February
2025
Gfeller Laurie LLP Partner Edward Mayer, Jr.’s Amicus Curiae Brief Leads To Creation Of Favorable Connecticut Supreme Court Precedent Barring Claims For Filial Consortium Under Connecticut Law.
Gfeller Laurie LLP Partner Attorney Edward W. Mayer, Jr. played a front lines role, as amicus curiae, in securing a significant victory for the civil defense bar before the Connecticut Supreme Court, in the matter L.L., et al. v. Newell Brands Inc., et al. (SC 21005). In a 4-1 decision, the Court agreed with Attorney Mayer’s amicus brief arguments that Connecticut law does not recognize a cause of action for loss of filial consortium, thus barring parents from suing for loss of consortium with their injured minor child. Attorney Mayer’s amicus brief in the case was submitted on behalf of the Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association (CDLA). In it, he argued that recognizing a parent’s claim for loss of filial consortium would contradict the nationwide majority view, create speculative and duplicative damages, and extend Connecticut caselaw beyond its intended scope. The Court’s ruling aligns with these arguments, concluding that such policy decisions should be left to the Connecticut Legislature. The decision preserves existing legal boundaries in Connecticut tort law and reinforces the clear distinction between parental and filial consortium claims.
Gfeller Laurie LLP is proud to have played a pivotal role in the outcome of this case and remains committed to shaping favorable law for the civil defense bar.
