Shkoukani LLP

Piercing the Corporate Veil and Alter‑Ego Theories

Why it matters. Plaintiffs sometimes try to reach a parent company or affiliated entity by arguing that a subsidiary or joint venture is its alter ego. Courts treat veil piercing as exceptional and apply it case‑by‑case to prevent fraud or manifest injustice; mere ownership and control do not suffice.  Delaware law. Delaware requires proof that […]

Defenses, Especially Federal Preemption

Common defenses. Product‑liability defenses are fact‑intensive and include misuse, substantial alteration, assumption of risk, comparative fault, and evidence of compliance. In the drug/device space, federal preemption is frequently decisive.  Regulatory framework. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) establishes a comprehensive federal scheme for medical products. The Medical Device Amendments (MDA) added classification, registration, manufacturing‑practice, […]

Claims: Negligence, Warranty, Fraud, and Strict Liability

Overview. Product‑liability law allocates responsibility when a product causes injury because it is defective or lacks adequate warnings. For medical devices and prescription drugs, potential defendants range from manufacturers and designers to component suppliers and sellers; duties reach design, manufacturing, inspection, labeling, marketing, and promotion. The goal is to compensate injuries caused by unreasonably dangerous […]

Stories That Must Be Told

The story of Palestine is woven into every fiber of my being. My story begins with my father, who, at just 18 years old, left the West Bank—its ancient stone homes, olive groves, and spirited communities—to seek refuge and opportunity in America. Yet even across an ocean, he carried Palestine with him. Through his memories […]

Forbes Names Shook Attorney in 30 Under30: Chicago

Forbes has named Shook Associate Jousef Shkoukani in the 2023 edition of “30 Under 30:Chicago.” Shkoukani was recognized for his non-profit Unified Under Hope (UUH). Unified Under Hope is a Chicago-based organization with a mission to empower the next generation of leaders by addressing America’s education inequality throughout minority school districts. “To think an idea […]