Bryan W. Dawson

Top rated Personal Injury attorney in Portland, Oregon

Dawson Law Group
Bryan W. Dawson
Dawson Law Group

Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Construction Litigation; view more

Licensed in Oregon since: 1999

Education: University of California Berkeley School of Law

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2024

Dawson Law Group

1020 SW Taylor St
Suite 445
Portland, OR 97205 Visit website

Details

Bryan W. Dawson is an attorney at Dawson Law Group, P.C. in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Dawson practices personal injury law and serves clients in Portland and throughout the state of Oregon.

Mr. Dawson has two decades of experience and handles cases involving catastrophic injuries caused by car accidents, business losses, construction law, bicycle accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, slip and fall, and wrongful death. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants and has experience with civil litigation defense.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Dawson has arbitrated, litigated and settled hundreds of cases in the state of Oregon at the trial and appellate levels. He is knowledgeable regarding all aspects of the litigation process.

Before joining Dawson Law Group, Mr. Dawson practiced at a California-based technology law firm. He also interned for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a member of the U.K. Parliament.

Involved in his legal community, Mr. Dawson is a member of the Oregon State Bar and the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel. He is active in his local community as well and regularly coaches high school mock trial competitions.

Mr. Dawson earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Claremont McKenna College and received a master’s degree in committee on social thought from the University of Chicago. He obtained his law degree from the University of Berkeley School of Law. He holds a license to practice law before all Oregon state courts, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

Practice areas

Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - General: Defense, Civil Litigation: Plaintiff, Construction Litigation: Consumer

Focus areas

Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Construction Defects, Dram Shop Laws, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Defense, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Wrongful Death

  • 60% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
  • 20% Personal Injury - General: Defense
  • 10% Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
  • 10% Construction Litigation: Consumer

First Admitted: 1996, California

Professional Webpage: https://www.dawlaw.net/bryan-dawson/

Bar/Professional Activity:
  • Oregon State Bar, Member, 2020
  • U.S. District Courts for California, 1996-present, 2019
  • Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals -- bar member, 2019
  • California state courts, 2019
  • U.S. District Court for Oregon, 1999-present, 2019
  • US District Court for the District of Central California, 2019
  • Selected as one of the lawyers for Oregon., Outstanding Lawyer - personal injury, American Bar Journal, 2016, 2018
  • Multnomah County Circuit Court, panel of arbitrators, 2019
  • US District Court for the District of Northern California, 2019
  • Clackamas County Circuit Court panel of arbitrators, 2020
  • State Bar of California, 2019
  • — Board of Editors -- California Law Review, Law Review, California Law Review, 1995, 1995
  • Oregon Association of Defense Counsel, member, 2019
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
  • $210,000 settlement of underinsured motorist claim of auto hitting pedestrian. , 2024
  • Trial result:  defense verdict on claims counsel was defending in construction case., 2024
  • $2.3m settlement in trucking accident claim for policy limits., 2024
  • $250,000 policy limit settlement in pedestrian injury claim , 2023
  • Settle case for $895,179.61 policy limits in a trucking case.  , 2022
  • $1.467m settlement for policy limits on a commercial truck v. auto case., 2022
  • $650,250 settlement in JM v. State Farm one day prior to arbitration, for a claim that had a $9,500 top offer prior to our being retained., 2021
  • $100,000 policy limit settlement in auto case, Samantha B v. Naomi S. , 2022
  • On defense, plaintiff sued for $2,215,669.55 in Kali Miller v. H.M et al and client settled for $10,000. , 2022
  • We represented plaintiff in A.M v. M.B. and settled for $250,000 insurance policy limits., 2021
  • Settlement for $111,000 and initiation of UIM arbitration.  DM and KM v. State Farm. , 2021
  • Policy limits settlement for $25,000 and initiation of UIM claim.  VB v. State Farm, 2021
  • Settlement for $25,000 policy limits and initiation of UIM claim.  JF v. Safeco, 2021
  • $300,000 settlement in a wrongful death case with disputed liability., 2021
  • $3,000,000 total settlement ($2.75m from State) in Barton v. Oregon Department of Corrections et al, a wrongful death and USCA 1983 civil rights claim.  This was a record settlement for the Oregon Department of Corrections, likely one of the most-sued entities in the state.  The case started off with a five-figure offer, but after we pursued discovery over several months and took +15 depositions the above settlement was achieved.  The settlement generated lead stories in the major newspapers in Portland (www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/10/state-will-pay-record-27-million-settlement-in-oregon-prisoners-death-from-flu.html) and Salem (www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2020/10/18/record-2-75-million-settlement-reached-oregon-inmates-flu-death/3665035001/) and may lead to reform for prison health systems.  Story was reported on the AP newswire:  https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-flu-oregon-prisons-7b81ac380282911357b5f30476426ed0, 2020
  • $185,000 slip and fall settlement, 2020
  • $250,000 policy limits UIM settlement, 2020
  • A construction defect case which I defended.  Plaintiffs sued for $715,000 and defendants settled for a combined $175,000, but my client was dismissed without payment.  Geiger v. Blackrock v. Shepherd et al., 2020
  • In a defense case, plaintiff filed a construction defect case for +$200,000.  The case settled for $100,000, with my two clients settling for $1,250 apiece.  Taylor v. CDI v. Chinook Contracting et al, 2020
  • $50,000 policy limit settlement for UIM case involving complex legal issues in VA and OR law, 2020
  • $100,000 settlement for insurance policy limits in Armour v. USAA., 2020
  • $150,000 settlement for available policy limits in a wrongful death and dram shop case., 2020
  • $50,000 settlement for policy limits for a California case., 2020
  • $160,000 settlement for auto accident case., 2020
  • Settled our client's claims for injuries in an auto accident for the $100,000 liability policy limits and we are pursuing a claim for UIM benefits., 2019
  • $100,000 liability policy limit settlement in a auto case, with pending UIM litigation, 2019
  • $150,000 settlement for policy limits and additional payment based a dram shop claim, 2019
  • $620,000 settlement of claims by two clients injured in the same auto accident in liability and underinsured funds., 2019
  • In defense case, settle a disputed liability case for $250.00 after depositions and arbitration preparation., 2019
  • In a defense case, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment for my client in a negligence and premises liability lawsuit seeking several hundred thousand dollars for plaintiff's partially-severed finger., 2018
  • $50,000 UIM settlement for client MZ, 2018
  • In a defense case, after winning a defense verdict at trial in a case over title to land and to assault, the case resolved on favorable terms in the appeals process., 2018
  • Policy limit settlement for $25,000 in Orange County CA injury claim, 2018
  • Policy limit settlement for $100,000 in auto accident for client MZ., 2018
  • Policy limits settlement for $96,000 for an auto accident case., 2018
  • $100,527.50 jury verdict  and +$100,000 in fees on a breach of contract claim in Telles v. Catamount Constructors, 2017
  • $350,000 settlement of a personal injury claim, 2017
  • Defense verdict at trial for client in civil claim for assault, battery, and property issues., 2016
  • $155,000 settlement for client (plaintiff) in car accident case., 2016
  • Summary judgment granted for clients in claims related to an industrial accident where plaintiff had sought +$1,000,000., 2016
  • Claims by primary plaintiff dismissed against clients in case for extensive property damage and for alleged rental violations.  The dismissal occurred after depositions and was based on counsel's motion for sanctions. , 2016
  • $73,000 settlement for client in auto accident case., 2016
  • $900,000 arbitration award for client injured in auto accident., 2015
  • $500,000 settlement of wrongful death case where my firm represented the PR of the estate., 2015
  • Claims against clients dismissed in clear liability car accident case based on motion for discovery sanctions., 2015
  • $100,000 settlement of premises liability case where my firm represented the plaintiff., 2015
  • Dismissal of claim against my client (an insurer) in a UIM claim.  The dismissal occurred after depositions were completed and shortly before the hearing., 2014
  • Dismissal of my client without payment from a lawsuit involving a truck v. auto collision with +$1M claimed.  The dismissal occurred after numerous depositions and shortly before trial., 2014
  • Trial verdict:  defended a driver admitted to be negligent in causing an accident.  Plaintiff sought more than $100,000 in damages, but was awarded $2,500 total damages., 2009
  • Trial verdict:  defended a client accused of negligence and recklessness, where plaintiff sought compensatory and punitive damages.  The defense admitted liability and made an early settlement offer of $35,000.  Jury awarded $48,000 in total damages., 2009
  • Settlement for $105,000.  Client's vehicle was struck by a police car and client was injured.  The settlement was with the City of Gresham and Multnomah County., 2009
  • Trial verdict:  defended an individual alleged to be negligence.  The jury returned a defense verdict., 2009
  • Arbitration award:  Defended an individual alleged to be negligent in operating a farm implement on a road.  Defense verdict., 2009
  • Settlement in negligence case: $275,000., 2009
  • Trial verdict:  represented a plaintiff injured in an auto accident.  The jury awarded client $100,520.67, 2009
  • Trial verdict:  Defended a "phantom vehicle" alleged to have caused an auto accident.  The jury found 60% liability on phantom vehicle and 40% on another driver. , 2009
  • Settlement of negligence case for $332,000., 2009
  • Settlement for minor client injured in auto accident:  $1.1 million, 2008
Representative Clients:
  • County Mutual Insurance Company, 2020
  • Richmond Valley Ltd, a U.K.-based company that sells manufactured goods , 2021
  • Insureds of Sublimity Insurance Company, 2014
  • Wallace Steel, 2017
  • Telles Painting, 2017
Special Licenses/Certifications:
  • Clackamas County Bar Association, member, 2018
Pro bono/Community Service:
  • Attorney advisor -- Lakeridge High School mock trial team 
  • Mercy Teams - help disabled or distressed families with yard care etc, 2022
  • Youth baseball coach -- Lake Oswego youth baseball
  • Youth basketball coach -- Lake Oswego Community School League
  • Youth soccer coach -- Lake Oswego Soccer Club
  • Society of St. Vincent De Paul, volunteer with help hotline and food distribution kitchen., 2022
Honors/Awards:
  • I gave a 90 minute lecture and question and answer entitled "Two Tragedies: A Trial Lawyer's Views of the 14th Amendment, the KKK Act, and Rights Long Denied.", Keynote speaker for the 18th Annual Constitution Day Lecture at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, Stipend from Jack Miller Center, 2022
  • Dawson Law Group was chosen as one of 10 finalists in Oregon for "the most prestigious BBB award presented to businesses and charities that demonstrate excellence in their dedication to high standards of trust, integrity and ethical business practices in the marketplace."  We did not receive the award, though we were either the only or one of two law firms which were selected as finalists.  , BBB Torch Awards - finalist, Better Business Bureau, 2019
  • Top Lawyers -- Selectee, Who's Who, 2018
  • Selected for the highest available rating based on peer-reviews and independent selection criteria, AV - Pre-eminent, Martindale Hubble, 2019
  • 10/10 Rating, Avvo, 2018
  • A five star rating based on comments from numerous clients, Google, 2018
  • Selected as one of the lawyers for Oregon., Outstanding Lawyer - personal injury, American Bar Journal, 2016
  • Board of Editors -- California Law Review, Law Review, California Law Review, 1995
  • Award for appellate advocacy -- law school mock appeal competition, 1994
Educational Background:
  • Claremont McKenna College; B.A. in Government, 1989
  • J.D. Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley, 1996
  • University of London.  Studied government and worked in Parliament for one semester., 1988
  • University of Chicago; M.A. in Social Thought, 1993
  • A visiting graduate student at Columbia University in New York, NY, 1992
White Papers:
  • This is a three-part blog entry about depositions.  In the first post, I talk about the basic format for a deposition and give several general guidelines that should diminish the stress involved for most witnesses., Advice on How to Survive a Deposition (part 1), 2018
  • A blog article, in three parts, explaining the logistics of civil depositions, and offering advice about how to effectively testify.  The first installment explains what to expect from a deposition, such as the usual setting in a lawyer's conference room, the court reporter's role, what to wear and what ground rules usually apply.  In this post, I explain the importance of just answering the questions a witness is asked, rather than anticipating potential questions or randomly going off on a tangent. , Surviving A Deposition (part 2), 2018
  • In the last of the posts, I discuss the key rule for depositions - telling the truth.  I discuss the importance of being completely honest even when honest answers appear to harm a party's case.  I also discuss how being honest sometimes is complicated, and provide advice about how to deal with issues a witness doesn't fully remember or can only estimate. , Surviving a Deposition (part 3), 2018
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
  • I'll preside in a competition among college students about knowledge of the US Constitution., Chief Justice, Madison Cup Competition, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Academics, 2022
  • I will speak for an hour about the Barton wrongful death case mentioned above, the civil rights act (USCA 1983), and prison civil rights issues., speaker, A Prisoner's Death, Alumni Association Of Claremont McKenna College, 2021
  • A 90 minute lecture with Q&A as the keynote speaker on Constitution Day, Keynote Speaker, Two Tragedies: A Trial Lawyer's Views On The 14th Amendment, University of Alaska, Academics, 2022
  • I will speak for 2 hours to a group of paralegals about trial preparation, Speaker, Trial Preparation from Start to Finish, National Business Institute, 2019
  • I spoke for 1.5 hrs about how to evaluate claims of traumatic brain injuries, concussion, and post-concussion syndrome to a group of 25-30 insurance attorneys and claims adjusters. , main speaker, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Insurance Claims Adjuster Groups + Regional And National Claims Lawyers, 2019
  • I have been invited to speak about discovery during litigation and about ethical considerations., Speaker, A Litigation Paralegal’s Guide to Case Management, National Business Institute, National Business Institute, 2018
  • I will speak to a group of lawyers in a seminar "Rules of Evidence.", Speaker, Faculty, National Business Institute, 2018
  • I spoke on two topics to a group of paying attendees:  1) ethical issues in handling UM/UIM claims and 2) a roundtable discussion of current topics in UM/UIM law.  , Speaker, Complex Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Issues, National Business Institute, 2017
Other Outstanding Achievements:
  • Backpacked rim-to-rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon, 2019
  • Backpacked Zion NP traverse trail over 4 days/nights, 2022
  • Backpacked 75km West Coast Trail on Vancouver island., 2021
  • Finished Hood to Coast again, 2019
  • Reached the summit of Mt. Hood for the second time, 2019
  • Completed Hood to Coast, a 199 mile relay, as part of a 12 person team, 2018
  • Finished Newport Marathon in 3:58, 2016
  • Completed Basic (Mountain) Climbing Education Program through Mazamas, 2016
  • Finished Portland Marathon, 2015
  • California Law Review, board of editors, 1996
  • Worked in Parliament for now-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, 1988
Industry Groups:
  • Construction Trades
  • Insurance

Office location for Bryan W. Dawson

1020 SW Taylor St
Suite 445
Portland, OR 97205

Phone: 503-447-3759

Selections

6 Years Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2024

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