Susan’s practice focuses on catastrophic medical negligence, personal injury, and wrongful death. She has deep expertise in determining risk, merit, and potential recovery in medical negligence and catastrophic personal injury cases. She brings a diverse background as a medical malpractice attorney, registered nurse, and hospital risk manager.

Susan began her career in 2003 as a litigation attorney representing individuals in a broad range of matters involving product liability, pharmaceutical class actions, general civil litigation, and personal injury. Realizing that a nursing education would further elevate her medical negligence and personal injury acumen, Susan pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duke University in 2006. She became a registered nurse and provided patient care to complex pediatric emergency and trauma patients for a Level I hospital.

Susan subsequently transitioned into hospital administration to develop and implement appropriate measures to minimize injury risk to patients, visitors, and staff. She returned to the practice of law in 2010, focusing on representing and advising healthcare professionals, hospitals, and other providers in medical negligence actions, licensing, and disciplinary issues. Additionally, she garnered experience as a corporate counsel which fueled her negotiation and dispute resolution skills.

Prior to formally joining Connelly Law Offices in 2024, Susan practiced in her own law firm, Wassell Law, PLLC for 10 years. She acted as co-counsel solely for Connelly Law on major litigation cases from potential claim stage through litigation and resolution (trial or settlement) and leveraged her aptitude in understanding complex medical issues and theories. Together, she and the Connelly Law team achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients.

In her spare time, Susan enjoys rowing with her crew team, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and two Gordon Setter dogs.