William J. Bill Ronalter

Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs

4.0 (1 reviews)

Hartford, Connecticut

34+ years experience

Shipman & Goodwin LLP

Updated: Jan 03, 2026

Contact Information

860-251-5000

https://www.shipmangoodwin.com

One Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103-1919

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Bio

Bill Ronalter’s practice is devoted to representing individuals who have sustained substantial personal injuries and wrongful death cases. He has over 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases in various roles, including plaintiff’s attorney, defense attorney, and as a consultant for an insurance company. Bill managed cases throughout the country involving catastrophic injuries including death, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and burns. Bill has experience in the following types of cases: accidents involving motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians (including DUI cases), uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, products liability (including defective lithium ion batteries in laptops, I-Phones, and E-cigarettes that caused burn injuries), premises liability, construction accidents, drowning, dental and medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, sexual abuse, and wrongful imprisonment cases. He was involved in cases arising out of the 9/11 attacks and the Rhode Island Nightclub fire. He has experience with insurance coverage analysis having been trained by a national insurance carrier. This training and experience assists him in triggering additional insurance coverage for his clients. He has served as an expert witness and testified regarding proper claim handling practices. Bill has also served as a guest lecturer (2009-2012) and an adjunct professor (2013-present) at the University of Connecticut School of Law, Trial Practice Class.

Practice Areas

Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, Hartford (2026)
Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, Hartford (2022)
Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Recognized: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
National Board of Trial Advocacy, Board Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate (2016-present)
#2 verdict in State of Connecticut in 2015, as listed in the Connecticut Law Tribune’s Top Verdicts & Settlements Supplement
Listed as a Connecticut Super Lawyer®: Personal Injury General: Plaintiff (2011-2017)
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (2018)
Benchmark Litigation, Local Litigation Star: Personal Injury and Product Liability (Plaintiff) (2012-2015
Chosen as a member of The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a voluntary membership organization that admits only attorneys who have won multi-million dollar verdicts or settlements, and of which fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2018

Education

Villanova University, J.D., graduated 1991

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Reviews

Stephen Phillips

2 weeks ago

A formidable advocate after my workplace accident

Following a severe injury from a malfunctioning industrial press, I needed an attorney with deep experience in complex product liability cases. Bill Ronalter and his team at Shipman & Goodwin were exactly that. His three decades of practice were evident from our first meeting; he immediately understood the technical nuances and had a clear strategy. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in this field was well-earned, as his negotiation with the manufacturer's counsel was masterful, securing a settlement that fully covered my medical needs and lost wages. The process was thorough and his dedication to my case was never in doubt. My only minor critique is that during the busiest phases, communication from his support staff could occasionally lag by a day or two. Overall, I felt represented by a true expert in Hartford personal injury law and would confidently recommend him.