Ernest F. Teitell, Attorney

Ernie's professional qualifications are clearly reflected by having practiced both criminal as well as civil law during his professional career. The kinds of cases he has been involved in are represented below, but more important is the humanistic approach he has taken with every single case he has worked on for the last thirty years.

Extended exposure to the ravages of medical malpractice, defective products, catastrophic vehicle collisions, and most poignantly, sexual abuse, has made Ernie a fierce advocate for those whose lives have been irretrievably altered.

Having been involved in many hundreds of cases, possibly numbering into the thousands, he has lost a handful of them. It is important to understand that it is the ones he lost that define his drive for excellence with every client he works for.

Nobody understands the devastating impact of life-altering events better than an attorney who spends many months, often years, dealing with a case. Ernie insists that the role of compassion and the ability to truly listen remain foremost when dealing with family, friends and colleagues as well as the victim involved in traumatic situations.

He believes it is crucial that the legal profession elevate its perceptions and the practice of law to greater heights. His advocacy for more compassionate and concerned participation on the part of all lawyers is something he practices and teaches. So, in addition to the roster of professional seminars Ernie presents across the country, he also teaches internationally and writes articles for legal journals and magazines on the subject of humanistic and ethical best practices.

Additionally Ernie also believes that the role of advocate is something that should be carried through to the larger community. For the last 22 years, he has taught Trial Practice and Advanced Trial Practice at Quinnipiac University School of Law. He donates his entire salary to a scholarship for first year law students.

When the events of 9/11 brought terror to our shores, Ernie volunteered his legal services to the Connecticut families of victims earning him the 2004 Pro Bono Award from the Connecticut Law Tribune.

His advocacy before an Appellate court resulted in the creation of the Baxter Rule. It is a legal doctrine called upon by Connecticut lawyers in nearly every multi-defendant medical malpractice action that goes to court.

In 2006 Ernie was inducted as a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Its members are considered to "represent the most exceptional attorneys in the world" and are limited to 500 individuals. The IATL says its purpose, "is to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, promote reforms in the law, facilitate the Administration of Justice, promote the Rule of Law internationally, (and) elevate the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession…"

Finally, Ernie consistently obtains fair compensation for his clients' losses in catastrophic cases of personal injury and medical malpractice.

RECENT CASES & RESULTS

A jury award allowed a family to fully provide for a child whose heart condition was undetected.

The wife and child of a man will be provided for, following his death due to gross negligent care after hernia surgery.

Striving to prevent future sexual abuse cases, Ernie has not only obtained just compensation for victims, he has also focused media attention on the problem. His advocacy resulted in responsible organizations publicly acknowledging the issue.

Sometimes it is the principle not the money that retains primacy. A defective piece of camping equipment suffocated a 21 year old boy. His family used the proceeds to establish a fund to help troubled kids.

A Subway employee, who had been provided alcohol on the job, killed an 18 year old Eagle Scout. Ernie negotiated a fair settlement before the family had to face the ordeal of going to court.

A young mother died when her doctor failed to recognize complications after she gave birth to a baby daughter. Nothing can make up for the child's loss, but the jury verdict will provide for her welfare during her lifetime.

A fall down a flight of stairs resulted in a child who was brain damaged for life. The defendant had previously refused to make any settlement offer, however when confronted with the case in court they changed their minds. The family was able to buy a home and to provide the necessary care and therapy for their child throughout his lifetime.

Recent News:

• Pool Death Causes Legal Ripples
• Lawsuit Alleges Stamford Marriott Negligence Led To Parking Garage Sexual Assault
• Complaint: Multiple Code Violations Led To Greenwich Child Drowning
• Physician the Victim of Colleagues' Negligence
• Wrongful Death Claim Settled For $2.2 Million
• Listening - CTLA Forum