Business Details
34 Years
experience
Relentless Legal Advocates for Justice
Founded in 1992, Collins Law Firm has established itself as a premier legal advocate for victims of negligence, recklessness, and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys specialize in environmental law, personal injury litigation, and business disputes, with a proven track record of securing over $1.4 billion in verdicts and settlements. Recognized nationally and regionally by U.S. News & Best Lawyers, we combine deep scientific understanding with legal expertise to address complex cases involving toxic exposure, catastrophic accidents, and commercial conflicts.Our client-centered approach prioritizes personalized attention, transparent communication, and relentless advocacy, ensuring each case receives the resources and dedication needed to achieve justice. With offices in Naperville, Illinois, we serve clients across the nation, offering flexible consultations including home and hospital visits. Our contingency fee model ensures access to justice without upfront costs, reflecting our commitment to client-first principles.
Services
Environmental Law
Personal Injury
Business Litigation
Toxic Chemical Exposure
Wrongful Death
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We operate on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs
- 175+ years of combined legal experience across specialized practice areas
- Proven track record of $1.4+ billion in verdicts and settlements
- Offer flexible consultations including home and hospital visits
- Recognized nationally for environmental and personal injury litigation excellence
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Litigation Counsel of America
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel
What people say
Outstanding experience
Professional and compassionate
Highly recommend
Exceptional communication
Dedicated advocates
Services
Environmental Law
Specializing in toxic exposure cases, our attorneys represent clients affected by environmental contamination from chemicals like ethylene oxide, PFAS, and TCE. We combine scientific expertise with legal strategy to pursue compensation for health impacts and property devaluation. With record-setting verdicts, including a $363 million cancer case, we advocate for community safety and corporate accountability.
Personal Injury
Handling catastrophic injuries from vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and premises liability, we secure compensation for medical costs and emotional trauma. Our team has recovered millions through jury verdicts and settlements, emphasizing client recovery while navigating complex legal processes. We offer home visits for convenience during difficult times.
Business Litigation
Addressing contract breaches, partnership conflicts, and commercial real estate issues, we protect business interests through strategic litigation. With experience in M&A transactions and corporate restructuring, we deliver solutions for complex disputes while maintaining operational continuity for clients across multiple industries.
Toxic Chemical Exposure
Representing victims of industrial chemical exposure, we investigate contamination sources and prove corporate negligence. Our cases address vapor intrusion, groundwater pollution, and occupational hazards, leveraging expert testimony to establish causation and secure compensation for long-term health impacts and property damage.
Wrongful Death
Supporting families who lost loved ones due to negligence, we pursue justice for preventable deaths from transportation accidents, medical errors, and unsafe premises. Our compassionate approach balances aggressive litigation with emotional support, ensuring clients understand legal processes while focusing on healing.
People
Shawn M. Collins
Partner / Owner
With over 30 years of experience, Shawn Collins leads complex environmental cases including record-setting ethylene oxide litigation. Recognized as a Law 360 Environmental MVP, he combines trial expertise with strategic vision to advocate for client rights in high-stakes litigation.
Edward John Manzke
Partner
Specializing in personal injury and environmental cases, Ed Manzke provides compassionate representation with a focus on client communication. His approach combines legal expertise with empathetic support, particularly for clients facing medical challenges from toxic exposure or accidents.
Robert L. Dawidiuk
Partner
Handling business litigation and commercial transactions, Rob Dawidiuk delivers strategic legal solutions for corporate clients. With expertise in M&A and real estate law, he maintains long-term client relationships through practical advice and efficient deal execution.
John D. Risvold
Partner
Focusing on personal injury and wrongful death cases, John Risvold combines trial skills with personalized client service. His dedication to client welfare is demonstrated through accessible communication and thorough case preparation in complex litigation matters.
Margaret Galka
Associate
Specializing in environmental litigation, Margaret Galka contributes to toxic exposure cases with analytical precision. Recognized as a 'Best Lawyers: One to Watch' recipient, she supports clients through complex legal processes with attention to scientific and procedural details.
Questions
What areas of law does Collins Law Firm specialize in?
We focus on environmental litigation, personal injury claims, and business disputes, with particular expertise in toxic chemical exposure cases and catastrophic accident representation.
How does Collins Law Firm handle payment for services?
We operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and environmental cases - you pay nothing unless we win your case through settlement or verdict.
Can I receive a consultation outside regular business hours?
Yes, we offer 24/7 free consultations and provide home or hospital visits to accommodate clients' needs during difficult circumstances.
What distinguishes Collins Law Firm from other practices?
With 175+ combined years of experience and $1.4+ billion recovered, we combine scientific expertise with legal strategy while maintaining personalized client attention throughout the process.
How are complex environmental cases approached?
We employ scientific experts and utilize advanced litigation techniques to prove corporate negligence in toxic exposure cases, focusing on long-term client health impacts and community safety.
What geographic areas are served by Collins Law Firm?
While based in Naperville, Illinois, we handle cases nationwide with particular focus on Illinois counties and major metropolitan areas.
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