Montana Crane Accident Lawyers

Crane accidents in Montana can lead to life-altering injuries or even fatalities, especially in fast-growing sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Whether the incident happened in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, or a more remote worksite, our dedicated Crane Accident Lawyers are here to represent your interests, fight for accountability, and help you recover the full compensation you’re owed.

In Montana, cranes are used across rugged terrain and rapidly developing communities—for pipeline work, wind turbine installation, rail infrastructure, and commercial construction. But when safety protocols are ignored or equipment malfunctions, the outcome can be catastrophic.

Why Crane Accidents Happen in Montana

• Inadequate training and lack of certification for operators, especially on seasonal or short-term projects. 
• Improper site preparation, with cranes placed on unstable or sloped ground common in rural and mountainous areas. 
• Equipment failure, including defective brakes, hydraulic leaks, or frayed cables due to poor maintenance. 
• Extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or icy terrain that compromise crane stability. 

All crane operations in the state must comply with OSHA’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard and are overseen locally by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Still, violations remain a concern—particularly in remote or high-pressure build environments.

Injuries Frequently Sustained in Crane Accidents

• Spinal cord trauma, which can result in paralysis or permanent disability. 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to falling materials or structural failure. 
• Crush injuries and amputations, especially when limbs are caught between moving crane components. 
• Severe burns or electrocution, often when cranes come into contact with high-voltage power lines. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights crane-related accidents as one of the deadliest hazards in the construction and industrial fields.

Who May Be Liable for a Montana Crane Accident

• General contractors and project supervisors who failed to implement safety training or enforce protocols. 
• Crane rental or equipment companies that delivered poorly maintained or defective machinery. 
• Third-party rigging or signal crews, whose negligence in coordinating lifts resulted in catastrophic failure. 
• Crane or component manufacturers, in cases of mechanical or structural defects. 

Montana uses a modified comparative fault system under Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-702, allowing injured victims to pursue damages so long as they are not more than 50% at fault.

What to Do After a Crane Accident in Montana

• Immediately report the accident to your employer or site supervisor, and obtain a written incident report. 
• Seek emergency medical care, even if injuries seem minor, and document all treatment. 
• Photograph the scene, including the crane setup, surrounding conditions, safety markings, and your injuries. 
• Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters or signing any documents without legal representation. 

To learn more about workplace rights in Montana, consult the U.S. Department of Labor – Montana, but always speak with a qualified injury attorney for serious claims.

High-Risk Crane Use Zones in Montana

• Billings – As the largest city in Montana, Billings is a hub for transportation, oil refining, and commercial development that frequently involves tower and mobile cranes. 
• Bozeman – Known for rapid real estate growth and university infrastructure, Bozeman’s construction boom increases crane-related risks. 
• Great Falls – With active rail yards, hydroelectric projects, and distribution centers, cranes are used regularly in both urban and industrial applications. 

Each region presents unique challenges—ranging from steep topography and limited access to volatile weather and isolated job sites.

Out-of-State Workers on Montana Projects

Montana’s large-scale energy, agriculture, and infrastructure projects often bring in skilled labor from Wyoming, Idaho, and North Dakota. If you were injured while temporarily working in Montana but reside elsewhere, your case may require a multi-jurisdictional legal strategy.

Common neighboring labor sources include:

• Casper, Wyoming – Provides crane operators and technicians to Montana’s wind and oil field projects. 
• Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Supplies skilled tradespeople for timber, pipeline, and rail expansions in western Montana. 
• Williston, North Dakota – Sends construction crews for cross-border energy and infrastructure jobs. 

Montana Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits

• Workers’ compensation offers basic medical coverage and wage replacement—but does not provide for pain, suffering, or full loss of earning capacity. 
• A third-party personal injury lawsuit may be filed if a subcontractor, vendor, or equipment supplier was at fault. 
• In the event of a fatality, family members may pursue a wrongful death claim, which includes burial costs and lost future income. 

Visit the Montana Workers’ Compensation Court for state-specific claim information, but for complex cases, consult with an attorney.

Why Hire a Montana Crane Accident Lawyer

• Crane accident cases involve mechanical evaluations, site inspections, and expert testimony, especially when multiple parties are involved. 
• Legal teams ensure full investigation of OSHA violations, engineering flaws, or coordination failures. 
• We seek complete compensation for medical bills, long-term disability, lost income, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma. 

Legal strategy is often built on principles outlined by the National Safety Council (NSC), which provides workplace safety standards that can demonstrate negligence.

Filing Deadlines for Crane Injury Claims in Montana

• Under Montana Code Annotated § 27-2-204, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. 
• Workers’ compensation claims should be filed as soon as possible, and no later than 12 months from the injury or discovery of the condition. 

Failing to act within these timelines can lead to the loss of your right to compensation.

At Your Injury Case, we proudly represent crane accident victims across Montana. Whether your incident occurred on an oil rig near Billings, a commercial project in Bozeman, or a rail expansion in Great Falls, our experienced Crane Accident Lawyers are prepared to investigate the details, build your case, and hold every negligent party accountable.

Call Now for a Free Consultation

Reach out today by calling (346) 258-3945 or use our online contact form to schedule a free case review. Visit YourInjuryCase.com to learn how we help injured workers across Montana rebuild and recover.