Hightower, Jennifer

Penny Q. Seaman is a member of the firm's litigation department. Since joining Wiggin and Dana in 1984, Penny has represented businesses and individuals in commercial and tort actions in state and federal court.

One of Penny's particular areas of interest is health care litigation. In the past two decades, Penny has represented health care institutions and professionals in complex litigation, with a particular concentration in personal injury and professional negligence actions. She defended a class action filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy against ten Connecticut hospitals alleging that they violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide sign language interpreters as required for effective communication with deaf patients and family members. She also has defended hospitals and physicians in medical malpractice cases involving complex medical issues and large damage exposure. She has successfully defended claims involving wrongful birth, delayed diagnoses of cancer, birth trauma, anesthesia complications and brain injuries. Penny also represents businesses in employment related claims. Penny is included in The Best Lawyers in America as a general litigator.

Penny joined Wiggin and Dana in 1984 after serving as a trial attorney with the Civil Division of the United States Department Of Justice in Washington, D.C. While at the U.S. Department of Justice, Penny defended federal agencies and employees in employment, tort, and statutory causes of action in trial and appellate courts throughout the country.

Penny is a frequent speaker on litigation issues. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the College of William and Mary and her law degree with high honors from Delaware Law School.