers with a range of health concerns go on to give an uncomplicated birth to a healthy infant.

Aug 12, 20212 min read

How Preeclampsia Can Affect a Baby

Of all the birth complications that can arise for a mother and newborn, preeclampsia is one of the most dangerous. Though it should be prevented through careful medical care, preeclampsia may cause a range of painful, traumatic symptoms for the mother that can lead to lifelong conditions. Similarly, if the mother experiences preeclampsia, her child may develop either temporary or lasting complications. In the most extreme cases, preeclampsia can end the child’s life. While

Aug 4, 20213 min read

How Would a Preeclampsia Lawsuit Benefit My Child?

Contracting preeclampsia as an expectant mother is among the most difficult challenges she can experience during pregnancy. The matter becomes even more challenging when her child suffers from preeclampsia or prolonged conditions caused by preeclampsia . Too often, medical care professionals fail to diagnose and properly treat preeclampsia. The consequences can include lifelong health issues for a child, or even death. If your child has health complications caused by undiag

Jul 29, 20213 min read

Can Preeclampsia be Prevented?

No matter how healthy an expectant mother may be, there are always risks of birth complications. However, with proper medical precautions, the chance of permanent damage and injury is lowered for both mothers and their babies. It’s these precautions that ensure many births in the United States occur with little or no issue. Still, preeclampsia remains a major complication for too many women and their children in the U.S., leading many to ask, can preeclampsia be prevented? W

Jul 22, 20213 min read

Are My Child’s Health Issues Due to a Lack of Oxygen During Labor?

While most mothers give birth with little or no complications, there are a number of issues that can arise during the delivery process. Each pregnancy and each mother’s medical history and needs are unique. Though healthcare professionals are trained for these variances, they may miss or misdiagnose complications during pregnancy. If these conditions—such as preeclampsia —are undiagnosed and/or unaddressed, the child may experience developmental delays and other health issue

Jul 6, 20212 min read

What to Know About a Preeclampsia Medical Malpractice Case in Illinois

The risks of preeclampsia to a mother and baby are significant. If not properly diagnosed or promptly treated, the complications could result in mental and cognitive impairment for the baby, or even death of mother and/or child. If this traumatic episode happened to you or someone you love while in a hospital within the state of Illinois, you have the right to seek compensation for damages. But where do you begin? What questions should you ask, and where do you turn for hel

Jun 29, 20213 min read

Illinois Attorneys Share Real-Life Medical Malpractice and Preeclampsia Cases

As a patient in a hospital, you expect to receive a high level of care and to leave the hospital better than when you came in. In most instances, the patient receives suitable treatment and suffers no ill effects. There are occasions, however, where the care received by the patient is poor. Mistakes made by the medical professionals in charge of the patient can have catastrophic effects, leading to severe injury or even death to the patient. When these mistakes occur, the v

Jun 29, 20213 min read

How to Know If Your Child's Cerebral Palsy Could Be Related to Undiagnosed Preeclampsia

Despite access to some of the world’s most advanced health care facilities and medical treatments, giving birth in the United States is often fraught with avoidable complications for both mother and child. Among the complications that can arise during pregnancy, preeclampsia ranks highly among the most dangerous of these avoidable conditions. Perhaps the most unfortunate element of preeclampsia is that mothers who experience a seemingly normal pregnancy may experience preec

Jun 29, 20213 min read

When to Sue for a Preeclampsia Misdiagnosis in Illinois

Chicago is home to many hospitals and medical schools, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center, the University of Chicago Hospitals, Rush University Medical Center and Advocate facilities including Lutheran General Hospital and Christ Hospital. However, medical mistakes—such as a missed preeclampsia diagnosis--can occur anywhere, at any time. When preeclampsia occurs, the swift response of the hospital’s medical team is necessary to protect

Jun 29, 20212 min read

How Preeclampsia Can Cause Birth-Related Brain Injuries in Infants

While all births are special, they are usually physically and emotionally intense. Some are even traumatic—for both the mother and child. Although most births occur with few to no complications, some issues—like preeclampsia —can impart serious conditions to the child. The resulting complications from preeclampsia can include brain-related injuries. What is Preeclampsia? The first thing to know about preeclampsia is that it can be difficult to detect, making it one of the mo

Jun 23, 20212 min read

Is My Doctor Responsible for Preeclampsia Complications?

Welcoming a baby into the world is an unparalleled moment for parents. Each pregnancy is filled with joyful anticipation and, of course, some worry about possible complications. While many mothers do not experience complications during their pregnancy, some face difficult medical situations. Some can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention for the health of both mother and child. Preeclampsia is one of these conditions. Without quick medical care, the co

May 26, 20212 min read

How to Find a Medical Malpractice Attorney for Preeclampsia

If you’re the victim of medical malpractice, the thought of filing a claim can be daunting. Not only are you or a loved one dealing with the health repercussions resulting from the negligence of the medical team, but you have to fight the army of lawyers the hospital has on its side. Who fights for your rights? How do you find an attorney who is willing and able to take on the medical establishment? Taking on a malpractice claim requires a strong, experienced law firm that

May 20, 20212 min read

What a Negligence Lawsuit Could Mean for Preeclampsia Survivors

As a patient, the expectation when you go into a hospital for treatment is that you will not leave worse off than before you went in. When a medical staff is negligent in your care, however, the consequences can be catastrophic and long-lasting. Preeclampsia could result in death for the mother, and, for the child, a lifetime of complex medical complications that leave them needing specialized care and accommodations. These complications put a tremendous strain on families.

May 18, 20212 min read

How to Know if Your Preeclampsia is Grounds for a Malpractice Lawsuit

Any parent knows that the journey into welcoming a new baby into the world is far from routine. But from a medical standpoint, most expectant mothers experience a pregnancy, labor, and delivery that is without complications. That doesn’t apply to all, however. Complications do arise, and we rely on the medical professionals in charge of our care to respond swiftly and decisively to protect both mother and child. A common cause of birth complications is preeclampsia , a co

May 6, 20212 min read

How Does the Mormon Church Approach Abuse Allegations?

The LDS Church faces decades of sexual abuse claims, with teachings and secrecy enabling harm. Learn how survivors can seek justice and file claims.

Apr 20, 20213 min read

How Mormon Views on Sexuality Silence Abuse Victims

Mormon teachings on chastity often cause shame for abuse survivors. Learn how victims can seek justice while protecting their identity and faith.

Apr 13, 20213 min read

Is It Worth It to File a Claim Against the Mormon Church?

Thousands have alleged sexual abuse within the Mormon Church. Learn why filing a claim can bring justice, healing, and compensation for survivors.

Apr 6, 20213 min read

Hurley McKenna & Mertz Leads the Fight Against the Boy Scouts Unfair Preliminary Reorganization Plan

HMM fights the BSA plan that shields councils and underpays survivors, pushing for fair compensation in court.

Apr 5, 20211 min read

Why the Mormon Church Abuse Hotline Hasn’t Helped Victims

The LDS abuse hotline has been accused of silencing victims to protect the Church. Learn how survivors can seek justice and file a claim today.

Mar 23, 20213 min read