Experienced on Both Sides of Courtroom
We believe that seeing both sides of cases helps us achieve better results for our clients.
A Track Record of Excellent Results
Excellent results in high-stake cases: We have recovered over $5 million in verdicts & settlements since 2019.
Speak Directly With an Attorney Today
You will talk directly to Ben or Bryan when you call us or have questions.
We Know Insurance
Company Tactics
For decades we have been hired by insurers, so we know what factors help injured parties achieve the best recovery.
PortlandWrongful Death Attorney
Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Portland, Oregon
Wrongful Death Attorneys Who Represent Victims of Fatal Injuries in Portland
Losing someone you care about is really hard. But if it’s because someone wasn’t careful or did something reckless, it feels even worse. At Dawson Law Group, we get how tough this is for you, and the financial strain can be huge. That’s why it’s so important to get our legal team on your side as soon as possible. You need to be there for your family during this awful time. We’ll take care of digging into what happened, getting the right experts involved, and making sure we meet all the deadlines, which can be pretty short – sometimes just a few months after the accident. We’ve got years of experience helping families who’ve lost someone they love too soon.
Different Kinds of Wrongful Death Cases
In Portland, wrongful death can happen in various situations, such as:
- Car crashes
- Truck collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Product liability fatalities
- Workplace accidents
Learn more
Why Choose Dawson Law Group for Your Portland Wrongful Death Case?
Losing a loved one in a wrongful death is devastating, leaving families to cope with grief, financial strain, and complicated legal questions. At Dawson Law Group, we provide compassionate guidance and strong advocacy to families across Portland and the greater Oregon area, drawing on decades of experience to help you pursue justice and closure.
Wrongful death claims often involve complex investigations, from proving negligence to holding corporations, individuals, or insurers accountable. Our attorneys understand both Oregon wrongful death statutes and the strategies needed to stand up against powerful defendants. Whether it’s gathering critical evidence, working with experts, or navigating insurance company tactics, we handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing with your family.
- Decades of Experience: With more than 35 years of combined practice, our team has represented families in a wide range of wrongful death cases, from motor vehicle collisions to workplace tragedies.
- Thorough Legal Knowledge: We know Oregon’s wrongful death laws and procedures inside and out, allowing us to identify liability, pursue maximum damages, and guide you through every stage of the process.
- Trusted by Families: Backed by over 100 five-star reviews, our reputation for compassionate service and proven results reflects the trust Portland families place in us during life’s hardest moments.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis—there are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.
- Over $30 Million Recovered: Trusted by clients ranging from local families to Oregon judges and Portland trial lawyers, we’ve secured more than $30 million in settlements.
- Respected by Portland Clients: With over 100 five-star reviews, our track record of compassionate guidance and proven results shows the trust Portland clients place in us during their most difficult times.
- We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis: Our services come at no upfront cost. We only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation for your family.
- More Than $30 Million Recovered: From local families to Oregon judges and Portland trial lawyers, clients across the community have relied on us to secure over $30 million in settlements.
No matter what caused your loved one’s passing, we’re here to stand by you every step of the way in the legal process, aiming to secure the compensation your family rightfully deserves for your loss.
Call to Arrange a Free Consultation with our Portland Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If someone you care about has been taken from you due to someone else’s carelessness, negligence, or deliberate actions, our team at the Dawson Law Group is committed to delving into your situation and striving to ensure you receive the highest possible compensation. Contact us at (503) 919-1315 and let us support you as your legal advocates from this moment forward.
“The state will pay … the largest settlement in Department of Corrections history … The settlement amount is unprecedented.”
Results in the Last Few Years:
Settlement in the death of a prisoner.
Recovered amount for a client injured in an industrial accident.
Trucking Accident Settlement
Settlement achieved on behalf of a client in a 2022 auto accident claim.
Auto accident vs. drunk driver, the bar served a visibly intoxicated patron.
UM Auto Accident settlement.
Recovered for a client injured in an auto accident.
Reviews & Testimonials
Bryan Dawson was a great help to me in settling a personal injury case. He was prompt, transparent, and professional. I really appreciated his honesty in what to expect and what the risks were with any decision I made. By following his expertise, I was able to settle my claim for almost double what I had expected and over 5x the amount I was previously offered. I would absolutely recommend Dawson Law Firm to family and friends. I am so relieved to finally have my case settled with such a positive outcome. Thanks!
My experience was excellent working with Bryan. I was very worried about my situation and sent an email. In a very short time Bryan called me, listened to my situation with nothing but professionalism. Explained simply to me the law and all the sinceraios I needed to understand. Immediately calming my worries. Feeling comfortable right away I called the right person.
Bryan Dawson and his team are great to work with. Bryan is very knowledgeable and helped me on a really complicated claim involving 2 different accidents. I would have never been able to accomplish anywhere close to what they did, while dealing with frustrating insurance companies and their attorneys. I would highly recommend Dawson Law Group to anybody needing some helpful representation for any claims involving auto accidents and/or injuries.
Dawson Law Group consists of great attorneys providing the best help for those in need of attorneys.
I have worked with Bryan Dawson on numerous cases in the past and have found him and his firm to be professional and highly competent. I would recommend the Dawson Law Group to anyone looking for excellent legal representation.
We contacted Bryan Dawson in 2012, after a family tragedy. Bryan’s prompt and compassionate response, coupled with his highly professional service, gave us all the reassurance we needed that we found the right law office. From beginning to end, he and his staff were always available to guide us through our deeply personal and legal process.
Meet Our Attorneys Bryan Dawson & Ben Larson
Bryan Dawson - Principal Attorney
Bryan Dawson serves as the driving force behind Dawson Law Group, offering decades of legal expertise and a steady hand in high-pressure situations. His deep understanding of personal injury and civil litigation has helped countless individuals and families receive justice, while his integrity and leadership have earned the respect of clients, peers, and courts across Oregon.
- Core Expertise: Leads complex litigation and high-value personal injury cases involving car accidents, construction liability, employment claims, and civil rights disputes, with a reputation for precision and fairness.
- Extensive Trial Record: Tried over 100 cases and argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. After joining his father's firm, Bryan expanded the practice significantly and has been the cornerstone of Dawson Law Group since 1999.
- Professional Achievements: Dawson has been recognized as a Super Lawyer (2018–2025), earned an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and holds a 10/10 Avvo Rating. He was also honored with the 2018 Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award and often serves the courts as an arbitrator and CLE instructor.
- Commitment to the Community: Beyond the courtroom, Dawson invests in the future of the legal profession by mentoring young attorneys, teaching continuing legal education (CLE) courses, and coaching high school mock trial teams—reflecting his dedication to justice and service in Oregon.
- Education & Credentials: Holds a J.D. from UC Berkeley (Boalt Hall), an M.A. from the University of Chicago, and a B.A. from Claremont McKenna. He is licensed in Oregon and admitted to multiple federal courts.
- Community & Personal Life: Deeply committed to Lake Oswego’s local community, Bryan enjoys coaching, cycling, and spending quality time with his wife and children when away from the courtroom.
Ben Larson
Ben Larson is known for his thoughtful approach to legal strategy and his unwavering dedication to each client’s well-being. Since joining Dawson Law Group, he has handled numerous serious injury cases with a combination of legal precision and heartfelt care, always striving to make the process less overwhelming for the individuals he serves.
- Key Expertise: Focuses on personal injury and wrongful death matters from both plaintiff and defense perspectives, excelling in complex case management and strategic negotiations.
- Strong Credentials: Earned his law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science. He is licensed to practice in Oregon state and federal courts.
- Client-Centric Approach: Believes in a calm, communicative, and compassionate approach—keeping clients informed and empowered from consultation to resolution.
- Personal Pursuits: Outside the office, Ben explores the natural beauty of Oregon, from the slopes to the coast. He has a passion for international travel and brings a broad worldview to his personal and professional life.
Awards & Memberships
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death in Portland
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Oregon?
Oregon law permits the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to file a wrongful death claim. Eligible beneficiaries typically include spouses, children, parents, or other dependents.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?
Families may recover damages for funeral and burial costs, medical bills, loss of future income, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Oregon?
You generally have three years from the date of the injury that caused the death; not necessarily the date of death. Prompt action is vital to preserve your claim.
What’s the difference between wrongful death and a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is filed by the injured party, while a wrongful death claim is filed on behalf of someone who died due to negligence. The damages and legal strategy differ significantly.
Have more questions? Contact us for a free consultation with a trusted Portland wrongful death lawyer.
Can Help Recover Damages
In Oregon, wrongful death cases are handled as civil lawsuits, focusing on financial compensation rather than criminal charges. Families can seek damages to cover various costs like medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship. If the responsible party acted particularly recklessly or intentionally, punitive damages might also be awarded. It’s important to file a wrongful death claim within three years of the person’s fatal injury, but shorter deadlines might apply, potentially affecting or nullifying the claim.
Get Legal Assistance from Skilled and Empathetic Professionals
When someone loses their life due to negligence or a faulty product, Oregon law allows families to seek compensation. At the Dawson Law Group, our wrongful death attorney is here to support grieving families. We commit to thorough investigations into the circumstances of the loss and construct strong cases to secure rightful compensation. With decades of experience in such matters, we grasp the crucial factors for ensuring fair outcomes. Acting swiftly to reach out to families is key, as it allows us to gather essential evidence and speak to witnesses while information is fresh.
We’ll thoroughly investigate your situation to uncover all the relevant factors that can contribute to your wrongful death lawsuit in Portland. Our aim is to secure the highest possible compensation for your family during this challenging time.
Compensation in Cases of Wrongful Death
In Oregon wrongful death cases, potential recoverable damages may include (but are not limited to):
- Burial or funeral costs
- Medical or hospital expenses
- Lost income or benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
Learn more
Wrongful Death Claims in Oregon
Oregon defines a wrongful death as one “caused by a wrongful act or omission of another.” Essentially, it’s a situation that would have been a personal injury claim if the person were alive, but now their family brings the claim on their behalf. Typically, the surviving spouse, child, or parent files the claim. However, other family members like grandparents, stepparents, stepchildren, or others who could suffer losses may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.