Bozeman Crane Accident Lawyer

Cranes move enormous loads high above crowded jobsites. When something goes wrong, a crane accident can change a worker’s life in seconds. If you were hurt on a construction project in or around Bozeman and are facing medical treatment, time off work, and pressure from insurers, you do not have to face this alone.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we are a third-generation Montana personal injury law firm that has built our reputation by going to trial and winning serious cases. Insurance companies know we are prepared to take a strong crane accident claim all the way to a Montana courtroom if that is what justice requires. Our goal is to help you understand your options and work to secure all compensation allowed under Montana law.

Call (406) 233-1302 or contact us online to discuss your potential case. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and there are no out-of-pocket fees when you meet with us to review your situation. 

What is a Crane?

A crane is a type of heavy construction equipment used to lift, lower, and move large materials or objects. Cranes are essential on many commercial and residential construction projects throughout Bozeman and the surrounding areas. These machines make it possible to move steel beams, concrete panels, construction materials, and heavy machinery that would otherwise be impossible to transport manually.

Construction cranes come in several forms, including:

• Tower cranes
• Mobile cranes
• Crawler cranes
• Overhead cranes
• Rough terrain cranes
• Hydraulic cranes
• Loader cranes

Although cranes are necessary for many construction projects, they can also pose serious dangers when improperly maintained, overloaded, or operated by untrained personnel. Even a minor mistake can result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Common Types of Crane Accidents

Crane accidents can happen in many different ways on a construction site. Because cranes operate with extreme weight and height, accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries.

Some of the most common types of crane accidents include:

• Crane Collapses: A crane collapse occurs when the crane structure fails or tips over. These accidents can happen because of unstable ground conditions, excessive loads, mechanical defects, or improper assembly. Crane collapses frequently cause multiple injuries and extensive property damage.
• Struck-By Accidents: Workers may be struck by falling materials, swinging loads, crane booms, or detached rigging equipment. Falling objects from elevated heights can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities.
• Electrocution Accidents: Construction cranes can come into contact with overhead power lines, creating a severe electrocution hazard. Workers operating or standing near the crane may suffer life-threatening electrical injuries.
• Crane Boom Failures: The boom is one of the most critical crane components. If it breaks or buckles during operation, workers nearby may be crushed or struck by falling debris.
• Load Drops: Improper rigging, overloaded cranes, or equipment malfunctions can cause suspended loads to fall unexpectedly. Heavy materials falling from significant heights can result in devastating injuries.
• Tip-Over Accidents: Crane tip-overs may occur when the crane is positioned on unstable terrain or when operators exceed weight limitations. Montana construction sites with uneven or rugged ground conditions may present increased risks.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Most crane accidents are preventable. In many cases, these incidents happen because someone failed to follow proper safety standards or ignored known hazards.

Common causes of crane accidents include:

• Operator Error: Crane operators must receive extensive training and certification. Inexperienced or distracted operators can make dangerous mistakes that place everyone on the construction site at risk.
• Improper Crane Assembly: Many cranes require careful assembly and disassembly. Missing components, improper installation, or incorrect setup procedures can compromise crane stability.
• Overloading the Crane: Every crane has a specific weight limit. Exceeding that capacity can cause structural failure, tip-overs, or dropped loads.
• Lack of Maintenance: Routine inspections and maintenance are critical for crane safety. Worn cables, hydraulic failures, defective brakes, and damaged rigging equipment can all contribute to serious accidents.
• Unsafe Worksite Conditions: Construction companies are responsible for maintaining safe job sites. Uneven ground, inadequate communication, poor visibility, and crowded work zones may increase the likelihood of crane accidents.
• OSHA Safety Violations: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict regulations governing crane operation and construction site safety. Violations of these standards often contribute to severe accidents.

Common Injuries in Crane Accidents

Crane accidents often involve crushing forces, falling objects, or significant heights, leading to catastrophic injuries.

Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Severe burns
• Internal bleeding
• Amputations
• Neck and back injuries
• Wrongful death

Many crane accident victims require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Some individuals may never be able to return to work.

Liability for Crane Accidents?

Determining liability after a crane accident can be complex because multiple companies and individuals may share responsibility on a construction site.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• Construction Companies: General contractors and construction companies are responsible for maintaining safe job sites and ensuring safety regulations are followed.
• Crane Operators: If operator negligence caused the accident, the operator or their employer may be held liable.
• Equipment Manufacturers: Defective crane components or faulty machinery may lead to product liability claims against manufacturers or distributors.
• Property Owners: In some cases, property owners may share liability if unsafe premises conditions contributed to the accident.
• Subcontractors: Construction projects often involve multiple subcontractors. A subcontractor that created dangerous conditions may be responsible for resulting injuries.

An experienced Bozeman crane accident attorney can investigate the incident, identify liable parties, and pursue all available claims.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

Many injured construction workers qualify for workers’ compensation benefits after a crane accident. Workers’ compensation may provide:

• Medical expenses
• Wage replacement benefits
• Disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation

However, workers’ compensation may not fully compensate victims for their losses. In some situations, injured workers may also file a third-party personal injury lawsuit against negligent parties other than their employer.

Third-party claims may allow victims to recover compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Full lost income
• Future medical care
• Loss of earning capacity

Our firm can evaluate whether additional legal claims may apply in your case.

Why Injured Workers Turn To Our Firm

After a crane accident, many workers are contacted quickly by employers, insurers, or safety personnel. You may be told the incident was just part of the job or that workers’ compensation is your only option. In reality, crane accidents often involve complex safety failures, and the law may allow you to pursue a claim against companies beyond your own employer. That is when the strength and reputation of your legal team matter.

Our record includes many of the top personal injury verdicts in Montana history. That includes an $11 million settlement for a construction accident and a $27 million individual personal injury settlement that is reported as the largest of its kind in our state. We have also achieved other multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. These results helped real people pay for care and begin rebuilding their lives.

To speak with our team today, call (406) 233-1302.