Facebook Pixel
A professional logo of Collins Law Group featuring the company initials and name.

Chemical Plant Explosion Attorneys

Google ratingContact Us For A Free Consultation

Our latest reviews on Google

4.9 rating of 147 reviews
michelle stump avatar

michelle stump

16 days ago

Working with Ed and Amber has been a true pleasure. They handled my claim efficiently and professionally, ensuring the process moved smoothly from start to finish. Their responsiveness, expertise, and effectiveness in working with the insurance carrier contributed greatly to a successful resolution. I sincerely appreciate their efforts, dedication, and guidance throughout the matter, and I am grateful for the outstanding service they provided.

Johanna Bukowski avatar

Johanna Bukowski

2 months ago

Ed and Maggie have both been a pleasure to work with! They keep you up to date on your case, clearly explain the process and next steps along the way, respond quickly to any questions and always offer different options to discuss details (email, phone, text, Zoom, etc.). What I appreciate more than anything, is their genuine compassion and concern for you as a person. They both demonstrate true empathy for what is most likely one of the most unexpected and traumatic events in a person’s life and do everything they can to ensure justice is served. I highly recommend Collins Law!

Jeff Matticks avatar

Jeff Matticks

3 months ago

I became aware of Collins Law Group after I was involved in a motorcycle, several years ago. Since that time I have reached out to Ed Manzke, at Collins Law Group, for assistance in a couple of other areas. In each instance, I have found Ed and his team to be very helpful with great communication, keeping me informed every step along the way. Everyone who I have interacted with, at Collins Law Group, demonstrated that they are interested in building relationships so that you know who you can turn to for any of your legal needs.

Ella Folson avatar

Ella Folson

3 months ago

Chris and John were attentive and thorough to my needs throughout my entire case. I appreciate the all the time and effort they took. I will be recommending their services going forward to family and friends! Thank you so much for all your help!

J. Savv avatar

J. Savv

3 months ago

Ed Manzke was very patient and kind with helping me and my sister with our mom’s case. He often took the time out his day to explain everything to ensure we understood what was going on. The law firm itself is organized making our whole process run smoothly. I appreciate Ed and his team.

Unique Morris avatar

Unique Morris

3 months ago

Ed Manzke was very informative, clear and honest when it came to my mother and father’s case. He took his time with all of my questions and concerns, making sure that no questions went unanswered and that there was no room for confusion with our case. I’m forever grateful for Ed and everyone at the law firm.

Nick Erlenbaugh avatar

Nick Erlenbaugh

3 months ago

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 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!

Dwayne Kurfirst avatar

Dwayne Kurfirst

4 months ago

I want to take a moment to recognize John at Collins Law for the incredible work he did in helping my mom secure her settlement. It wasn’t a quick or easy process—it took time, patience, and persistence—but John stayed committed every step of the way. What stood out most was his 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.

Helen Montague avatar

Helen Montague

5 months ago

We are fortunate to have had the chance to work with John Risvold as he represented my brother in his case. Professional, personable and authentic in his manner, John kept us informed throughout the long process, and was always available to respond to my many questions. Having never been involved with a law suit, I really appreciated John's patience (especially since I am 1,000 miles away) and his genuine care for my brother's well being. We are forever grateful, John. Thank you.

Matthew Malone avatar

Matthew Malone

6 months ago

I had an excellent experience being represented by Collins Law Firm. Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins were amazing to work with and truly helped me in my time of need. Both were extremely personable and knowledgeable throughout every step of the way. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone’s legal needs.

Ronnie Sanchez avatar

Ronnie Sanchez

6 months ago

I had an excellent experience with The Collins Law firm. Amber was extremely helpful, kind, and friendly throughout the entire process. She took the time to explain everything clearly whenever I didn’t understand something, which meant a lot to me. I truly felt supported and informed. I will absolutely seek Collin’s help again if I ever need legal assistance in the future. Thank you again :)

Maddie Scheele avatar

Maddie Scheele

6 months ago

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins. They are truly the best of the best. The efficiency and professionalism throughout the entire process of my case has been unmatched. What I really want to point out, though, is the empathy and compassion both Amber and Ed hold. That was the true difference maker. I knew they both prioritized my well-being and made that their number one priority. They represented me to their highest capabilities through every step of my case, and I cannot thank them and Collins Law Firm enough.

Leticia Pink avatar

Leticia Pink

7 months ago

Ms. Maggie Galka is an experienced environmental (radon) 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 Firm advocates strongly and effectively for clients. We sincerely thank Collins Law Firm, and in particular Ms. Galka, for helping our family reach a successful outcome and for their meaningful impact on our community. I strongly recommend Ms. Galka and Collins Law Firm as an outstanding legal firm.

Megan avatar

Megan

7 months ago

I can’t say enough good things about John Risvold at The Collins Law Firm. From start to finish, John was professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and always made me feel like my case truly mattered. His dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care made a stressful situation much easier to handle. John’s expertise and clear communication built a lot of trust, and I’m very grateful for his hard work. I would highly recommend John Risvold to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled attorney.

David Bretti avatar

David Bretti

7 months ago

(Translated by Google) They are very responsible in what they do, they were able to resolve my case quickly and efficiently, I especially recommend Mr. Chris for always being in contact and being honest throughout the process 👏🏻 (Original) Son muy responsables en lo que hacen, pudieron resolver mi caso de forma rápida y eficaz, recomendando, especialmente el Se Chris por siempre estar en contacto y ser sincero en todo el proceso 👏🏻

Jas R. avatar

Jas R.

7 months ago

Amber was very thorough, informative, and made this process very easy for me, which I greatly appreciated considering all the events that led up to this point. Justice isn’t always served, but working with Collin’s Law Firm really me feel that my injuries were tangibly worth something, and that to some degree, justice was served. Would highly recommend this law firm to anyone seeking out a personal injury firm/attorney.

Amy Ressen avatar

Amy Ressen

9 months ago

I wana say a huge thank you to the Collin’s Law firm and Chris Gauthier for helping me with my Complicated case. They helped me put my life back together after a horrible incident that I didn’t think I could over come. Chris was always good about communicating and he made sure I got what I deserved! I highly recommend this law firm they were so kind and reassuring that things would work out. Thank you again for all the hard work and being there to help me through the process when I didn’t know where to turn to for help! Thanks again Chris and The Collin’s Law firm!

Lauren Dryanski avatar

Lauren Dryanski

9 months ago

I had an exceptional experience with Collins Law Firm . A special thank you to Chris, my lawyer, and Patti, the legal assistant. They helped me navigate my car accident proceedings from start to finish, and I always felt like I was in great hands. Chris was incredibly knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and explained everything in a way I could understand. He always made sure I felt informed and supported, especially when it came to legal details I wouldn’t normally know. Patti was also wonderful—very helpful, communicative, and always made sure I had everything I needed throughout the process. I never once doubted this team. They made everything easy and stress-free. I would absolutely recommend Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of legal support!

Will Brooks avatar

Will Brooks

10 months ago

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.

Icela Hernandez avatar

Icela Hernandez

11 months ago

If ever needed. I will gladly go to the Collins law firm again. They were always quick to respond any questions. Happy to say case is closed and all went well .

National Chemical Plant Explosion Lawyers

Chemical Plant Explosion Attorneys

At Collins Law Group, we have extensive experience representing clients who have been harmed by a chemical explosion at a plant in their neighborhood. Our chemical plant explosion attorneys have filed mass actions and class actions against dangerous chemical companies across the counry. That includes a class action on behalf of thousands of residents impacted by an explosion at an Illinois chemical plant. That disaster resulted in thousands of residents being evacuated due to a fire that raged for days and a toxic plume of smoke that deposited debris in yards and affected air quality for miles. We settled that case for our clients for a record-setting $94.5 million.

Our chemical explosion attorneys represent clients in Illinois and across the country. Collins Law Group is currently representing clients in a class action case against BioLabs for a fire at their facility in Georgia. That fire produced a toxic chemical cloud that forced 17,000 nearby residents to evacuate.

We also recently filed a class action on behalf of California residents, against GKN Aerospace over the Garden Grove chemical emergency. The lawsuit contends that GKN Aerospace engaged in negligence, trespass and nuisance, alleging it failed to maintain safety protocols despite prior regulatory warnings and a history of environmental violations.

Chemical plants handle highly volatile and dangerous substances. When a plant fails to follow appropriate safety protocols, the risk of a catastrophic explosion increases significantly. These disasters can cause widespread destruction, injuring workers, nearby residents, and first responders while simultaneously causing property damage and long-term environmental damage.

Chemical Plant Explosions: Causes & Liability

Chemical plant explosions typically stem from one of the following causes:

  • Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained machinery can ignite flammable chemicals. Maintaining equipment in working order is the responsibility of the facility.
  • Human Error: Inadequate training or negligence can lead to accidents.
  • Improper Chemical Storage: Failure to store volatile substances correctly can cause dangerous chemical reactions that can lead to fires or explosions. It is incumbent on the facility to know how to store chemicals safely.
  • Regulatory Violations: Chemical plants are subject to strict safety regulations. Ignoring these regulations can lead to deadly accidents. In some cases, the company involved has been fined for multiple violations in the past.
  • Fires and Gas Leaks: Uncontrolled fires or gas leaks can lead to powerful explosions. Which is why it is so critical to have fire safety inspections and equipment at chemical plants.

When a chemical plant explosion occurs, liability may fall on multiple parties, including:

  • The chemical plant owner
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Third-party contractors
  • Regulatory agencies that failed to enforce safety measures

The Effects of a Chemical Plant Explosion

chemical plant explosion injury lawyer

A chemical plant explosion can have devastating short- and long-term effects, including:

  • Structural damage to the facility, as well as to nearby buildings and houses
  • Severe injuries or fatalities among workers and neighboring residents
  • Toxic chemical exposure
  • Long-term environmental contamination

Chemical Plant Explosion Injuries

Direct Injuries to Workers - Victims of chemical plant explosions often suffer from severe injuries, such as:

  • Burns (first-degree to third-degree)
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Lung damage from inhaling toxic fumes
  • Hearing loss due to the force of the explosion

Indirect Injuries to Neighbors - Even individuals who are not directly involved in the explosion may suffer indirect injuries, including:

  • Injuries from falling debris.
  • Car accidents caused by the blast’s shockwave.
  • Aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions--such as asthma--due to compromised air quality

Chemical Explosions’ Toxic Effects on Neighborhoods and the Environment

Residents living near a chemical plant may face devastating consequences from an explosion, including:

  • Structural damage to homes and businesses
  • Forced evacuations and displacement
  • Long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals in the air
  • Toxic contamination of drinking water
  • Toxic contaminants and debris in the soil on your property

What Damages Are Available for Injured Workers?

Workers injured in a chemical plant explosion may seek compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (including future medical costs)
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Permanent disability benefits
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death claims for surviving family members

To file a claim for your injuries you will need to hire a lawyer. Our experienced chemical plant explosion attorneys will file your claim in a timely manner, compile the evidence necessary to win your case, pursue all available insurance policies, and negotiate a generous settlement or go to court if necessary. The bottom line: we will fight to get you the best compensation possible.

What Damages Are Available for Neighborhood Residents?

chemical plant pollution

Our chemical plant explosion attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers who can ensure that the company responsible is held accountable. Residents affected by a chemical plant explosion may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Property damage and cleanup costs
  • Medical treatment for injuries and chemical exposure
  • Loss of use of property
  • Punitive damages against negligent parties

If you were forced to evacuate due to a chemical explosion, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Temporary housing and relocation costs
  • Lost wages and loss of business revenue

To seek compensation, you will need to hire an experienced chemical explosion lawyer to file a claim for you. That is where we come in. We will build your case from the ground up and fight for your legal rights to compensation. Most importantly: we know how to win these cases.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Chemical Blast

ambulance

If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a chemical plant explosion, take the following steps:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately. While most injuries are immediately apparent, some may not be—concussions for example. Err on the side of caution and get medical attention.
  2. Document everything. Take photos, record symptoms, and gather witness statements.
  3. Report the incident. Notify local authorities about the explosion.
  4. Avoid signing any settlement offers. Insurance companies may offer low settlements that don’t cover your long-term needs. Don’t sign away your legal rights.
  5. Consult an experienced attorney. An experienced chemical explosion attorney will help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Have You Been Impacted? Talk to Our Chemical Plant Explosion Attorneys Today

At Collins Law Group, we understand the devastating impact a chemical plant explosion can have on victims and their families. Our experienced environmental attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation and justice you deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by a chemical plant explosion—whether by injuries, property damage, toxic exposure, or an evacuation--contact us for a free consultation. You have nothing to lose. We take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Call us at (630) 527-1595 or fill out our online form to get started on your case.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name
Required Fields *
Toxic Tort Lawyer / Cancers Linked To Toxic Chemical Exposure, Collins Law Group
ETHYLENE OXIDE CONTAMINATION: What you Need To Know / Environmental Lawyer/Collins Law Group
PCE: What you Need to Know About PCE Contamination / Collins Law Group / Environmental Lawyer
What You Need to Know About Vinyl Chloride Contamination/Collins Law Group/Environmental Lawyer
TCE: What You Need To Know About TCE Contamination/ Collins Law Group / Environmental Lawyer
nbc logocbs news logoabc logofox news channel logomsnbc logocnn logostarTribune logochicago daily law bulletin logodaily herald logostate journal logo
Why Choose Collins Law
Environmental & Personal 
Injury Lawyers

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.

175+ Years of Combined Experience

Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients with personal injury, environmental contamination, and business claims. Understanding the intricacies of these cases allows us to achieve better outcomes.

Proven Track Record

With a history of successful cases, Collins Law proves their ability to get results for their clients.

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.

Client-Centered Approach

At Collins Law, clients always come first. We prioritize individual needs and concerns, recognizing that each case is unique and deserves personalized attention.

Free Consultation - Available 24/7

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