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Abuse and Neglect of the Disabled Lawyer

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Total reviews: 126 | Average rating: 4.9

5

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 .

5

I’ve had the opportunity to co-counsel with John Risvold and he is a great attorney. He brings a high level of experience, strategic insight, and tenacity to every case. Truly an asset to the personal injury field. Rest assured, your case is in good hands with this firm

5

Chris Gauther was our attorney and he was very communicative and thorough! We highly recommend the firm! Patty the paralegal was awesome as well! Overall we had a great experience!

5

I had an outstanding experience with Collins Law Firm following my car accident in McHenry County, IL. From start to finish, the team was responsive, knowledgeable and truly had my best interests at heart. A special thank you to Chris Gauthier, who handled my case with professionalism and care. His guidance made a stressful situation much more manageable. I highly recommend Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of strong, compassionate legal representation.

5

My brother suffered horrific injuries in a hit and run accident that involved a drunk driver. I called a couple of other law firms before I VERY fortunately found Collins Law Firm. Our attorney, Ed Manzke, worked diligently and expeditiously to get my brother the highest compensation available in our personal injury case. Ed surpassed our family’s expectations not only in his knowledge and work ethic, but in his genuine compassion for my brother’s situation. He made accommodations that facilitated meeting with us in person WHILE my brother was still in the hospital undergoing surgeries and procedures. Frankly, Ed was the only attorney that offered to do this and it helped speed our case along at a point when we felt that time was of the essence. Additionally, Ed’s assistant, Amber Blevins, deserves acknowledgment for all of her hard work as well. She always offered to answer any questions we had throughout the process and would often reach out to check on my brother’s condition on her own, or at Ed’s request. It means so much when you’re going through a devastating event, that you feel heard, seen and supported. If you want professionals that truly fight for you and treat you as if you’re their only client, then I HIGHLY recommend you contact Collins Law Firm!

5

I cannot speak highly enough of attorney Ed Manzke and his assistant, Amber Blevins, at The Collins Law Firm. Ed worked diligently and with great integrity to help me receive compensation for a lead paint disaster at my residence. From start to finish, Ed, Amber, and the entire team were professional, responsive, and compassionate.

Ed’s thorough guidance and legal expertise gave me tremendous confidence throughout the process. He was always available to answer questions, explain next steps, and provide reassurance when needed. Amber’s attention to detail and communication were equally impressive—she was organized, proactive, and supportive at every turn.

Their combined professionalism, empathy, and commitment truly set them apart. I am deeply grateful to Ed, Amber, and the Collins Law Firm for their outstanding work. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of trusted and skilled legal representation. Thank you, Ed!

5

Fantastic law firm! Christopher Gauthier kept me up to date every step of the way, and helped me figure out a game plan. Im very satisfied with my service here!

5

John Risvold was recommended by a friend and he was a great fit!
Professional and pleasant from the first conversation we had!
He was always available and kept me informed of progress! Patty and Chris worked and made sure I was comfortable and getting all the information needed.
I would highly recommend John and his team.

5

My lawyer was Chris Gotti. He is the best lawyer I could have ever asked for hands down. He was always on top of things and whenever he had news, he would always communicate with me right away! He is very understanding and friendly to talk to and will make you feel comfortable right away! Pick Chris Gotti as your lawyer! He won’t let you down I promise you!

5

Ed and Amber were wonderful to work with. Very professional and achieved a fair settlement for a dog bite/attack. Definitely recommend choosing Collins Law Firm.

5

The staff at Collins Law Firm was very professional and cooperative. From Patty the Legal Assistant to Chris Gauthier, the Attorney who handled my case. Chris G was even polite to refer me to another lawyer in a different field for something else I needed help in. Things were handled quickly and firmly and I knew all the steps along the way because Chris G kept in contact with me at all times. The result of my case was very pleasing, and I will always deal with Collins Law Firm if I ever need legal assistance, which I don't hope I will but they are my choice if I do.

5

My decision to go with Ed Manske and Amber Blevins to handle my mom’s injury case was one of the best decisions I’ve made! From the beginning Ed took the time to listen and put me and my mom at ease. When we made a decision to open a case it came at a time when I was overwhelmed with my mom’s medical situation including countless hospital visits, therapy, bills, doctor appointments etc so throwing a dart and picking a lawyer added to my plate. Both of them were beyond outstanding! They were both extremely professional, communicated expectations, we never seemed rushed to get off the phone quite the contrary they made sure we didn’t have any additional questions. Ed is genuine and truly makes you feel like you are his only case. Thank you so much!

5

I found myself in a car accident situation where I didn’t know who to turn to or what to do. Chris was easy to talk to and I’m glad that the Collins Law firm handled my case all the way through. I’m blessed to have had them, and definitely recommend to anyone who needs fair and compassionate council. Thank you, Collins Law!

5

This is by for the best experience I have had with a law firm, Collins Law Firm. From the onset of the car accident away from our home town, I did not know whom to call but with a search on the internet, I found this firm online. I was so pleased with initial call and conversation. The agents I have dealt with are professional, knowledgeable, very helpful, great tone on the phone and very patient. They took the time to explain what needs to be done and the expectation. My recent agent Chris G. is so awesome. He always showed empathy besides being patient knowledgeable and understanding. He never beat around the bush with my questions, just gave me straight answers. For real!! I will definitely recommend Collins Law Firm to friends and relatives. Their agents exceeds 100% and gives satisfactory RESULTS.

5

Every business dreams to have a lawyer like Rob Dawidiuk! Through acquisitions, Rob and his team helped me grow to become the largest Massage Envy franchisee in the country. He handled every transaction, every negotiation, and every touch point to a better outcome than planned. Purely flawless. Pure diplomacy. Rob and his team lead the negotiation and sale of my business to the private equity firm tax-efficiently for the best possible exit. Rob then helped me to acquire a second national franchise (FedEx Ground) in two different states over a period of four years totaling 16 separate transactions and did them all to his standard of excellence. I've been very fortunate to have Rob in my corner for the last eleven years not only for his M&A expertise, but also for his day-to-day business counsel and support. - Peter Bray

5

What John and especially Chris did to help me reach the settlement I wanted was truly awesome. Chris had great communication and kept me in the loop with my case the whole time, answering questions and going back and forth with the at fault party’s insurance. On top of being a diligent advocate they were genuinely nice and caring people. I’ve never worked with lawyers before but these guys were great and although I don’t live in the state they practice I’d highly recommend them to anyone who’s been in an accident and needs representation.
Go with The Collins Law Firm.
You won’t regret it.

5

Rob Dawidiuk does a great job as your general counsel and handling transactions and litigation. He makes himself available to answer any questions or concerns and helps you work through them. I highly recommend Rob as your attorney.

5

I have worked with Rob Dawidiuk of Collins Law Firm on several matter pertaining to my company. He was always responsive, knowledgeable, and professional. On some complicated matters, including a commercial property sale, his expertise was key in getting deals done and representing my interests. I've recommended Rob to other business associates and will continue to do so.

5

I have had the pleasure of working with Rob Dawidiuk for virtually all of our corporate legal needs. He's brilliant, works very hard, and always in our best interest.

5

I have worked with Robert Dawiduk for over 10 years, Rob has helped me not only to successfully negotiate tough business contracts but also with the sale of multiple businesses.

I highly recommend Rob for your business; he is fair, highly responsive, provides direct feedback, and offers the best solutions for successful outcomes.

5

Rob Dawidiuk is an outstanding attorney and really great to deal with. We have worked on many many transactions together!

5

I have been working with Rob Dawidiuk on a foreclosure file for the last two years. Rob is a conscientious and thoughtful attorney that looks at the whole picture in the case. He is available when I call. Rob has been a long-term attorney associated with this bank and will be in the future.

5

My wife and I recently closed on our first home and Rob Dawidiuk was incredible in helping us through the entire process. He was quick in responding to any questions we had at any point and guided us each step of the way! Throughout the entire process, Rob went explained the process in a way that was easy for us to understand and made us feel confident that we knew what we were signing up for. Thank you so much for all of your help!

5

My husband and I worked with Rob Dawidiuk for our real estate closing. Rob is kind, honest, and responsive. I would highly recommend working with Collins Law.

5

My family has worked with Collin's and Rob Dawidiuk for almost 20 years. We met Rob when they were representing our insurance carrier for an Asbestos brake shoe claim, for which we had no liability. Rob immediately filed for a dismissal, and the plaintiff's attorney was shocked that Rob wouldn't put more time into the case because he could bill the insurance company for more time.

As a business owner, this show of high ethics is why we have been with Collins since then through thick and thin.

They have handled every aspect of legal work for our business (employment law, contract, real estate, product liability, etc).

5

Excellent business to partner with. Rob Dawidiuk has helped our business with all general counsel needs throughout the United States. Not only are they outstanding legal counsel, but also great people. I strongly recommend to anyone.

5

As in-house counsel for a nonprofit corporation, I worked with Rob Dawidiuk as our trial attorney on a complex case. After years of motions, discovery, and partial summary judgments, Rob defended us in a four-day trial and Rob was successful in winning on all issues in the case. It is a pleasure to work with Rob who is a very competent and skilled attorney.

5

Working with Ed Manzke and Amber was an absolute blessing. From the moment I reached out, they treated me with kindness, understanding, and a level of professionalism that immediately put me at ease. They didn’t just handle my case—they truly cared about my well-being and fought hard to get the best possible outcome. They explained everything clearly, kept me informed at every step, and never made me feel like just another client. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion made all the difference, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. If you need lawyers who are not only skilled but also genuinely care, Ed and Amber are the ones to call.

5

Chris did a great job! I highly recommend him for any case.

5

Really good people John is very patient and responsive with handling you personal request

5

John Risvold exceeded our expectations! I was involved in a car crash which resulted in needing several neck and back surgeries, as well as numerous other medical procedures. When the medical bills started piling up and I wasn't feeling better, I sought legal help. My husband and I met with John Risvold, who explained the legal process and stood by us every step of the way, exhibiting patience and professionalism. It was a great relief to offload our anxiety and legal work to him and we always felt that John had our back. The case went to trial and John (and Chris Gauthier) gave a master class on how to litigate a civil claim. We won the case and are extremely happy with how we were treated. We strongly recommend John Risvold and The Collins Law Firm!

5

John at Collins Law has been wonderful help. I'm forever grateful he tackled this case, handled it with care, was efficient, and compassionate. He responded to any questions I had at incredible speed & in great detail. He cares for his clients, and has been wonderful during this trying time. You cannot ask for a better experience, highest respects for John. Highly reccomend.

5

I cannot say enough great things about Chris Gauthier!. He has demonstrated outstanding negotiation skills, resolving my case efficiently and effectively. Chris ability to analyze the situation, provide sound advice, and keep me informed at every step was both reassuring and impressive. What stood out the most was his dedication to achieving the best possible outcome from me. Chris treated my case with care, making me feel valued and supported throughout the entire process.

If you're looking for a lawyer who is knowledgeable, communicative, and truly cares about your best interests, I highly recommend Christopher Gauthier!

5

Working with Ed J. Manzke and THE COLLINS LAW FIRM has been great. Communication, follow-up, advice, and experience were all excellent. Before I met Ed, I was at a low point, as a drunk driver had dramatically changed my life. I was seriously wondering what I could do, and he provided us with a light at the end of the long tunnel. Thank you to everyone at the firm for all their help; we are lucky to have had your support.

5

Ed and his team worked tirelessly to help me with a personal injury situation. They are friendly and kind and want to help you achieve the highest level of settlement resolution. Definitely recommend them as a legal team!

5

I had an outstanding experience with Ed from the Collins Law Firm as my injury lawyer. I was involved in a car accident and was connected with Ed from this firm. Ed was incredibly empathetic, always taking the time to listen and prioritize my needs throughout the entire process. His communicative and transparent approach ensured that I was informed and comfortable with every decision made. Ed’s dedication and support were instrumental in navigating my case, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a compassionate and effective injury lawyer.

5

I received the best over the phone consultation, he was very helpful and informative, thank you so much

5

John has helped me out on a couple of times. He really cares about people and helping them . That is a rare thing with most people and very refreshing to see!!

5

I called Collins law firm when I was hit by an SUV. Edward Manzke was my attorney. I couldn't be more then happy with him. He didn't treat me as a client, he treated me as a human being, that was important to me. Thank you . Ed.

5

I had a very positive experience with the Collins Law Firm. Ed Manzke was easy to communicate with and very informative. I appreciate all the time they put into my case and making sure I knew what was going on every step of the way.

5

Shawn & his team are not only very professional, they are so caring & patient! The Collins Law firm will be the first I’ll call with any future questions or concerns.

5

I would highly recommend the Collins Law Firm. I deeply appreciate their professionalism, their expertise in environmental law, their attention to detail, and their consistent communication. Shawn was meticulous in his explanations of the process and our choices, and was always available to answer follow up questions with patience and care (including a phone meeting with me the weekend of his daughter's wedding). I am grateful for the representation provided by the whole team at Collins--thank you!

5

Outstanding
The Collins Law team is outstanding. You will find that each lawyer is passionate and focused to achieve the best outcome for their clients. In a recent case in which I was involved in, was related to the emission of toxic fumes. Although legal team members specialized in environmental law, Shawn brought in scientists as well as physicians as resources. to support my case. Communication between the team and I was excellent. They explained the case and proceedings and updated me throughout with personal phone calls and meetings. At any time when I had questions related to my case, immediate answers were provided .
Throughout complex litigation they made me feel involved and explained and they also made me feel that my case and my input was valued.

5

My experience with the Collins Law Firm was top notch! In a world where concern for others seems to be lacking, Shawn Collins and his team were professional, compassionate, and always clear when explaining tedious information.
I thank everyone for your hard work and diligence to win my case…it is sincerely appreciated!

5

The Collins Law Firm team helped me with cases for my parents and I am very satisfied with the settlement. The team did great job with communication throughout the process. They were very good at explaining details of what needed to be done. All of them really care about my family and worked really hard to get justice for them. I am very happy I choose the Collins Law Firm over any other to handle our cases. Thank you Collins team!

5

I hired Shawn Collins from the Collins Law Firm in Naperville. He represented me and others who contracted cancer because of a corporation that was responsible for releasing toxins into the environment. Shawn and his team of attorneys and scientists worked with diligence to prove their case. Shawn is an excellent communicator and is empathetic to his client's frustration and pain. He and his team can be trusted to fight for you as if you were part of their own family. Thank-you Shawn and team from Collins Law Firm.

5

I had a fantastic experience with The Collins Law firm. Their team of attorneys are truly exceptional. They are accommodating, kind, responsive and provide expert legal guidance and support to achieve the best possible outcome. I always feel they have my best interest at heart and are always willing to spend extra time if you have questions. I highly recommend the Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of legal assistance! Thank you Shawn Collins for outstanding service, I appreciate you and everyone on your staff.

5

“The Collins Law Firm is excellent!! This was my first experience with a law firm, and I have nothing but high praise for Shawn Collins, and his entire law office. Every time there was a need for getting me information, a meeting was held that was detailed, concise, and complete. Their communication was excellent, and kept me informed of every step of my lawsuit. If I ever had a question, it was quickly and completely answered. Every staff member at Collins Law Firm was the utmost professional, yet very kind and caring. I felt they really were concerned about me and what was best for me. I am so happy I was represented by Collins Law Firm. Shawn Collins is the best! I wholeheartedly recommend the firm to anyone looking for superb, knowledgeable representation! Thank you so much Collins Law Firm for what you did for me!"

5

Shawn Collins and his AMAZ8NG team achieved what I had no idea was possible. My goal.was to get a company that had been illegally releasing cancerous gas into the air by my home and school for almost 40 years SHUT DOWN to protect the residents and their children. Not only is that company shut down in our area but the other locations are being stopped as we speak. The Collins Law Firm has saved thousands of lives by fighting for me and others affected by cancer. It is heartbreaking to know that many have lost their lives and are still suffering because of this company. No amount of money from a settlement will ever give us our health back again but at least the future residents will be safe and this will force other similar companies to THINK about the safety of the people that live near their locations and follow the guidelines THOUGHTFULLY put in place by the EPA.
Thank you Shawn Collins and the Collins Law Firm

5

We hired Shawn Collins and The Collins Law Firm about 5 years ago to handle a very complicated personal injury case involving our daughter with special needs. He took the time to meet with us on multiple occasions to get to know our family, especially our daughter. Due to the complexities of our case and various other factors, our case took many years to finally get resolved. Although the case took a while, Shawn Collins and The Collins Law Firm always kept us updated and informed. They were always very accommodating and made sure to answer any questions we had along the way. The Collins Law Firm was always responsive and informative, and provided thorough and detailed information when necessary. Additionally, Shawn Collins is not your stereotypical attorney. He had and continues to have a genuine and caring interest in our family, and in the best interest of our daughter. We have been more than pleased with the services we received, and we highly recommend Shawn Collins and The Collins Law Firm. Our family is truly and eternally grateful!

Ivan and Judy H

Representing Disabled Victims of Abuse and Neglect in Illinois

People with disabilities in our society deserve special care and protection, regardless of whether their disability is developmental, physical or mental. The lawyers at The Collins Law Firm are passionate advocates for disabled people who have been the victims of negligence or abuse in Illinois. Families come to us for help after their loved one has been injured or assaulted, some while in the care of a residential treatment facility that should have kept them safe. Sadly, these cases often involve injuries, trauma and sometimes even death. Our compassionate lawyers work with distraught families to get justice and protection for their disabled family member. We understand the deep emotional impact these cases can have on an individual and his or her family, so we do the fighting and let the family focus on healing.

How Serious is the Problem of Violence Against the Disabled?

There is never any excuse for mistreatment of the disabled, and yet adults and children with disabilities are at much higher risk of violence than their non-disabled peers. A study by the World Health Organization confirmed the magnitude of the problem. Adults with disabilities are 1.5 times more likely to be the victim of violence than non-disabled peers, while those with mental health conditions have nearly 4 times the risk of experiencing violence. The statistics for children are worse. Children with any disability are almost 4 times more likely to experience violence than non-disabled youth, and for those with intellectual disabilities that number rises to 4 -10 times more likely to be the victims of crime. Other studies have concluded that children with mental or intellectual impairments, in particular, are especially vulnerable, with 4.6 times the risk of sexual violence.

The lesson from this is that adults and especially children with disabilities need extra protection.

Why are the Disabled More Vulnerable?

There are many reasons why the disabled are more vulnerable. Some of them include:

  • Society's view of people with disabilities as somehow less deserving of respect and decent treatment.
  • Families may fear reporting abuse in a group home or residential facility for fear of being kicked out with no alternate, safe living arrangement available.
  • Sometimes, the victims do not report abuse because they don't understand what acts are abusive. This may be especially true for teens and children who have experienced emotional trauma and abuse for much of their lives.
  • Communication problems may also make it difficult for people with disabilities to verbalize episodes of abuse.
  • Facilities have an incentive to cover up abuse of the disabled for fear of disciplinary action or losing funding or patients.
  • Staff at residential or group homes may have little to no experience working with the disabled or may be emotionally unsuited to the stresses and challenges of working with emotionally or developmentally disabled individuals.
  • Staff may be improperly vetted, overworked, underpaid or ill- equipped for the job.
  • Facilities may be overwhelmed, underfunded and understaffed.
  • Facilities may not have adequate security in place to protect the disabled from being preyed upon.

When the Abuse and Neglect is Institutional

Oftentimes, a family must face the difficult choice of placing their family member in an institutional setting. These families look for the very best facility with the best programs to help their emotionally, physically or developmentally disabled loved one. After putting so much trust in a facility, it is devastating when that trust is broken. Sometimes it is a staff member who violates that trust; other times it is the facility's negligence that fails to keep the disabled person safe. When this happens, the attorneys at The Collins Law Firm can get compensation for the injuries suffered as a result. Neglect or abuse of the disabled may include:

  • Physical and mental abuse
  • Medical neglect
  • Physical and mental neglect
  • Sexual assault
  • Financial abuse

How to Prevent Abuse

  • Visit your loved one at different times of the day and on different days to observe all the staff and their interactions with your relative.
  • Visit without an appointment
  • Educate your disabled relative about what constitutes abuse; how to avoid it if possible; and the importance of reporting abuse to a family member immediately.
  • Ask the facility what security measures are in place to protect your loved one from staff, other patients and visitors.

What Can You Do if You Suspect Abuse?

  • Look for any physical signs (bruising, cuts, and scratches) of abuse.
  • Look for changes in your loved one's behavior.
  • Listen and believe your loved one if they start talking about abuse that has occurred. Do not assume that, because they have a disability, they are not credible or are "making it up".
  • If you believe there is imminent danger to your loved one, call 911.
  • In Illinois, if your relative is a disabled adult, living in a setting funded, licensed or certified by DHS, call the OIG Hotline: 1-800-368-1463. (Other states have similar government agencies.)
  • In Illinois, if your loved one is a child or adolescent under age 18, call the DCFS Hotline: 1-800-252-2873. (Other states have similar government agencies.)
  • In Illinois, if your loved one lives in a nursing home funded, licensed or certified by DPH, call the DPH Nursing Home Hotline: 1-800- 252-2893. (Look up the corresponding government agency in your state.)

The consequences of abuse are not just physical (fractures, concussions, injuries to internal organs, etc.); they can also result in long term emotional trauma and behavioral problems. It is incumbent on all of us to be on the alert for abuse in order to prevent it from happening to these vulnerable individuals.

Recent Cases on Behalf of the Disabled at The Collins Law Firm

  1. A developmentally disabled teenage girl was seriously injured in a fall from a high ropes course at her high school, after the school failed to give her safety instructions in a way that was understandable to her. The Collins Law Firm recovered $2.1 million for this client.
  2. A developmentally disabled man was brutally beaten and killed by a caregiver in a residential group home. The caregiver in question had not been properly vetted by the facility. We represented his family in a wrongful death case and settled for the maximum limit of the facility's insurance policy.
  3. The Collins Law Firm represented a developmentally disabled child who was abused by her school bus driver.
  4. Our lawyers represented a teenage girl with developmental and emotional disabilities who was sexually assaulted after lax security measures at her residential facility failed to keep her from being taken off campus, where she was put in danger.

Our clients have included people who were abused and neglected at residential facilities and individuals with developmental disabilities who were injured or abused in a school setting. At The Collins Law Firm, we represent vulnerable people who have been treated as though they are not deserving of respect, dignity and protection simply because they are disabled.

New Legislation Aimed at Combating the Abuse of the Disabled

The Collins Law Firm has also been active in pushing for laws that protect the disabled. On August 19, 2011, Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn signed "Paul's Law", providing dramatically enhanced protections for the developmentally disabled who live in Illinois' group homes, and for their families. This law was borne out of a tragedy, when Paul McCann - for whom the law is named - died at his group home in Charleston, Illinois, after being beaten by the health care workers who were supposed to protect him. Our firm was instrumental in helping this legislation pass in Illinois.

Contact The Collins Law Firm Today if You Believe Your Loved One is the Victim of Neglect or Abuse of the Disabled

If a disabled family member has been the victim of abuse or neglect at a residential facility or school in Illinois, contact us at The Collins Law Firm for a free evaluation of your case today. Call (630) 527-1595 for a FREE consultation, or click here to contact us by email. Let our experienced and compassionate lawyers help you and your loved one get the justice you deserve.

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Why Choose Collins Law
Environmental & Personal 
Injury Lawyers
the legal team at collins law firm

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.

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