Montana Forklift Accident Lawyer
Forklifts are a fixture of Montana's warehouses, lumberyards, factories, construction sites, and loading docks. They are also one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment a worker can be near. Weighing as much as three times more than a standard car and capable of lifting thousands of pounds, a forklift that tips, strikes a worker, or drops its load can cause devastating and permanent injuries. When that happens because an employer cut corners, a manufacturer sold defective equipment, or another company created a hazard, injured Montanans deserve accountability and full compensation.
At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, our trial lawyers have fought for injured Montanans against major corporations, negligent general contractors, equipment manufacturers, and insurance companies for decades. With a nationally recognized track record—including 18 jury verdicts in excess of $1 million and the largest reported individual personal injury settlement in state history ($27 million)—our firm brings the deep resources and courtroom knowledge required to handle complex industrial accident claims.
Contact our firm today at (406) 233-1302 to schedule a free consultation.
What is a Forklift?
A forklift (classified by OSHA as a powered industrial truck) is a heavy-duty, engine-driven or electric-powered vehicle used to lift, transport, and stack heavy materials across short distances. Unlike traditional passenger vehicles, forklifts utilize rear-wheel steering, allowing them to make tight turns in confined spaces like warehouse aisles, lumberyards, and construction yards.
To counterbalance the heavy loads lifted on their front forks, forklifts are manufactured with massive internal counterweights. A typical sit-down forklift weighs anywhere from 3,000 to over 10,000 pounds—roughly two to three times heavier than a standard automobile. Because their center of gravity shifts constantly depending on speed, turning radius, load weight, and fork elevation, operating a forklift safely requires specialized training, constant vigilance, and strict compliance with safety regulations.
Common Types of Forklift Accidents
Forklift accidents take many forms, and each one points toward how the injury occurred and who may be responsible. Some of the most common include:
- Tip-overs and rollovers, which account for a large share of forklift fatalities and often crush or pin the operator.
- Struck-by accidents, where a pedestrian worker is hit by a moving forklift or by its load.
- Crushing and caught-between injuries, when a worker is pinned between a forklift and a wall, rack, or other equipment.
- Falling loads, where improperly secured or stacked materials tumble onto workers below.
- Falls from elevated forks, when a forklift is improperly used to lift a person.
- Collisions with other vehicles, machinery, or storage structures.
- Pedestrian run-overs in areas where foot traffic and forklift traffic are not properly separated.
Common Causes of Forklift Accidents
While forklifts are dangerous machines by nature, the vast majority of forklift incidents stem from negligence, safety violations, inadequate maintenance, or poor site management. Primary root causes include:
Our Verdicts Speak Volumes
Life-Changing Results, Time and Time Again
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$27,000,000 Settlement
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$21,350,000 Jury Verdict
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$11,000,000 Settlement
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$9,790,000 Jury Verdict
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$7,008,000 Jury Verdict
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$6,500,000 Settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about forklift accidents in Montana:
How much does it cost to hire a forklift accident attorney?
Nothing upfront. We handle forklift accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our fee comes only from a recovery we obtain for you. If we do not win, you owe no attorney fees.
I already filed for workers' compensation. Can I still bring a lawsuit?
Possibly. Workers' compensation generally prevents claims against your employer, but it does not bar a third-party claim against a manufacturer, maintenance company, or other negligent party. These claims can provide compensation that workers' comp does not.
How long do I have to file a forklift accident claim in Montana?
Montana law imposes strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, on personal injury and wrongful death claims. Missing the deadline can permanently bar your case, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What should I do after a forklift accident?
Seek medical attention right away, report the incident to your employer, and preserve any available evidence, including photos and witness information. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer, and contact Hoyt & Blewett PLLC to discuss your options.
Why Choose Hoyt & Blewett PLLC
Forklift accident cases are fought against well-funded employers, manufacturers, and their insurers, and they demand a firm with the resources, experience, and courtroom credibility to match. Hoyt & Blewett PLLC has built its reputation by taking serious injury and wrongful death cases to trial and securing substantial verdicts and settlements for Montanans. We serve injured clients throughout the state, including Great Falls, Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, and Kalispell. We advance the costs of investigation and expert analysis, and because we work on a contingency-fee basis, you owe no attorney fees unless we recover for you.
To discuss your forklift injury with our team, call (406) 233-1302 today.
