Clifford S. Mendelsohn

Clifford Mendelsohn is Counsel in the Cleveland office of Tucker Ellis & West LLP and a member of the firm's Trial Group. Cliff's practice focuses on defending pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in product liability cases. Cliff also specializes in defending chemical, automobile, and consumer product manufacturers in a wide range of product liability matters, including toxic torts, mass torts, class actions, multidistrict litigation and product recalls. He also has experience in appellate courts, having argued and won cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals, and Ohio Twelfth District Court of Appeals.

Cliff lives in Shaker Heights with his wife and two young sons. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.

Representative Cases

•  Defended pharmaceutical manufacturer in federal and state courts throughout the country in wrongful death claims related to alleged defect in pain medication
•  Defended pharmaceutical manufacturer in multidistrict litigation regarding alleged defect in birth control patch
•  Represented automobile manufacturer in multidistrict litigation related to alleged defects in design of fuel system
•  Defended automobile manufacturer against design defect claims involving serious injuries and death arising from rollover accidents and vehicle fires
•  Defended manufacturers of vinyl chloride in personal injury, wrongful death, and class action claims in federal and state courts throughout the country relating to workers’ alleged occupational exposure to vinyl chloride
•  Obtained summary judgment on behalf of property owner in employment intentional tort claim
•  Obtained summary judgment on behalf of tenant in breach of contract claim relating to payments assessed to commercial property pursuant to a tax increment financing agreement
•  Counseled manufacturer of after-market motorcycle equipment on product recall with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

Publications & Speaking Engagements

“Protecting Your Company Against Nanotechnology Litigation” – 2009 Ohio Innovation Summit  April 2009); Ohio CLE Webinar (December 2009)
“Nanotechnology Litigation: Factors to Consider When Advising Your Clients,” International Association of Defense Counsel Product Liability Newsletter (May 2009)
“CPSC Database Has Potential for Far-Reaching Business and Legal Implications,” Product Liability Law360 (January 2010)
 

Civic & Professional Involvement

Defense Research Institute
     2010 Toxic Tort and Environmental Law Seminar Planning Committee
     Vice Chair of Mass Tort Specialized Litigation Group
Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Star (2009, 2011)

Full Bio