July News From Ankin Law

The 2026 AAJ Annual Convention

“I’m proud to welcome the

AAJ to Chicago to defend our constitutional right to

a trial by jury” - Howard Ankin

This month, the American Association for Justice (AAJ) is holding its annual convention in Chicago, and I'm proud that Ankin Law is hosting the welcome party.

I've been an AAJ member for most of my career, and it's an honor to welcome this incredible organization to my hometown. Just some of what the AAJ does includes fighting to protect the rights of injured people, defending our constitutional right to a jury trial, challenging proposed changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and educating lawyers to overcome jury bias.

More than 3,000 AAJ members are in Chicago to promote a fair and effective justice system

As a member of the AAJ Board of Governors representing Illinois, I often tell my clients, "I was working for you even before you became my client." That's because my work extends beyond the courtroom. I'm committed to protecting injured workers and consumers across Chicagoland by fighting to end forced arbitration in Illinois –

a practice that pushes plaintiffs into secret, biased, one-sided arbitration rather than allowing them access to justice.

This week, more than 3,000 AAJ members are in Chicago to collaborate, advocate, and continue the fight for fairness and accountability. I'm looking forward to seeing familiar faces, making new friends, and being part of this important mission.

Welcome to Chicago

One aspect of our sponsorship with the AAJ Annual Convention

is a "Welcome to Chicago" eblast to attendees. Rather than a simple email message from Howard we opted for a more highly produced welcome video message from Ankin Law and showcasing the City.

Watch Welcome to Chicago

Howard Ankin reflects on building the Ankin Law brand

On June 24, Howard Ankin joined Amy Rutledge on Daytime Chicago on WGN for a conversation that focused not on legal cases, but on the story behind the Ankin Law brand.

As the featured guest for Nexstar Media's The New Visibility Playbook: Marketing in an AI-Driven World, Howard shared with more than 150 small business owners how Ankin Law has grown over the years— from its memorable phone number and tagline to the Stickman mascot and celebrity-driven advertising. The presentation opened with a highlight reel of memorable commercials, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments from past campaigns. Watch the highlight reel. The interview also marked a full-circle moment. Some of Ankin Law's first television commercials were filmed in the WGN studios in the early 2000s.

"Over the years, I've worked hard to remind people throughout Chicagoland that I'm a third-generation Chicago attorney," Howard said. "My roots in this city are a big part of who I am, which is why my partnership with WGN means so much. Their motto, 'Chicago's Very Own,' aligns perfectly with our commitment to 'Injury Law Made Personal.'"

Howard also emphasized that while marketing continues to evolve in the age of AI, trust is still built through authentic relationships, consistent messaging, and delivering top legal services for clients. Technology may help people find a law firm, but genuine connections are what make them choose one.

Watch the full interview here.

Fighting for clients in the office and in the courtroom

She’s a personal injury attorney who feels very much at home in the courtroom.

Attorney Raquel Gross, a partner at Ankin Law, loves being in front of a judge and a jury of her peers, advocating for our clients to receive the medical care they need and the compensation they deserve.

Raquel’s love for the law began on a different continent, where her service-minded parents instilled a desire to help those in need. From Brazil to Florida to Chicago, she remains devoted to doing what's right
for her clients.

Watch Raquel

Investigating Mass Torts

Social Media Addiction Lawsuits: A Brief Overview

Courts across the United States are now addressing lawsuits alleging that major social media

platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive and caused serious mental health harm —

particularly to children and teenagers. The cases are often compared to earlier tobacco litigation because they focus on whether companies engineered products to maximize use despite known risks.

The lawsuits claim platforms used features such as infinite scrolling, algorithmic content

recommendations, and persistent notifications to encourage compulsive engagement.

In other words, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and others use features that

effectively create an atmosphere that prevents one from just stopping.

Typical Case Criteria

While each claim depends on individual facts, courts generally evaluate cases involving young users

who meet the following factors:

• Began using the platform before age 18

• 18• 25 years old or younger at the time suit is filed

• High-volume use, commonly averaging 3 or more hours per day

Documented medical or psychological harm showing serious injury, such as:

• Depression or severe anxiety

• Eating disorders

• Self-harm or suicidal ideation

• Loss of money

• Body image disorders

Evidence frequently includes app usage data, treatment records, and documented behavioral changes.

If you or someone you know has experienced any of the above issues, contact Ankin Law for information

on whether you qualify. Call 312.600.0000.

For more information on social media addiction, click here.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Can Hospitals Be Liable for Inadequate Staff Training?

When training falls short, the consequences can affect nearly every aspect of patient care. Staff members may struggle to operate equipment correctly, recognize warning signs of a medical emergency, follow safety protocols, or communicate important information. These breakdowns can increase the risk of preventable mistakes and place patients in harm’s way.

An injury may raise questions about whether the problem was caused by an individual mistake or whether inadequate staff training contributed to the outcome. When a hospital fails to properly prepare or supervise its workforce, liability issues may arise alongside concerns about patient safety.

Inadequate staff training can contribute to preventable medical errors and patient injuries.
Hospitals have responsibilities that extend beyond hiring qualified personnel.
Training failures may affect medication administration, patient monitoring, infection prevention, and emergency response.
A hospital may face liability when insufficient training contributes to patient harm.
Medical malpractice claims often require evidence that inadequate training played a role in the injury.

Hospitals have a responsibility to ensure their staff members are properly trained to provide safe and effective care. When inadequate staff training contributes to preventable medical errors, patients may suffer injuries that could have been avoided with better preparation, supervision, or education.

Although not every medical mistake results from a training failure, hospitals can face liability when inadequate training contributes to patient harm. If you believe a preventable medical error injured you or a loved one, contact Ankin Law at 312.600.0000 to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.

If you’ve looked up anywhere in Chicago, you’ve probably seen a product this company has been producing for over a century. If you’ve seen a major event in the “Windy City,” WGN Flag Company has likely been a part of it. That’s something that makes Carl “Gus” Porter, President and CEO, proud as he carries on a family tradition that started in 1916.

WGN Flag Company, named after founder and Porter’s great-grandfather William George Newbould, produces banners and flags all around the city and the world.

WGN creates the four-star Chicago flags that fly around the Loop and the championship banners at the United Center at their headquarters on South Chicago Avenue.

Through the years, they’ve provided decoration for major events in the area, from V-Day at the end of World War II to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center this June.

“To know that we’re part of history, it just makes it worthwhile.”

- Gus Porter

Watch Gus Porter, WGN Flag Co.

Do you have a legal question? We're here to help. Call Ankin Law at 312.600.0000 for a Free Consultation