Estate Counseling - Personal Injury Case Law

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184 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT 06901 203-325-4491 | 877-731-9050 www.sgtlaw.com

Ernie Teitell

Partner

Ernie Teitell’s professional qualifications are clearly reflected by his experience of having practiced both criminal and civil law during his 35-year professional career. Some of the cases in which he has been involved are represented below.

What sets Ernie apart is the humanistic approach he takes with every single case. No one understands the devastating impact of life-altering events better than an attorney who spends many months, often years, dealing with a case. Extended exposure to the ravages of medical malpractice, defective products, catastrophic vehicle collisions and most poignantly, sexual and spousal abuse, has made him a fierce advocate for those whose lives have been irretrievably altered. This passion fuels his drive for excellence and his commitment to remaining

compassionate and truly listening when dealing with the victims of traumatic, and often life-changing, events.

Ernie takes the greatest pride in his cases that have truly made a difference, like the family that established a foundation that has brought about significant changes in state regulations that mandate safer pools and equipment. He believes that a family like this teaches him what it really means to be a lawyer – to do work that brings positive change and makes the world a better and safer place.

Contact Information Phone: (203) 325-4491 | (877) 731-9050 Email: eteitell@sgtlaw.com Fax: (203) 325-3769 Areas of Practice  Medical Malpractice  Product Liability

 Serious Personal Injury

 Sexual Abuse

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Bar Admissions

 Connecticut, 1978

 U.S. Supreme Court, 1986

Education

 Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana, Juris

Doctor

 Bethany College, Bachelor of Arts

Honors & Awards

 Named, Connecticut Law Tribune Personal Injury Hall of Fame, Winner:

Intentional Tort Category

 Named, Connecticut Law Tribune Personal Injury Hall of Fame, Winner:

Product Liability Category

 Quinnipiac University School of Law – 2005 the Barrister’s Award

 Quinnipiac University School of Law -- 2003 Honorary Law Degree

 Publisher’s Award, Connecticut Law Tribune, 2009

 Pro Bono Award, Connecticut Law Tribune, 2004

 Best Lawyers - Named Lawyer of the Year for Medical Malpractice Law --

Plaintiffs, Stamford, CT, 2015

 Best Lawyers - Named Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation --

Plaintiffs, Stamford, CT, 2014

 Best Lawyers – Named Lawyer of the Year for Medical Malpractice Law –

Plaintiffs, Stamford CT, 2012

 Best Lawyers in America (Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs; Personal

Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs; Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs), 2005-Present

 Inducted as a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, 2006

 Connecticut Magazine – Connecticut’s Super Lawyers, Top 50 Lawyers,

2008-Present

 Connecticut Magazine - Connecticut's Super Lawyers (Personal Injury -

Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff), 2006-Present (every year published)

 New England Super Lawyers Magazine – New England Super Lawyers

2014, Top 100 Lawyers

(Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff), 2007-Present (every year published)

 Westchester Magazine - Connecticut's Top 5 Personal Injury Trial Lawyers

2006-2008

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Putting His Philosophy To Work in the Community

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.

Ernie believes that the role of advocate is something that should be carried through to the larger community. For more than 23 years, he taught Trial Practice and Advanced Trial Practice at Quinnipiac University School of Law. He donated 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.

When Connecticut politicians tried to confiscate two million dollars from the “Client Security Fund” that was created by the Legislature and reserved to compensate victims whose savings were stolen by unscrupulous lawyers, Ernie went to the Court to prevent the ravaging of the fund. Because of his efforts in helping to preserve the fund, the Connecticut Law Tribune presented him with the 2009 Publisher’s Award.

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.

Most recently, Ernie co-founded the Connecticut Child Justice Foundation. The non-profit CCJF is committed to ensuring that educational rights are fully protected and enforced for children who are under the custody and/or care of the Connecticut Department of Children & Families (DCF).

Recognized for Integrity

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…"

Recent Cases and Results

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

 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.

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 Striving to prevent future sexual abuse cases, Ernie has not only obtained just compensation for victims, but 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.

Professional Associations and Memberships

 Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association (President, 2005-2006)

 Connecticut Bar Foundation’s Roraback Circle

 Connecticut Bar Foundation (Life Fellow; Member, Vanishing Trial Planning

Committee)

 Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board at Quinnipiac University Law School

 Board of Editors, Connecticut Bar Journal

 National Institute of Trial Advocacy

 American Board of Trial Advocates (Member)

 The National Victim Bar Association (Member)