“Our first role as a lawyer is to explain things to people and let them know that we’re there to cover these difficult insurance claims or legal issues so that they can focus on what matters. They can focus on getting better. They can focus on taking care of their loved ones and know that these other issues are going to be handled by us.” – Bryan Waldman
Bryan J. Waldman
Leading with Compassion and Integrity
Bryan Waldman, President of the Sinas Dramis Law Firm, believes great legal representation starts with truly understanding people. For him, it’s not just about the case – it’s about the person behind it.
That’s why Bryan only accepts a limited number of cases at a time. This allows him to focus fully on each client, spending time to understand who they are, what matters to them, and how their injury has affected their life. Many of these client relationships continue long after the case ends.
In his words, “It is a lawyer’s job to tell a judge or jury how an incident or injury has affected a person’s life. A lawyer can’t do this without knowing what makes each client the person they are. Everyone has a unique story, from how they were raised, what they have done at home, at work, their hobbies, or relationships they have built with friends and family. Fortunately, as part of my job, I get to learn from my client’s experiences in life, which I truly believe has made me a better lawyer and a better person.”
Meaningful Results in and out of the Courtroom
In 2003, Bryan secured a landmark jury verdict – more than three times larger than any previous personal injury verdict in mid-Michigan. However, for Bryan, success isn’t just measured by dollar amounts. His most rewarding moments come when juries award exactly what he asks for – proof, in his words, that they trust him.
“When a jury does what you ask them to do, without discounting it, they are saying, ‘I trust you and I believe you.’ That is my goal as a lawyer. I want everyone I encounter – judges, jurors, and most importantly, my clients, to know I’ve done my homework. I’m presenting things in a way that is honest and exposes the truth,” Waldman says.
Educator and Advocate for Justice
In addition to practicing law, Bryan is committed to educating others. He serves as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University College of Law, where he teaches Auto No-Fault Law, and has guest lectured on trial practice and litigation at both Wayne State University Law School and the University of Michigan Law School.
His advocacy extends beyond the classroom. Bryan is a Cooperating Attorney with the ACLU of Michigan, where he has co-counseled several major civil rights cases. He also regularly appears on WLNS 6’s “Legal Edge” with Chivon Kloepfer, helping the public better understand Michigan laws – especially lesser-known ones that often cause confusion.
Recognized Excellence
Over the course of his career, Bryan has been recognized repeatedly by the legal community. His awards and honors include:
- Best Lawyers in America (Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Litigation) – every year since 2007
- Lawyer of the Year, Lansing – 2015, 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2024
- Michigan Super Lawyers – 2006–2008, and 2011–present
- Leading Lawyers – every year since 2016 in personal injury and product liability law
He is also a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and a member of both the American Association for Justice and the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Serving the Legal and Local Community
Bryan’s commitment to public service is equally strong. In 2007, he was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to the Michigan Civil Service Commission, where he was later elected Chair. He served in that role until 2008.
He also served as President of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (now the Michigan Association for Justice) from 2003–2004 and continues to serve on its executive committee.
In addition, Bryan is a proud member of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, reflecting his support for education and union advocacy.
Champion for Cyclists
Outside the courtroom, Bryan is an avid cyclist and a well-known advocate for bicycle safety and cyclist rights across Michigan. He dedicates a large part of his legal practice to representing injured bicyclists and educating drivers and communities on how to safely share the road.
He previously served on the Board of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, and more about his bicycle law work can be found at MichiganBicycleLaw.com.
Request a Free Personal Injury Consultation
Connect with Bryan Waldman
Email: bryanwaldman@sinasdramis.com
Phone: 517-394-7500
Toll Free: 866-758-0031
Education
- B.A., Michigan State University, 1988
- J.D., Wayne State University, 1992
Admissions
- Michigan, 1992
- Illinois, 2008
Professional Associations
- American College of Trial Lawyers – Fellow
- State Bar of Michigan, Negligence Section – Council Member
- Michigan Association for Justice – Member & Past President
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) – Member
- Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN)
- Ingham County Bar Association
- Ingham County Bar Foundation – Fellow
- American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO – Member
- American Association for Justice
- American Civil Liberties Union
- State Bar of Michigan
- State Bar of Illinois
Awards & Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year – Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation (Lansing, Michigan), 2024
- Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year – Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation (Lansing, Michigan), 2022
- Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year – Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation (Lansing, Michigan), 2020
- Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year – Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation (Lansing, Michigan), 2017
- Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year – Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation (Lansing, Michigan), 2015
- Leading Lawyers – 2016-present
- Michigan Super Lawyer – 2006-2008 & 2011-present
- AV Preeminent Rating – Martindale-Hubbell, 2006-present
- Michigan Cyclist of the Year – Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC), 2017
- Best Lawyers in America – Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation – listed every year since 2007
- Leading Lawyers, Michigan – “Top 100 Leading Lawyer,” “Top 100 Outstate (Non-Detroit Metro) Lawyer” & “Top 100 Consumer Lawyer”
- Bicycle Advocacy Award – League of Michigan Bicyclists, 2013
Noteworthy Cases
$10,680,000 – Jury verdict for the wrongful death of a 43-year-old divorced father of three caused by medical malpractice.
$8,000,000 – Semi-truck-automobile collision resulting in a 76-year-old retired steelworker sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury, and his wife sustaining numerous orthopedic and soft-tissue injuries.
$4,000,000 – Settlement after a cyclist suffered a traumatic brain injury after a fall on a multi-use path.
$3,800,000 – Settlement for woman hit by a company truck who failed to yield the right-of-way at an intersection. Our client sustained multiple lower extremity injuries, internal injuries, head trauma, and traumatically induced stroke.
$2,600,000 – Settlement for Motorcyclist who sustained catastrophic injuries after high beam lights of an oncoming vehicle caused a crash.
$2,225,000 – Settlement for woman hit by a commercial truck who failed to stop at a stop sign causing internal injuries which required emergent surgery.
$2,000,000 – Settlement for the wrongful death of a man killed when the wind blew shut the door of a shipping container/outdoor bar, crushing him against the bar counter.
$1,850,000 – Toxic tort judgment for four healthcare workers who sustained respiratory injuries when a construction company negligently applied a cement sealant on a sidewalk below the air intake vents at a hospital, causing toxic fumes to enter the hospital’s ventilation system.
$1,500,000 – Jackson county bicycle/automobile collision resulting in a traumatic brain injury and a cervical spine injury requiring surgery to an 8-year-old boy.
$1,260,000 – Motorcycle/automobile collision resulting in numerous orthopedic injuries to a 42-year-old skilled tradesman.
$1,050,000 – Settlement for a 76-year-old retired attorney who sustained a spinal cord injury when a commercial truck turned left in front of his car on a rural Isabella County road.
$1,000,000 – Jury verdict for wrongful death of a 54-year-old with schizophrenia due to negligence of a nursing home.
$1,000,000 – Lenawee County semi-truck/automobile collision resulting in wrongful death of a 57-year-old truck driver.
$1,000,000 – Settlement for a woman hit by a commercial semi-truck that ran a stop sign resulting in multiple orthopedic injuries, a 15-day hospital stay and two surgeries.
$500,000 – Settlement for a 13-year-old girl who suffered multiple orthopedic injuries after the driver of the car she was riding in fell asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to leave the road and hit a tree.
$495,000 – Settlement for a 65-year-old bicyclist who was struck by an SUV causing him to fall to the ground and sustain numerous injuries including a fractured leg, fractured sternum, multiple fractured teeth, and an aggravation of a prior knee injury.
Testimonials
Bryan is humble, thoughtful, and an extremely passionate person about right and wrong. These qualities, amongst others, are what makes him the great human being he is… against all odds, we ended up with a more than fair outcome. I can say without a doubt that the only reason things ended in a favorable manner was due to the work Bryan and his team did. – Anonymous, avvo.com
Bryan Waldman handled my case when I was hit by a drunk driver riding my bicycle. He walked me through absolutely every step of the process, was always available, and was immensely patient and kind in taking the time to explain things to me. I never felt like he was either in a hurry to close my case or insufficiently concerned about my case to give it his full attention. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone in need. – Scott, Google
We contacted Mr. Waldman a couple of weeks after the accident after my wife and I realized we needed an expert to deal with the insurance companies, as I needed to concentrate on surgeries and healing. Bryan Waldman and his team stepped up, worked very diligently on our case for us. They were very compassionate and put our minds at ease during this hardship we were going through. – Randy, avvo.com
A Trusted Legal Voice in Michigan Media
As a highly respected attorney, Bryan Waldman is frequently sought after for his deep knowledge of personal injury law, particularly in areas involving bicycle accidents and Michigan’s auto no-fault system. His ability to break down complex legal topics into clear, accessible explanations makes him a trusted resource—not just for clients and colleagues, but also for the general public.
To help educate Michigan residents about their legal rights, Bryan regularly appears on WLNS 6’s “Legal Edge”, a weekly news segment that tackles legal issues affecting everyday people. In each segment, he provides practical insight on laws that are often confusing or misunderstood, from changes in no-fault insurance rules to questions about liability after a crash.
Whether the topic is new legislation, recent court decisions, or common legal pitfalls, Bryan offers viewers straightforward information they can use to better protect themselves and their families.
To explore the full “Legal Edge” episode archive, click here.
- Does Michigan Have the Weakest Distracted Driving Laws in the U.S.? (2019) - WKFR cites an article written by Bryan Waldman about Michigan’s weak distracted driving laws.
- Bryan Waldman Talks Michigan Bicycle Laws On Radio Show (2017) – Bryan Waldman appeared on Michigan Radio’s “Morning Edition” program, where he talked about the ongoing legislative efforts to improve Michigan bicycle laws.
- Bike Law Specialist Rides To Promote Charity Event (2017) – Bryan Waldman’s 350-mile bicycle ride to the Lids for Kids bike helmet giveaway in Traverse City was covered by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
- Open-and-Obvious Defense Extended to Municipalities (2017) - Bryan Waldman was interviewed by Michigan Lawyers Weekly for this article on Michigan’s new sidewalk law.
- Death on the Tracks: Questions Raised on Signals at Rail Crossings (2004) – Bryan was interviewed by The New York Times regarding his handling of a railroad crossing malfunction case
Speaking Engagements
2024
- State Bar of Michigan Negligence Section, Voir Dire Webinar, May 2024
2023
- State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section Spring Meeting, No-Fault Update, presented with John Whitman, April 2023
Previous Years
- Institute Continuing Legal Education, No-Fault Update 2022, presented with Marcy Taylor
- State Bar of Michigan, Negligence Law Section No-Fault Panel, October 2021
- Effective Cross-Examination (And Direct Examination of the Unruly Witness), Grand Rapids Bar Association, February 2021
- What Cyclists Need to Know About Michigan’s New Auto Insurance – virtual presentation, July 2020
- Washtenaw Bike Summit, February 2020
- How Michigan’s New Auto Insurance Law Affects Cyclists”, Downriver Cycling Club, February 2020
- “Bike Law” – Down River Cycling Club, December 2015
- “Bike Law Michigan” – Rapid Wheelmen, November 2015
- “Bicycle Law Basics” – Clinton River Riders Bicycle Club, October 2015
- “The 3116 PIP Tort Lien: Tactics to Avoid or Lessen the Lien” – MAJ No-Fault Institute XII, Southfield, Michigan, September 2015
- “Bike Law 101 & 201” – North American Bicycle Show, Detroit, Michigan, March 2015
- Third-Party Auto Negligence Webinar – Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), September 2014 (moderator)
- Third-Party Auto Negligence Webinar – ICLE, January 2014 (moderator)
- Michigan Bicycle Law – Tri-County Bicycle Association, May 2014
- Michigan Bicycle Law – People’s Law School, October 2013
- No-Fault Institute: VII, Fighting Section 3116 Tort Liens – Michigan Association for Justice, September 2010
- Depositions and Disability Evaluations – Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2009
- Developing Damages – Michigan Association for Justice Annual meeting Seminar, 2009
- Trial Tips in Premises Liability Cases – MAJ Premises Liability Evening Forum
- Jury Selection in An Automobile Negligence Case – MAJ No-Fault Institute
- “Thinking Outside the Tort Reform Box” – 60th Annual Melvin Belli Seminar, Chicago, Illinois, July 2007
- “Truck Liability Cases” – No-Fault Institute IV, June 2007
- “Getting Paid Promptly: What Should You Know?” – Auto No-Fault Seminar, CPAN, February 2007
- “Exposing the Rogue Truck Driver” – 59th Annual Melvin Belli Seminar, Seattle, Washington, July 2006
- “Attendant Care Claims: What Should Be Included and How Should It Be Valued?” – No-Fault Institute III, MAJ, June 2006
- Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting Seminar, co-Moderator – May 2006
- “Estate of Abdul-Baki v Phillip Sorensen, MD: Representing Arabic Plaintiffs Post -9/11″ – 58th Annual Melvin Belli Seminar, July 2005
- Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting Seminar, co-Moderator – May 2005
- “Trucking Claims: Identifying Issues and Developing Tactics” – No-Fault Institute II, April 2005
- “Room and Board: Incremental Expense Doctrine After Griffith” – No-Fault Institute II, April 2005
- “Damages: Making the Most of Your Case” – Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, Advocacy Seminar, March 2005
- “Trial Techniques” – Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, Medical Malpractice Seminar, December 2004
- Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting Seminar, co-Moderator – May 2004
- Ultimate Advocacy Seminar, co-Moderator – Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, December 2003
- “Friend or Foe: Attorney/Case Manager Interactions” – Mosby’s Medical Case Management Convention (joint presentation with Susan Wisser, RN, MSN, CCM), September 2003
- Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting Seminar, co-Moderator – May 2003
- “How Do You Make and Litigate Home Modification and Van Claims?” – No-Fault Institute I, March 2003
- Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting Seminar, co-Moderator – May 2002
- “Trucking Accidents: Identifying Issues and Developing Tactics” – Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Auto Negligence Extravaganza, January 2002
- Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting Seminar, co-Moderator – May 2001
- “Suing Allstate for Bad Faith” – Michigan Trial Lawyers Association – How to Hammer Allstate II, March 2001
- “Protect Your No-Fault Benefits: Do a PIP Check-Up Now!” – Brain Injury Association of Michigan Annual Conference (joint presentation with George Sinas and Catherine Groll), October 2000
- Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting Seminar, co-Moderator – April 2000
- “Legal Issues Affecting Case Management in Michigan” – presentation to Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Flint chapters of the Case Management Society of Michigan, March 2000, May 2000, August 2000
- “The Odd Couple: Case Manager – Attorney Interactions” – Mosby’s Medical Case Management Convention (joint presentation with Susan Wisser, RN, MSN), September 1999
- “Premises Liability Case Strategies and Defenses,” “Open and Obvious Dangers and Foreseeable Acts of Third Parties” – Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), June 1999
- Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting Seminar, co-Moderator – April 1999
- “Privileges and Immunities Under Michigan Law” – Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Seminar in the Snow, February 1999
- “An Overview of Michigan Premises Liability Law” – Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Seminar: The Nuts and Bolts of Personal Injury Practice, November 1998
- “Michigan Premises Liability Law: The Open and Obvious Danger Doctrine” – Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting Seminar, May 1998
- “Michigan Premises Liability Law: The Open and Obvious Danger Doctrine” – Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Seminar in the Snow, February 1998
Publications
- “Disney’s Litigation Strategy and Near Public Relations Blunder Underscores the Need to Revisit Michigan’s Rejection of the Adhesion Contract Doctrine” – Negligence Law Section E-Journal, Volume 17 #1 & #2
- “Michigan Appellate Courts Struggle to Make an Antiquated Concept Fit in Today’s World and, in doing so, Defeat the VeryPpurpose of the No-Fault Act for Children of Divorced Parents,” State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section, Winter 2022 Newsletter
- “What Tort Lawyers Need to Know about Michigan’s Medicare Liens,” Michigan Bar Journal, May 2024, Vol. 103, No. 5
- “Jury Selection, Opening Statements, and Closing Arguments,” Michigan Civil Procedure, 3rd Ed., Institute of Continuing Legal Education, co-authored with Joel T. Finnell
- The Legal Handbook for Michigan Cyclists – 2020 Update
- “Michigan Premises Liability Law: The Open and Obvious Danger Doctrine,” Michigan Bar Journal, June 1999, vol. 78, no. 6