“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
Bryan Waldman is the President of Sinas Dramis Law Firm. He believes that, in order to provide the best representation for people, it is necessary to learn about the things that make each person unique. As a result, Bryan accepts a small number of cases and spends a significant amount of time getting to know his clients, which often results in close relationships that last long after their case is over.
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.”
In 2003, Bryan obtained a significant jury verdict more than three times larger than any other personal injury verdict in mid-Michigan at the time. However, beyond monetary results, Bryan says the most rewarding verdicts he has received for his clients are cases where the jury has awarded the exact relief he requested during his closing argument.
“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.
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Bryan is an adjunct professor of law at Michigan State University College of Law where he teaches a course in Michigan’s Auto No-Fault Law. He has also served as a guest lecturer on litigation topics at Wayne State University Law School and University of Michigan Law School. Bryan is a member of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, a union of professionals affiliated with AFT-Michigan.
Over the course of his career, numerous publications have recognized Bryan’s work. In this regard, he has been included in the publication Best Lawyers in America, in the area of Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Litigation, every year since 2007. He was also selected as the publication’s Lawyer of the Year, Plaintiff’s Personal Injury (Lansing, Michigan) in 2015, 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2024. Michigan Super Lawyers also named Bryan to its annual lists in the years 2006-2008, and 2011-present. Leading Lawyers has recognized Bryan every year since 2016 in the areas of personal injury and product liability law.
Bryan is a Cooperating Attorney for the ACLU of Michigan and in this capacity has co-counseled a number of significant civil rights cases. As part of the firm’s belief that Michigan residents have the right to know the laws designed to help protect them, Bryan also regularly appears on WLNS 6 “Legal Edge” with Chivon Kloepfer. Topics cover many little-known laws that often spark confusion or controversy in the Lansing community and beyond.
Connect with Bryan Waldman
Email: bryanwaldman@sinasdramis.com
Phone: 517-394-7500
Toll Free: 866-758-0031
In 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed Bryan to the Michigan Civil Service Commission and shortly thereafter, the other Commissioners elected Bryan as the Chair of the Civil Service Commission. He served as Chair until July 2008. Bryan served as President of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (currently Michigan Association for Justice) in 2003-2004 and continues to serve on the organization’s executive committee. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a Member of the American Association for Justice and the American Board of Trial Advocates.
An avid cyclist, Bryan also diligently advocates for the rights of Michigan bicyclists. Much of his practice is dedicated to representing cyclists and educating the non-cycling community about safety and bicyclists’ rights. Specifics about his bicycle law practice can be found at MichiganBicycleLaw.com. Bryan formerly served on the Board of the League of Michigan Bicyclists.
A Few of Bryan’s Notable Results
$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.
$2,000,000 – 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 paranoid 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.
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
Media Appearances and Interviews
As a well-respected attorney, Bryan’s expertise and knowledge in personal injury law and bicycle accident litigation is often called upon to help clarify certain aspects of the law.
Bryan regularly appears on WLNS 6 “Legal Edge” to discuss various aspects of the law. Below are some of his most recent segments. You can watch all episodes of “Legal Edge” here.
Other appearances in the media and news:
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
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
Education
B.A., Michigan State University, 1988
J.D., Wayne State University, 1992
Admissions
Michigan, 1992
Illinois, 2008
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
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