Relentless in the Pursuit of Justice

$1.5 Billion in
Verdicts &
Settlements

$363M
Environmental Cancer Verdict

$8.5M
Wrongful Death Bus Accident Case

$4.7M
Medical Negligence Case

$3.6M
Will County Jury Verdict, Rear-End Crash

$2.8M
Wrongful Death Case

$2.5M
Premises Liability Case

$2.5M
Personal Injury Case

$2M
Birth injury
wrongful death settlement

$1.8M
Defective Product Recovery

$1.6M
Car accident
jury verdict

$1.5M
Drunk driving
accident settlement

$1.4M
Product Liability Case

$1.4M
Truck crash
settlement 

$1.35M
Car Accident

$1.33M
Car Accident
 bad faith settlement

$1.3M
Car Accident

$1.1M
Car crash 
spine injury settlement

$1M
Truck crash brain injury settlement

$1M
Texting-and-driving truck crash settlement

$900,000
Assault settlement

$700,000
Sexual assault settlement

$408M
Environmental Cancer Settlement

$100M
Chemical Explosion Class Action

$43M
Toxic Tort Settlement

$34.5M
Vapor Intrusion Case

$16.9M
Groundwater Contamination Case

$10M
Environmental Class Action

$8.1M
Environmental Contamination

$7.2M
Toxic Tort Personal Injury Case

$7.2M
Environmental Class Action

$5.7M
Environmental Class Action

$5.5M
Groundwater Contamination Case

$5M
Toxic Exposure Case

$4M
Property Damage Case

$3M
Property Damage Case

$2.6M
Toxic Tort Case

$2M
Asbestos/
Mesothelioma Settlement

$1.9M
Groundwater Contamination Case

$40M
Recovered in Arbitrations

$7.5M
Erisa Class Action

$5M
Commercial Law Settlement

$2.35M
Business Dispute Case

$1.8M
Breach of Contract

Illinois
Personal Injury Lawyers

After a catastrophic injury, the difference between firms can be the difference between a settlement that covers the next decade and one that doesn't.

Collins Law Group is an Illinois personal injury and wrongful death law firm representing the seriously injured and families of those killed by negligence. Our trial lawyers handle catastrophic cases throughout Illinois and nationally: commercial truck accidents, rideshare and car crashes, autonomous vehicle claims, medical malpractice and birth injuries, defective products, and environmental contamination that causes cancer and other serious illness.

Three things separate us.

We try cases, and insurance carriers know it. We prepare from day one, with experts and investigation done at the front end. And we treat clients as people in the worst moment of their lives, not file numbers.

Our verdicts and settlements rank among the highest in Illinois and the country. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover.

Record-Setting

$363 Million

Verdict

For a client who contracted breast cancer after breathing a toxic chemical emitted by a local sterilization company for over 20 years.

$408 Million

Settlement

For nearly 900 residents who contracted cancer after being exposed for years to carcinogenic ethylene oxide emissions.

RELENTLESS = RESULTS

The companies we sue took something from our clients that did not belong to them. Compensation is how they pay for it. Here are results you can check for yourself:

$363 million jury verdict, Cook County. Breast cancer from ethylene oxide emissions, the largest single-plaintiff verdict in Illinois history.
Trial counsel: Shawn M. Collins and Margaret Galka

$3.6 million combined jury verdict, Will County. Rear-end crash with no visible damage, against combined pretrial offers of $50,000.
Trial counsel: John D. Risvold

$8.5 million wrongful death settlement, bus crash.
Lead counsel: Edward J. Manzke

$4.7 million medical negligence jury verdict.
Trial counsel: Edward J. Manzke

$2.8 million wrongful death medical malpractice jury verdict.
Trial counsel: John D. Risvold

Top Verdict ranks the $363 million verdict as the #1 verdict in Illinois across all practice areas and the largest single-plaintiff verdict in Illinois.

Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

See all results

Request a free consultation

The Lawyers Who Try the Cases

Edward J. Manzke

Partner/Owner

Lead counsel on the $8.5 million bus crash wrongful death settlement and trial counsel on the $4.7 million medical negligence verdict. A lawyer since 1992.

Read bio

John D. Risvold

Partner/Owner

Trial counsel on the $3.6 million Will County verdict against a $50,000 offer and the $2.8 million wrongful death medical malpractice verdict.

Read bio

Margaret Galka

Partner

Trial counsel, with Shawn M. Collins, on the $363 million Sterigenics verdict, the largest single-plaintiff verdict in Illinois history.

Read bio

Cases We Handle

Truck
Accidents

Car
Accidents

Wrongful
Death

Medical Malpractice

Environmental
Contamination

Toxic Chemical
Exposure

Defective
Products

Business
Litigation

View All Practice Areas

Recognized
for Excellence
Nationwide

Our firm has been recognized as a national finalist in The National Law Journal‘s Elite Trial Lawyers Awards.

For years, we have also been ranked nationally and in Chicago as a “Best Law Firm” by Best Lawyers, including these rankings since 2024:

Nationally

Recognized for Environmental Litigation and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions.

Chicago Region

Recognized for Personal Injury Litigation, Environmental Litigation, and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions.

Request a free consultation

Awards & Memberships

attorney badge top 10 personal injury settlements

Best Lawyers recognizes Collins Law Group, P.C.

Our Client Reviews

Delivered Results that Truly Made a Difference for Our Family.

What stood out most was John's professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for getting the best possible outcome. He kept us informed, navigated the complexities with confidence, and ultimately delivered results that truly made a difference for our family.

If you’re looking for someone who will put in the work, stand by you through a long process, and follow through, I highly recommend John and the team at Collins Law.

Dwayne K.

If you're considering a firm for your personal injury case, don't hesitate to reach out to Collins.

Ed Manzke is a lifesaver. We will forever be grateful to him for handling our case (and us!) with empathy, compassion, and grace. During the most stressful and uncertain time of our lives, Ed was supremely helpful. He went above and beyond for us, balancing our needs with the practical considerations of our situation. If you're considering a firm for your personal injury case, don't hesitate to reach out to Collins, and know that you'll be in excellent hands with Ed!

AMELIA V.

Incredibly satisfied with our experience!

We were incredibly satisfied with our experience with Collins Law. We worked closely with Ed Manzke and found that he had a personal touch and truly got to know us in addition to being knowledgeable and effective in his field. The caring and individual attitude helped us tremendously throughout the entire process and we always felt like our case was in safe hands. We would highly recommend Collins Law for both its stellar work and dedicated employees.

M.A.

Very professional

Ed Manzke at Collins Law was recommended to us after a bad car accident. It was the best advice we received. Everything was handled very professionally and we were kept up to date during the process. We would definitely encourage anyone needing legal advise to consult with this law firm.

Cathy Gratton

I Highly Recommend This firm After my Semi-Truck Crash

Collins Law was recommended to me after I was involved in an accident with a semi-truck. Amber Blevins was exceptional to work with. She is a total pro at what she does and made the process as easy as she could for me. Ed Manzke ensured I received the best outcome possible and exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who might be shopping around for an attorney!

N.E.

10 out of 10 recommended!

10 out of 10! I recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal representation! John Risvold went above and beyond and is very professional and top-notch! Morning day or night, he always found time and made time to answer my questions every step of the way. Never left me in the dark and always acted in a timely manner! Do not hesitate, if you need legal representation, John is the real deal and is honest, transparent, and straightforward every step of the way!

Brent C

An outstanding legal firm

Maggie Galka is an experienced environmental attorney who prioritizes her clients' health and safety in her legal practice. She maintains thorough records and offers strategic advice while working with government agencies.

Ms. Galka demonstrates key values such as integrity, expertise, respect, empathy, and compassion essential for positive outcomes. Her professionalism, follow-up and communication skills are excellent. Ms. Galka's guidance extends beyond legal issues, and the Collins Law Group, P.C. advocates strongly and effectively for clients.

L.P.

Impressive Expertise and Heartfelt Dedication

John brings impressive expertise and heartfelt dedication to every matter he handles. His thoughtful approach and clear communication make it easy to trust his advice, and it’s evident he is committed to fighting for what’s right with both professionalism and empathy. John’s balance of insightful expertise and warm, personal attention truly sets him apart.

Will B.

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Environmental and Personal Injury Blog

Living Near a Contaminated Site: Your Rights to Property Value and Health Damages

October 26, 2026 | by: John Risvold

Live near a contaminated site in Illinois? Learn your rights to property value and health damages, how to check EPA listings, and why to act early....

No Fee Unless We Win

Collins Law operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and environmental cases, meaning clients only pay legal fees if we win your case.

Record Results

The largest single-plaintiff verdict in Illinois history, $363 million, and more than $1.5 billion recovered for our clients in verdicts and settlements. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

We Welcome Referrals

Referral and co-counsel fees are honored under Illinois Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(f) and confirmed in writing at the outset. We do not solicit a referred client’s other matters.

Flexible Consultations

Understanding the challenges clients may face following an injury, Collins Law offers flexible consultation options, including home and hospital visits. We will come to you.

We Try Cases

Insurance carriers know which firms will take a case to a jury and which will not. We prepare every case from day one as if it will be tried, with experts and investigation done at the front end.

Free Consultation - Available 24/7

Collins Law offers free consultations anytime, making legal advice accessible when it's needed.

Take The First Step

Schedule Your
Free Consultation

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$1.5 Billion in Verdicts &Settlements

IllinoisPersonal Injury Lawyers

Cases We Handle

TruckAccidents

CarAccidents

WrongfulDeath

Medical Malpractice

Environmental Contamination

Toxic Chemical Exposure

DefectiveProducts

BusinessLitigation

Recognized for ExcellenceNationwide

Nationally

Chicago Region

Awards & Memberships

Our Client Reviews

FEATURED IN

Environmental and Personal Injury Blog

No Fee Unless We Win

Record Results

We Welcome Referrals

Flexible Consultations

We Try Cases

Free Consultation - Available 24/7

$1.5 Billion in
Verdicts &
Settlements

Illinois
Personal Injury Lawyers

Truck
Accidents

Car
Accidents

Wrongful
Death

Environmental
Contamination

Toxic Chemical
Exposure

Defective
Products

Business
Litigation

Recognized
for Excellence
Nationwide