When the VA wasn't paying attention tragedy struck

“Ankin Law has filed a lawsuit against the VA for negligence to give Tony and his family a voice after theirs was ignored"  

- Attorney Howard Ankin

When Anthony W., a 49-year-old father of six, came to us, his story was heartbreaking and infuriating. A proud Army veteran, Tony had spent his life serving his country and building a small trucking business to support his growing family.

He was a provider, a leader, and a man who showed up for others. But when he needed someone to show up for him, the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Plainfield, IL, failed him.

Tony developed a bacterial infection, one that should have been caught and treated promptly. But weeks went by. His condition worsened until it triggered full-blown sepsis. By the time he was finally treated, Tony had suffered heart failure requiring surgery, followed by a series of strokes that left him permanently disabled. He can no longer work. He can’t drive. His wife, who once relied on him, is now his full-time caretaker.

This tragedy was preventable with a simple antibiotic treatment. The VA had every opportunity to step in. They didn’t. Now, a veteran who gave everything for his country has lost his health, his livelihood, and his independence.

That’s why Ankin Law has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Veterans Administration of negligence after pursuing all other forms of redress to give Tony and his family a voice after theirs was ignored.

At Ankin Law, we believe injury law should be personal because behind every case is a person, a family, and a future that matters. Tony gave everything for his country. The least he deserves is care, dignity, and justice. And we’re here to fight for that every step of the way.

Billy Alvarez grew up in Chicago and comes from a large Cuban family. His grandmother, Mimi, loved to cook, and when Billy planned to marry, she made sure his wife-to-be, Jamie, learned the family way.

We visited Billy and Jamie at Mimi's Taste of Cuba to learn how this homage to Billy's family has evolved into a popular destination among Cubs players who come from Latin America, expanded to include a large catering business, and branched out to other locations.

Watch Billy and Jamie Alvarez

Soup burn cases

Ankin Law is actively seeking individuals who have been injured due to instant soup burns. Lawsuits focus on the design of instant soup cups, alleging they are unstable and prone to tipping due to the tall, narrow design of the cups, leading to severe burns from the hot liquid. These incidents often involve children, who may be more susceptible to these types of injuries due to their thinner skin and tendency to spill the hot contents accidentally. It is also being argued that the product packaging lacks sufficient warnings about the burn risk, especially for children. Injuries sustained from the scalding hot soup include pain and suffering, scarring, emotional distress, and the potential need for reconstructive surgeries. 

Presently, there are 3 main criteria we are screening for:

1. Statute Of Limitations. For minors, this period is more extended than for adults, as it generally does not start until the minor turns 18, after which the SOL period applicable to personal injury claims in the state where the injury occurred will be added. For example, in Illinois, it would be 2 years after the minor’s 18th birthday. For adults, the SOL would be 2 years from the date of the incident for Illinois. 

2. Serious injury. Generally, we are looking for 2nd and/or 3rd-degree burns that require significant treatment, such as skin grafts, multiple debridements etc, and likely or actual permanent injury/scarring.

3. Ability to prove. Identify the manufacturer and/or seller of the product. IE, pictures of the product, store receipt, correspondence with the manufacturer or seller etc.  

Who Can Be Held Liable for Noodle Soup Burns?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, multiple parties may be held liable, including:

• The Manufacturer. The company that designed and produced the instant soup may be responsible for a defective product. Widely sold brands include Nissin Cup Noodles, Maruchan, Campbell’s Hearty Noodles, and Nongshim. 

• Retailers. If a store sold a dangerously designed or defective product, they might share liability.

• Distributors. Companies that distribute or market the product may also be held accountable

You may be eligible for compensation if you or someone you know has experienced burn injuries due to an instant soup spill. To explore your legal options and participate in holding these companies accountable, contact Ankin Law for a confidential consultation at 312.600.0000.

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