Great Falls Crane Accident Attorney

Crane accidents on construction and industrial sites can change a life in seconds. A collapsing boom, a dropped load, or a tip-over can leave workers and bystanders in Great Falls with catastrophic injuries and no clear answers about what comes next. If you are in this position, you deserve focused, experienced legal help.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we represent injured Montanans and their families in serious construction and crane accident cases. We are a third-generation personal injury law firm based in Montana, and insurance companies know we are prepared to take cases to trial when that is what justice requires. Our goal is to help you pursue the medical care and financial recovery you need, without adding more stress to your life.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and there are no out-of-pocket fees to meet with our team. When we accept a Montana injury case, we commit significant time and resources to it, because your fight for justice becomes our fight.

To get started on your claim, call (406) 233-1302 or contact us online today.

What is a Crane?

A crane is a type of heavy construction equipment used to lift, lower, and transport heavy materials. Cranes are commonly found on commercial construction sites, industrial facilities, bridges, road projects, and large-scale developments throughout Great Falls.

These machines typically use cables, pulleys, hydraulic systems, and booms to move loads that would otherwise be impossible to transport manually. While cranes are vital to construction operations, they also present serious risks when improperly maintained, overloaded, or operated by untrained individuals.

Common types of cranes used on Montana construction sites include:

• Tower cranes
• Mobile cranes
• Crawler cranes
• Rough terrain cranes
• Overhead cranes
• Hydraulic cranes
• Truck-mounted cranes

Because cranes operate under immense weight and pressure, even a small error can lead to severe accidents.

Common Types of Crane Accidents

Crane accidents can happen in many ways, often causing catastrophic injuries to workers, pedestrians, motorists, and nearby contractors. Some of the most common crane accidents include:

• Crane Collapses: A crane collapse occurs when the structure becomes unstable and falls over entirely or partially. These accidents may happen because of improper assembly, excessive loads, poor ground conditions, or structural defects.
• Falling Loads: Construction materials suspended by a crane can fall if cables snap, rigging fails, or loads are improperly secured. Falling objects can cause crushing injuries, head trauma, and fatalities.
• Electrocution Accidents: Cranes that come into contact with overhead power lines may electrocute workers nearby. Electrocution is one of the leading causes of fatal crane accidents in the construction industry.
• Boom Failures: The crane boom may crack, buckle, or collapse because of excessive weight, poor maintenance, or defective equipment components.
• Struck-By Accidents: Workers may be struck by swinging loads, crane components, or moving machinery during operation.
• Tip-Over Accidents: Mobile cranes can tip over if operated on unstable terrain or if weight limits are exceeded. Montana’s weather conditions, including snow, wind, and ice, can also contribute to instability.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Most crane accidents are preventable. In many cases, they occur because safety protocols were ignored or equipment was not properly maintained.

Common causes of crane accidents include:

• Improper crane operation
• Inadequate worker training
• Overloaded cranes
• Mechanical failures
• Defective crane parts
• Poor inspection practices
• Unsafe rigging procedures
• Lack of communication among workers
• Failure to follow OSHA safety standards
• High winds or dangerous weather conditions
• Unstable ground surfaces
• Negligent subcontractors or site supervisors

Construction companies and contractors have a duty to provide safe working conditions. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can result.

Common Injuries in Crane Accidents

Crane accidents often involve significant force, falling objects, or crushing hazards. Victims may suffer life-changing injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Common crane accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Crush injuries
• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal bleeding
• Neck and back injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Fatal injuries

These injuries may leave victims unable to work for months or permanently affect their ability to earn a living.

Who is Liable for Crane Accidents?

Determining liability in a crane accident can be complicated because multiple parties are often involved on construction sites. Depending on the circumstances, several individuals or companies may be legally responsible.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Construction Companies: General contractors and construction companies are responsible for maintaining safe worksites and following federal safety regulations.
• Crane Operators: Operators who fail to follow safety procedures or operate equipment negligently may be held accountable.
• Equipment Manufacturers: If defective crane parts or equipment malfunctions contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may face liability under product liability laws.
• Property Owners: In some cases, property owners may share responsibility if unsafe site conditions contributed to the incident.
• Third-Party Contractors: Subcontractors, maintenance providers, or rigging crews may also be liable if their negligence caused the accident.

A Great Falls crane accident attorney can investigate the accident, identify liable parties, and pursue compensation through all available legal avenues.

Workers' Compensation & Third Party Claims in MT

Many crane accident victims are construction workers who qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Montana. Workers’ compensation may help cover:

• Medical expenses
• Wage replacement benefits
• Disability benefits
• Rehabilitation costs

However, workers’ compensation generally prevents employees from suing their direct employer for negligence. Fortunately, injured workers may still have the right to file a third-party claim against another responsible party.

For example, you may have a third-party claim if your accident involved:

• A negligent subcontractor
• A defective crane or crane component
• An outside equipment company
• A careless driver near a construction zone
• Another contractor on the job site

Third-party claims may allow victims to recover additional damages not available through workers’ compensation, including pain and suffering and full lost income damages.

Why Injured Workers Turn To Our Firm

After a crane accident, you may feel like you are up against powerful construction companies, contractors, and equipment owners who have teams of lawyers on their side. Choosing the right legal team matters, especially when multiple companies and insurers are already working to limit their responsibility. This is where our record and reputation can make a real difference.

Our attorneys at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC have secured many of the top personal injury verdicts and settlements in Montana. These include an $11 million settlement for a construction accident and a $27 million personal injury settlement, which is the largest reported individual settlement in state history. Results like these show that we know how to build and present complex, high-stakes cases when someone’s future is on the line.

Call (406) 233-1302 to schedule your free consultation with a crane accident attorney that Great Falls workers and families can turn to for serious injury cases.