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Abuse and Neglect of the Disabled Lawyer

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4.9 rating of 147 reviews
michelle stump avatar

michelle stump

19 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

0 years 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 .

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 Collins Law Group 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 Collins Law Group 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 Collins Law Group

  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. Collins Law Group 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. Collins Law Group 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 Collins Law Group, 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

Collins Law Group 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 Collins Law Group 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 Collins Law Group 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

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

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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.

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