Chris Collins

Chris has over 30 years of experience as a litigator, and practices exclusively in the area of injury litigation—Chris helps people who have been injured get their lives back on track. Early on, Chris recognized that insurance companies have a lot of resources to fight paying claims. In order for injured people to access justice, they need a strong, knowledgeable lawyer, and a law firm with the depth of experience and resources to see the case from the beginning to a successful conclusion.

Chris moved to Siskinds in 2000 in order to focus on representing individuals who have been injured in car collisions and other incidents. Since coming to Siskinds, Chris has developed a particular interest and expertise in representing clients with traumatic brain injuries, and other serious injuries. Chris is a member of a number of brain injury associations and regularly travels to conferences across the province and internationally to keep up to date on the latest developments in the field of brain injury.

Chris and his team take a comprehensive approach to the practice. First, they work with the client's medical team to obtain treatment funding. Second, Chris and his team work hard to ensure clients have the necessary monetary compensation to maximize their quality of life following an injury.

Chris is a member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association of Justice (American Trial Lawyers Association), and AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group.

"I can't thank Chris and Charlene enough."
…Chris remained the same as when I first met him; calm, confident, intelligent, knowledgeable, encouraging, kind, thoughtful, creative, supportive, etc. I know I asked a lot of questions (as I have a legal background, I wanted to know his strategy, possible outcomes, what he knew about opposing counsel, etc) and he would patiently explain everything to me. I never felt that he was irritated my inquiries. I always felt his priority was my well being, my career, my life and not just the litigation money.

Together Chris and Charlene are the A-Team! Both were always attentive, supportive and caring on top of being knowledgeable, efficient and effective counsel. That is pretty awesome for a case that took seven years to resolve. I always felt that I had the best advocates I could possibly have for my case and over the years, I have referred every PI case that comes my to way, as I know for certain that any clients that hire them will be truly taken care of.

I can't thank Chris and Charlene enough. I hope that Siskinds knows how special and unique these two are... - S.S.

"Thank you for believing in me"
Mr. Collins, I was unsure how to explain my deep gratitude for your help in navigating the insurance company & negotiations. I knew it would be stressful, but I never realized just how stressful until after everything settled. Needless to say, many times you, Kerri Hamm, and your team at Siskinds came to mind. The amount of hours dedicated to my case and hard work coordinating, setting up meetings, paperwork, problem solving, & the list goes on... Chris, I believe you did an exceptional job considering my pre existing behaviour, and symptoms. The thing I admired most was your consistent calm, collected, strong personality that spoke to my soul which helped me to feel safe, secure and understood. It really helped with building trust! Thank you for believing in me and understanding just how significant that accident effected every aspect of my life. I'm forever grateful for you and Siskinds. You have changed my life for the better! I want to wish you, your family friends, coworkers, & colleagues happiness, joy and most of all health! - LZ

Chris Collins and Charlene are “the Dream Team!”
I cannot thank you [Chris Collins] enough for what you and Charlene have done for me! I was so wary and anxious about beginning the legal process, but you and Charlene expertly guided me through it all, every step of the way. Charlene’s timely, patient responses and quick results when dealing with my own insurance company were all truly amazing. Your calm patience and encouragement every step of the way kept me on an even keel, especially around the discovery process which I thought I would never survive. Words cannot express how much I appreciate your kindness, thoughtfulness, patience and steady support when I felt so unsure and my head was spinning. The outcome was an amazing, surprise, surpassing my hopes. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you so very much! – Connie E., Stratford Ontario

"You have made a huge difference in my life."
I just wanted to give you two [Chris Collins and Charlene Howlett] a huge thank you for everything you have done for me, I truly appreciate all the time and effort you invested in me throughout the years. You have both been nothing but kind, patient and helpful, and with that you have made a huge difference in my life and I wish I knew a better way to thank you. Wish nothing but the best to both of you. Thanks you so much again.  - D

"I most definitely would recommend Siskinds and Chris, and his team."
Traci suffered various injuries that hindered her ability to work following a motor vehicle accident. Chris provided the legal help she needed to continue to heal properly. See her story here:

"They did so much more for me than I thought was possible."
Melanie Gillespie provides a compelling testimonial for Chris Collins.

"Finally, someone is there to help me..."
Trina provides a compelling testimonial for Chris Collins on behalf of her 3 year old son Dylan.

"We don't know where we would be..."
We thank-you so much for your help through such a difficult time. Our lives have changed and because of your help. You were always there for us with help and encouragement. We don't know where we would be if we had not had your help. There will never be enough words to say thank-you. Love Barb and Dan and Riley

"...brilliant in their handling of my case..."
In 2011, I approached Siskinds Law Firm to represent me after I was hit by a car while riding my motorcycle. The recovery time was a lengthy 2 1/2 years resulting in a change of occupation because of the severity of my injuries.

Throughout my association with Siskinds, I found lawyer Chris Collins and senior accident benefits specialist Charlene Howlett to be empathetic, quick to respond to my many questions, and brilliant in their handling of my case which resulted in a relatively short, out-of-court settlement.

They were particularly efficient at dealing with the third party insurance company, resolving most problems by day's end. They also approached the insurance company on behalf of my handicapped son who resides with me ensuring his needs were met as well.

I was devastated about a previous case that was handled years earlier by another lawyer. Mr. Collins offered to go through the stacks of case files which was a 12-year ordeal and later consulted with me on that as well - pro bono. It was the first time in years that I was finally able to let go of their legal decision, and I thank him for that.

I highly recommend Siskinds Law Firm, in particular Mr. Collins and Ms. Howlett. They are experienced, professional individuals who work hard to get the best results for their clients. - S.R.

Brain Injury Association of London and Region, Member
International Brain Injury Association, Member
Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, Member
American Association for Justice, Member

Chris Collins has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ in Canada in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Chris has represented clients at all levels of Ontario courts.  He appears regularly before the Licence Appeal Tribunal. Chris has been successful in obtaining large Jury awards for his clients, including an award in excess of $1,000,000.00.

Chris regularly speaks on topics related to brain injury and the law.

• No child should be left behind
• School’s out: Play it safe in summer
• New hope for brain injuries: Pituitary gland testing
• Chris Collins comments on Globe & Mail article about insurance assessment firms and accident victim reports
• Chris Collins comments on G&M article regarding independent medical examinations
• Dylan’s story