Naperville, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Naperville, Illinois –
The Collins Law Firm delivers justice in the class action against Chemtool, securing a major settlement for residents affected by the catastrophic chemical release incident.
The Collins Law Firm, a team of leading environmental lawyers, has reached an unprecedented multi-million dollar class action settlement against Chemtool Incorporated in Rockton, Illinois. This landmark resolution, one of the largest environmental settlements in recent history, underscores the firm’s dedication to holding corporations accountable for pollution and protecting affected communities.
The lawsuit stemmed from a catastrophic explosion and fire at Chemtool’s Rockton facility in June 2021, which released hazardous chemicals into the surrounding air, soil, and water. The fire created a toxic plume of smoke and dust that led to the evacuation of homeowners, residents, and businesses within a mile of the plant and a shelter-in-place order for people within three miles of the plant.
Several distinguished attorneys from The Collins Law Firm spearheaded the case, leveraging their deep expertise in environmental law. Its founder, Shawn Collins, led the litigation alongside seasoned trial lawyers Edward Manzke and Jeremiah Frei-Pearson. Their combined experience in high-stakes environmental-related and personal injury litigation ensured a favorable outcome for Rockton residents.
After three years of litigation, the Honorable Stephen E. Balogh, Associate Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit in Winnebago County, Illinois, granted final approval of a $94.5 Million settlement for damages arising from a massive fire and explosion at the Chemtool manufacturing plant in Rockton, Illinois. The settlement is believed to be a record for an environmental class action caused by a smoke plume.
“This settlement is a significant achievement for the community and we are proud to have secured justice for those affected. Our clients have endured immense hardship, and this resolution ensures they receive the restitution they deserve. The complexity of this case required relentless advocacy and a commitment to uncovering the full extent of Chemtool’s environmental impact,” said Manzke.
The class plaintiffs were represented by Collins Law Firm (Edward Manzke, a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee), co-lead counsel Miner, Barnhill & Galland (Robert Libman and Rosin Duffy-Gideon), DiCello Levitt (Daniel Rock Flynn), Foote, Mielke, Chavez & O’Neil, LLC, (Robert M. Foote), and Plaintiffs’ Executive members Deanna Pihos of Miner, Barnhill & Galland, Steven Hart of Hart McLaughlin & Elridge, LLC, David Nieman of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, and class liaison counsel, Marc C. Gravino of Williams & McCarthy, LP.
For more information, visit https://www.collinslaw.com/
Located in Naperville, Illinois, The Collins Law Firm has built a reputation for delivering results through meticulous legal strategies and unwavering client advocacy. With a history of high-profile victories, the firm remains committed to fighting for individuals and businesses facing legal challenges.
Beyond environmental law, The Collins Law Firm is renowned for its personal injury and business law work. The firm’s personal injury lawyers have a strong record of obtaining significant verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by corporate negligence, defective products, and workplace accidents. Their business lawyers provide strategic counsel to companies navigating complex legal matters, including contract disputes and regulatory compliance.
In its class action against Chemtool, the firm set a precedent for future environmental lawsuits with an aggressive litigation strategy that was pivotal in securing this historic agreement. The litigation resulted in an outstanding victory for its class members, with the size of the settlement reflecting the significant impact on the community’s members, providing them some measure of justice for what they had endured.
The Collins Law Firm continues to lead the charge in environmental litigation, ensuring that polluters face consequences for their actions. The settlement with Chemtool is a step toward greater corporate accountability and environmental protection, reaffirming its position as a national leader in environmental law and class action litigation.
About the Firm:
The Collins Law Firm P.C., based in Naperville, IL, specializes in environmental law, personal injury, and business litigation. With a strong focus on holding corporations accountable for environmental damages, the firm has earned a distinguished reputation for high-impact legal representation. Founded by attorney Shawn Collins, the firm consistently achieves successful outcomes through aggressive litigation and advocacy. Expert lawyers like Edward Manzke and Jeremiah Frei-Pearson provide exceptional counsel in complex cases, delivering justice to individuals and businesses. With a history of winning settlements and verdicts, The Collins Law Firm continues to protect communities and clients across Illinois and nationwide.
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For more information about The Collins Law Firm, P.C., contact the company here:
The Collins Law Firm, P.C.
Edward Manzke
630-527-1595
leads@collinslaw.com
1770 Park St STE 200, Naperville, IL 60563
CONTACT: Edward Manzke
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