Byron S. Choka

About Byron

Byron is the firm’s former Managing Partner. Byron joined the firm in 1982 after serving a judicial clerkship with the Court of Common Pleas of Lucas County for two years, in which he worked with all eight Common Pleas Court Judges. He is involved primarily in personal injury litigation and commercial litigation involving the representation of individuals, insurance companies, and business and public sector clients. He handles cases ranging from premises liability and auto accidents to highly technical banking and employment-related matters.

Representative Matters

Byron has been the lead trial attorney on over fifty cases that have gone to trial in either federal or state court.

Affiliations

President Perrysburg Rotary Club (2007-2008)
University of Toledo Law Review Articles Editor (1979-1980)
Ohio State Bar Association
Toledo Bar Association

Education

Ohio Wesleyan University (B.A. 1977)
University of Toledo (J.D. 1980)

Bar Admissions

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

Practice Areas

Accidents (Auto)

Our attorneys represent plaintiffs in connection with liability claims arising from auto accidents. As soon as possible after medical treatment has been received, we recommend that you contact a Spengler Nathanson attorney to discuss your case. We have the knowledge and experience to protect your rights and help you maximize your recovery of compensation from responsible parties.

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.

Banking Disputes

Financial institutions are heavily regulated, creating the potential for claims by overseeing governmental bodies and members of the public. Our attorneys are familiar with the myriad of regulations which affect the banking industry and can respond to these claims effectively and efficiently.

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.

Constitutional Rights

Public sector clients must be aware of the constitutional rights of their employees and members of the public. Our attorneys assist clients in handling many types of constitutional rights claims including: First Amendment claims (religion, free speech, right to participate in union activities), due process and equal protection claims, and claims against law enforcement personnel, child protection agencies, park districts, and publicly operated nursing homes.

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.

Contract Disputes

Our attorneys have considerable experience representing clients in connection with all types of contract disputes, written or verbal. If you think you have a contract and feel the other party has not lived up to their end of the deal, we will help you to determine whether a contract exists and whether or not it is capable of enforcement.

Employment Claims

In addition to representing employers in unemployment and workers’ compensation claims, our attorneys advise employers on compliance with local, state, and federal laws affecting employment, including the American with Disabilities Act, Title VII, Ohio’s civil rights law, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and applicable wage and hour laws. We also advise employers on terminations and represent employers against claims brought by terminated employees.

Governmental Liability

Governmental entities in Ohio are subject to a number of statutory requirements not applicable in the private sector, such as the Public Records Act, the Sunshine Law, and the Ohio Student Records Act. When sued, counties, townships, municipalities, and school districts and their employees have a number of defenses not available to private litigants. Our attorneys have long represented governmental entities and public employees and we are familiar with applicable requirements and defenses.

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.

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.

Nursing Home Claims

Nursing home claims are on the rise. As panel counsel for insurance companies providing coverage for claims arising in nursing homes, we can provide your company and its employees with a solid defense of such claims.

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.

Public Employee Liability

Public employers and their employees are subject to liability for a broad array of claims that private employers and employees do not face. Spengler Nathanson’s attorneys have expertise in these areas of the law.

Public Sector and Public Employee Defense

Public employers and their employees are subject to liability for a broad array of claims that private employers and employees don’t face. Spengler Nathanson’s attorneys have expertise in these areas of the law.

Will Contests

A will contest is a court proceeding in which a court is called upon to determine the validity of a will. Understanding what’s involved in bringing a will contest requires a general understanding of wills, estates and the probate process. Spengler Nathanson attorneys can help you understand the process and what can be expected in bringing a will contest.

Zoning and Land Use

Our attorneys represent clients in matters of rezoning, planned unit developments, conditional use permits, zoning variances, and other growth management permit and development order issues. Our clients have included local governments, trusts, partnerships, property owners, and developers of residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use community projects.

Our Attorneys