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Ernie Teitell’s professional qualifications are clearly reflected by his experience of having practiced both criminal and civil law during his 40-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.
To underscore that belief, he has been an Adjunct Professor at Quinnipiac University School of Law for more than 25 years and currently teaches the course in Medical Malpractice.
Best Lawyers named Ernie as the 2024 Lawyer of the Year in Stamford, Connecticut, for both Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. He has been Lawyer of the Year for medical malpractice on five previous occasions and twice for personal injury. He was Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability - Plaintiffs in 2023.
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. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Quinnipiac University School of Law for more than 25 years and currently teaches the course in Medical Malpractice. From 1987 to 2010, he taught Trial Practice and Advanced Trial Practice at Quinnipiac University School of Law. He continues to donate 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 $2 million 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 (CCJF). 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…”
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.
- 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.