The state Supreme Court has ruled in an ex-NFL player's case that Connecticut lawyers can't be sued for fraud for their conduct in court cases because of a centuries-old legal doctrine called absolute immunity.
The court's 5-1 decision came in the case of Bob Simms of Greenwich, who played for the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers in the early 1960s and later founded an investment firm.
Simms tried to sue his ex-wife and her lawyers, alleging they failed to disclose a nearly $360,000 inheritance she received, during a legal fight over alimony.
Donna Simms' lawyers denied the allegations, and a judge ruled against Bob Simms.
The ruling last week cited absolute immunity and said lawyers can be disciplined by a state panel or face contempt of court charges.
