Thomas J. Dawson III

CEO & Founder

Thomas J. Dawson III, Esq., MPH, MA

Expert Witness:
Forensic Economics - Future Medical Expense Pricing

Thomas J Dawson III is a highly accomplished ERISA attorney, health policy expert, forensic economist, and medical pricing expert. With almost 30 years of invaluable experience in healthcare policy and regulation, he is widely respected in the legal community for his unparalleled expertise in medical costs, damages analysis, and public policy. Notably, he played a vital role in shaping America's Affordable Care Act (ACA) as Healthcare Counsel to the House Committee on Small Business. In 2010, he founded TD&P Consulting, Inc., a national firm specializing in healthcare consulting and cost analysis. Mr. Dawson has provided consulting services to plaintiff and defense attorneys as a testifying expert on the reasonableness of healthcare costs at the federal and state levels. Throughout his career, he has analyzed, evaluated, and critiqued over 400 personal injury matters involving medical pricing and reimbursement.

Mr. Dawson also has an extensive background in healthcare finance, regulatory compliance, and healthcare policy involving Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance markets. His wide-ranging experience as a leader with a proven ability to manage complex cases in a well-timed manner has given Mr. Dawson the ability to provide healthcare, policy analysis consulting, and expert testimony in a host of personal injury cases involving medical damages. Mr. Dawson’s experience in litigation has given him a deep understanding and knowledge of how to value medical expenses. As a result, law firms often ask him for advice on valuing future medical expenses in matters concerning injured parties and compensation.

Mr. Dawson's professional presentations include "Medical Coverage, Prices, and Discount Rates in Life Care Plans: Avoiding Legal, Definitional and Data Pitfalls" (Feb 25, 2023) with Jerome Paige, at the National Association of Forensic Economics (NAFE) Eastern Economic Association (EEA) meetings. He has also published a newsletter article, "Does Your Life Care Planner's Cost Data Pass The 'Sanchez Test"? DC Trial," in The Trial Lawyers Association Newsletter, 2020 Volume 3, with Jerome S. Paige and Richard Lockley.

Mr. Dawson holds a Master's in Public Health from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. Prior to that, he pursued his Ph.D. studies in Philosophy at the University of Florida, working alongside renowned ethicist Richard M. Hare and a medical ethicist at the University's Shand's Hospital. His work involved examining various economic models and discussing the cost of healthcare goods and services, resource constraints, and their impact on the behavior and health outcomes of affected populations. He also specialized in the philosophy of social science, with a focus on economic theory. In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Dawson has made significant contributions in the field. He has served as a member of the D.C. Board of Medicine and continues to be a part of the Editorial Board for the Federation of State Medical Boards. Furthermore, he is a member of the National Association of Forensic Economics (NAFE) and the National Economic Association.

Fair Market Value in Life Care Planning: A Practical Guide
By Thomas Dawson

“Fair Market Value in Life Care Planning: A Practical Guide” by Thomas J. Dawson III, JD, MPH, MA, is an essential resource for professionals navigating the complexities of life care planning and healthcare valuation. This guide delves into the concept of Fair Market Value (FMV), providing a thorough understanding of its application in assessing the costs of long-term care for individuals involved in personal injury, medical malpractice, and other legal cases. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Thomas offers practical insights and step-by-step guidance on accurately determining FMV, ensuring that life care plans are both realistic and legally defensible. The book addresses common challenges, provides tools for effective data analysis, and highlights the importance of aligning valuations with current legal and ethical standards. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this guide equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to create fair, accurate, and reliable life care plans. It’s a must-have for anyone involved in the intersection of healthcare, law, and economics.