Susan B. Nelson

About Susan

Susan is a member of the firm’s Litigation section. Her civil litigation practice is broad-based. Susan has handled a wide range of cases for a diverse group of clients. She handles a variety of insurance defense matters — including professional liability claims against design professionals, architects, engineers and land surveyors, and claims against owners, general contractors, real estate brokers, real estate agents and appraisers. Susan defends against product liability and premises liability claims, and defends employers against workplace intentional torts, OSHA and EPA investigations and citations, and VSSR complaints. Susan has represented clients in state and federal jury and bench trials, appeals, mediations and arbitrations since joining the firm in 1983, following her two-year judicial clerkship at the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. Susan attended the University of Michigan, graduating with honors, and obtained her law degree from the University of Toledo.

Affiliations

Ohio State Bar Association
Toledo Bar Association
Toledo Women’s Bar Association
Ohio State Bar Association Legal Ethics & Professional Conduct Committee (2015-present)
Ohio State Bar Foundation (Class of 2002)
University of Toledo Alumni Board of Governors
Rotary Club of Perrysburg (2001 – present)
Trustee, Perrysburg Rotary Service Foundation (2013 – present)
The Cocoon Shelter Executive Board (2011 – present)
The Supreme Court of Ohio Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline (1995-2007)
Judicial Clerkship, the Court of Common Pleas of Lucas County, Toledo, Ohio (1981-1983)
Associate Editor, The University of Toledo Law Review

Education

University of Michigan
(B.A. 1975, with honors) University of Toledo (J.D. 1981)

Bar Admissions

All Ohio Courts
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan

Practice Areas

Appellate Practice

A decision in the trial court is rarely the end of the litigation process. When selecting an attorney for an appeal, it is vital to obtain counsel who will be successful at the appellate level. Our attorneys routinely prosecute and defend appeals in the Ohio Supreme Court, various Ohio intermediate appellate courts, and administrative appeals in a variety of judicial and regulatory forums.

Commercial Disputes

Commercial law regulates corporate contracts, hiring practices, and the manufacture and sales of consumer goods. Our attorneys provide valuable legal counsel when commercial disputes arise. We have effectively represented corporations, partnerships, agencies, joint ventures and franchises in a myriad of disputes.

Commercial Law

Commercial law is a body of law that regulates the conduct of persons, merchants, and businesses who are engaged in trade, sales, and commerce. Also known as business law, our commercial law attorneys are experienced in a subject that interacts with many other areas of law .

Construction Disputes and Claims

When a construction project does not go according to plan, claims are likely. Our attorneys have represented all parties in the construction arena, including architects, engineers, surveyors, construction managers, general contractors and subcontractors, in claims arising out of the construction of residences, commercial buildings, roadways, bridges, landfills, sanitary sewers, waterlines and public water supply systems.

Environmental

Our attorneys have experience in many aspects of environmental law: from the issues raised during the handling of hazardous materials to the resolution of natural resource problems. These services include helping buyers and sellers of property avoid environmental liabilities through the use and analysis of Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. We also have experience in the preservation of wetlands, conservation easements, parklands and other dedicated uses.

Insurance Coverage Disputes

The interpretation of an insurance policy often means the difference between coverage or no coverage. Our attorneys have effectively represented clients in insurance coverage litigation. From motion practice to trial, our clients are well represented.

Insurance Defense

Spengler Nathanson attorneys have defended insureds for over 40 years as panel counsel for such insurance companies as St Paul Insurance, Travelers Insurance, CNA Insurance and HAS. Counsel, the insured, and the claims handler work together to bring the claim to a desirable outcome.

Intentional Tort Claims

Over the years, the General Assembly and the courts have struggled with the elements of a workplace intentional tort. Our thirty-plus years of defending employers against these claims uniquely qualifies Spengler Nathanson attorneys to provide you the representation needed in this type of litigation.

Mediation/Arbitration

Spengler Nathanson attorneys have mediated innumerable disputes before court-appointed mediators and mediators selected and retained by the parties to a dispute. Mediation can often result in a resolution of a claim and our attorneys are experienced in all phases of the mediation and arbitration process.

Personal Injury

Injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, swimming pools, and other premises liability situations are a daily occurrence. Our attorneys have successfully represented the injured party and the defendant in countless personal injury cases. Our attorneys have solid expertise in federal and state courts throughout the state.

Premises Liability

Premises liability law is the body of law which makes the person who is in possession of land or premises responsible for certain injuries suffered by persons who are present on the premises. A premises owner faced with a lawsuit should notify his insurance carrier. Our attorneys have successfully defended premises owners against such claims for years.

Product Liability

Whenever a product is introduced in the stream of commerce, the possibility exists for an injury and then a lawsuit. Our attorneys have defended companies against product liability claims in state and federal courts for over 40 years and are in a position to provide you with the best possible defense while minimizing interference to your business.

Professional Liability

It is a reality that professionals have become target defendants. Our attorneys have served as panel counsel for many insurance companies writing professional liability policies over the years and are dedicated to providing the best possible legal representation to insureds.

VSSR Defense

Our attorneys can assist Ohio employers to review safety programs and comply with the specific safety requirements applicable to a particular industry contained in the Ohio Administrative Code. Should an employee be injured because of a violation of an applicable specific safety requirement, the resulting liability could be devastating.

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