For the last 50 years, EPA has buckled to pressure from the chemical industry, and basically done nothing to protect millions of Americans from breathing a life-threatening, cancer-causing chemical known as “ethylene oxide” (ETO).  Along the way, EPA even repeatedly violated federal law – the “Clean Air Act” – by refusing to periodically make rules necessary to protect Americans against dangerous chemicals like ETO. Let me say that again: EPA repeatedly violated the law.  And it did so to benefit the corporations that profit from making, selling, using, and polluting with ETO. Finall ..read more

Many accidents on the road involve more than one car, especially accidents that occur in hazardous winter conditions or on the highway.  These multi-car accidents often result in more serious injuries and greater liability than two car crashes. In addition, once the accident has happened, the danger has not necessarily passed. Moreover, liability—or who is responsible—can be especially difficult to determine. So, how can you figure out who is at fault, and what should you do if you have been involved in a multi-car accident? Make Safety Your First Priority after a Multi-Car Accident If yo ..read more

Many accidents on the road involve more than one car, especially accidents that occur in hazardous winter conditions or on the highway.  Multi-car accidents often involve more serious injuries and bigger liability than two car crashes. In addition, once the accident has happened, the danger has not necessarily passed. Moreover, liability—or who is responsible—can be especially difficult to determine. So, how can you figure out who is at fault, and what should you do if you have been involved in a multi-car accident? After a Multi-Car Accident, Ensure Your Own Safety First If you have been ..read more

As the weather warms up, many motorcycle riders are eager to hit the road and enjoy the freedom and thrill of riding in the spring and summer months. However, it’s important to prioritize motorcycle safety to ensure an enjoyable and accident-free riding experience. Keep these top safety tips from our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in mind as you rev up your engine and prepare for  your next ride.  Motorcycle Safety Tip #1: Tune-Up Your Bike While it is a given that you should maintain your motorcycle regularly, it is important to pay extra attention before summer arrives ..read more

A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has revealed the presence of a toxic chemical, chlormequat, in popular oat-based foods such as Cheerios and Quaker Oats. Chlormequat, is an agricultural chemical used to modify plant growth. Past research has linked chlormequat to adverse reproductive and developmental effects in animals. More specifically, the studies have linked the chemical to reduced fertility, altered fetal growth, and delayed puberty. EWG’s recent research also highlighted a troubling trend: Chlormequat has been detected in a significant majority of Americ ..read more

Attorney Shawn Collins, founder and partner of The Collins Law Firm in Naperville, Illinois, was instrumental in forging a $408 million settlement of the cancer claims of more than 800 plaintiffs in In re Willowbrook Ethylene Oxide Litigation, venued in Illinois State Court (Cook County). The claims arose after a federal government report announced in 2018 for the first time that a sterilization plant in Willowbrook, IL–operated by Sterigenics, LLC, and its predecessors–had been emitting a chemical known as ethylene oxide 24 hours a day into the residential community’s air for more than 30 yea ..read more

We are proud to announce that our $363 million verdict in Kamuda v. Sterigenics U.S. LLC, et al., was named the number one jury verdict in Illinois in ALL practice areas in 2022 by Top Verdict. In addition, this verdict was the second highest personal injury verdict in the entire United States and the number 10 verdict in ALL practice areas in the U.S. in 2022, according to Top Verdict. Congratulations to Collins Law partners Shawn Collins and Edward Manzke and associate Margaret Galka for their work on the trial team that secured justice in this important environmental toxic tort case. Amount ..read more

The personal injury attorneys at The Collins Law Firm are representing a passenger injured in the recent train crash in Chicago and preparing to file a case against the Chicago Transit Authority. The CTA train crash—which occurred when a Yellow Line train struck a CTA snow plow train doing scheduled training in the Howard rail yard– injured 38 people and was the largest train crash in decades. This tragic and unexpected crash sent 23 people to the hospital, including three in serious condition. Commuter train crashes like this are relatively rare, but when they do happen, they can injure or ki ..read more

Partner Shawn Collins is featured in an interview in Lawyer Monthly magazine this month. Below is an excerpt from the article. Leading the Charge Against America’s Biggest Polluters Instances of harmful pollution and ecological disasters have grown unsettlingly commonplace in the US – despite environmental regulations that appear strict on paper. Why is this, and how can polluting corporations be held responsible for the damages they cause? Enter Shawn Collins, the ‘environmental lawyer for the people’. In this exclusive interview, Shawn shares a look at the work he does and the clients who ..read more

A new bill has passed the Illinois General Assembly that will help make it easier for victims of gun violence to receive justice, and to protect Illinois residents before they experience the horrifying consequences of gun violence themselves. Both the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate have passed the Bill, and Governor J.B. Pritzker only needs to add his signature for the Bill to officially become law. Pritzker has already confirmed his intention to do so. House Bill 218, also referred to as the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, aims to open gun manufacturers to civil lawsuits fr ..read more