Coogan Knows the Law

Jim updates the Gerald Reed case—the trial is complete. And explores other wrongful convictions in Chicago while comparing them to the complaints that a “two-tiered system of justice” is being applied to ex-President Trump.

Gerald Reed was arrested on suspicion of a double-homicide. While in Chicago Police custody, he was interrogated by two detectives that worked under the infamous John Burge. He alleged that he was kicked so hard while handcuffed that it broke the rod placed in his thigh bone. Xrays confirmed the fracture, but the jury convicted him anyway.He kept fighting his legal case. After a tortured legal history, the Governor of Illinois examined whether his conviction was just. Now, he's facing another trial...but will he serve any more prison time even if convicted? Listen in for the whole story...

Attorney Jim Coogan knows the law...can be funny. Did you know you can be pulled over for honking your car horn? What if you are honking to cheer on a group of sports fans? Or a political rally? Or protesting a political gathering? What about your right to free speech?Listen in as Jim discusses a surprising recent case involving all these questions and more...

Joseph is a specially-trained athletic trainer with who is also specialist in Functional Capacity Exams...and he even did an internship at NASA!Take a listen as Jim and Joseph discuss the commitment and training required to help people recover from injuries and improve their strength. Joseph also discusses why helping patients live healthier lives is so important to him.

Jim discusses what you should expect from your lawyer in a Civil Case, what questions you should ask, and the nature of the relationship between lawyer and client.

Ben sat down and talked one on one with columnist and host of The Ben Joravsky Show, Ben Joravsky. Trump, Mayor Daly, Mayor Johnson, the Chicago migrant crisis and so much more!!

Do you have good insurance? Are you sure?Getting good home & auto insurance will not only protect you if you cause injury to someone else, but you can protect yourself if the person who injures you does not have insurance. Most people do not ask about "uninsured motorist coverage" when they get insurance, but you'll be glad you had it if something unfortunate happens.

In this special Guest Interview Episode, Jim welcomes Business Development and Lawyer Coach, Steve Fretzin! Steve is the host of the "Be That Lawyer" Podcast and works with attorneys who look to expand and grow their law practices. Steve shares why he is passionate about helping lawyers deliver for more clients that need their skills and advocacy.

In the 1990's, Americans who were unfamiliar with civil wrongful death cases were confronted with one of the most high-profile lawsuits in American History. Following the Los Angeles County jury's acquittal of OJ Simpson for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, the Goldman family sued OJ for wrongful death. As a result, many learned the difference between the "beyond a reasonable doubt" burden in criminal cases and the "more likely than not" burden in civil cases and saw that a civil jury held OJ accountable where the Criminal Jury did not.Jim also describes the types of "damages" available to a family that has lost a loved one due to wrongful conduct.

In 2023, Illinois made sweeping changes to the criminal justice system. Listen in as Jim Coogan explains how the Pre-Trial Fairness Act replaces the cash bail system and will impact everyone charged with a crime in Illinois going forward.

How do you know whether a nursing home will care for your loved one? What questions should you ask? What are the signs of neglect?Jim Coogan discusses how to advocate for your loved one and how to keep them cared for.

Probate is scary! Or is it? Most people have an unfavorable idea of what probate is and how it works. But the reality is that it's an important part of what happens when people can not legally act on their own behalf--either due to death or sickness or because they're a minor.Maybe it's not so bad, after all.

Coogan Knows the Law, but he doesn't Know Emergency Room Medicine. Certainly not like Dr. McCool does. Listen as Jim finds out how things work in the ER. What it's like to teach new doctors to care for patients in high-stress situations. And he asks an ER doctor: why did you decide to become a lawyer?Then, Jim and Peter discuss some of the wildest and most challenging patients that Peter has treated in the ER.

Can I get a witness? Law cases are about evidence. Witness testimony is critical in nearly every case you can imagine. In this episode, Jim breaks down the different types of witnesses and the roles they play in the process. It involves: who is the witness, what is the basis for their knowledge, and what does the side that wants them to testify expect them to say.Take a listen for what sort of witness you might be.

Jim explains the three different types of attorney fees. Some lawyers are paid by the hour. Some a fixed Fee. Jim also explains what a "contingent" fee is and how it benefits the client.For more information contact Jim at Coogan Gallagher at (312) 782-7482 or cgtrial.com

Jim breaks down what a deposition is in a legal case. He explains who asks the questions, who answers question and how it fits into the case.For more information contact Coogan Gallagher at (312) 782-7482 or cgtrial.com.

Do you know what a Civil Law Suit involves?Listen as Jim breaks down 5 things you need to know about civil lawsuits. The investigation, the filing of the lawsuit, discovery and the witnesses. Oh, and maybe a trial.For more information and any other legal questions, visit the law firm of Coogan Gallagher (www.cgtrial.com)

What is a Civil Case? What is a Criminal Case? How are they different?Jim breaks down the major differences between civil cases and criminal cases, with three key differences: who brings the case, the burden of proof and the stakes!For more information and any other legal questions, visit Coogan Gallagher (www.cgtrial.com).

Jim breaks down "Damages." He explains the different types of injuries, the cases they arise in, and what does it all mean?For more information or to ask for more details about any legal question you have, contact the Coogan Gallagher firm (visit www.cgtrial.com).