The top-rated workers compensation lawyer in Great Falls, Montana is Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, rated 5.0 stars across 181 reviews. Other highly rated options include Murphy Law Firm, FairClaim Work Comp Attorneys, The Advocates Injury Attorneys. This directory lists 20 workers compensation lawyers serving Great Falls.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoyt & Blewett PLLC | 501 2nd Ave N | (406) 233-1302 |
| 2 | Murphy Law Firm | 619 2nd Ave S | (406) 452-2345 |
| 3 | FairClaim Work Comp Attorneys | 300 Central Ave Suite 600 | (406) 453-4500 |
| 4 | The Advocates Injury Attorneys | 410 Central Ave #602 | (406) 616-1512 |
| 5 | Boland Aarab PLLP | 18 6th St N #200 | (406) 315-3737 |
| 6 | Big Sky Justice, P.C. | 101 River Dr Ste 200 | (406) 761-1212 |
| 7 | Flaherty Gallardo Law | 1026 1st Ave S | (406) 727-8494 |
| 8 | Conner, Marr & Pinski, PC | 520 3rd Ave N | (406) 727-3550 |
| 9 | Kovacich Snipes Johnson | 21 3rd St N #301 | (406) 500-5000 |
| 10 | The Practice of Law, PLLC | 725 Central Ave | (406) 531-8499 |
Hoyt & Blewett PLLC serves Great Falls and the surrounding Cascade County area with workers compensation law services. The firm assists local workers who have suffered job-related injuries or occupational illnesses in navigating claims. They focus on securing medical benefits and wage replacement for clients during recovery. Their attorneys handle cases ranging from disputed claims to appeals of denied benefits in Montana.
Murphy Law Firm represents workers seeking compensation for on-the-job injuries in the Great Falls area. Its services include handling initial claims, negotiating settlements, and litigating disputed cases. The firm assists clients with medical documentation, lost-wage calculations, and vocational rehabilitation needs. It also offers guidance on denial appeals and third-party liability matters. The firm serves employees from various occupations, including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare roles, as well as those from retail stores and local restaurants.
FairClaim Work Comp Attorneys serves local employees and workers who have suffered job-related injuries or illnesses in the Great Falls area, providing guidance on filing claims and navigating the workers’ compensation system. Its practice includes assistance with denied benefits, medical issues, and return-to-work concerns, helping clients understand their legal rights after a workplace incident. The firm also represents workers in neighboring communities such as Black Eagle and across Cascade County, ensuring access for those needing support closer to home.
The Advocates Injury Attorneys serves the Great Falls area and surrounding Montana communities, handling claims for employees injured on the job. This firm navigates the complexities of workers’ compensation law, from filing initial claims to appealing denied benefits. It assists clients with medical expense recovery and wage replacement issues. For each case, it gathers medical evidence and documentation to build a factual record for negotiation or hearing. The lawyers then present that evidence directly to adjusters or judges to argue for the compensation the law allows.
At Boland Aarab PLLP, clients between Great Falls, MT, seeking representation for a single workplace injury case generally select one-time legal services, whereas those with ongoing coverage needs for recurring occupational hazards can arrange for retainer-based advocacy. This Workers Compensation Lawyer practice handles claims related to medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits under Montana law. Service runs on either a one-time, per-case basis for individual incidents or an as-needed schedule for clients requiring periodic legal consultation and claim management.
Big Sky Justice, P.C. focuses exclusively on workers compensation law in the Great Falls area. The firm guides injured employees through the process of filing claims, navigating disputes with insurers, and pursuing wage replacement benefits. It also represents clients who require assistance with medical coverage denials or permanent disability ratings. As winter and seasonal employment fluctuations affect local industries, the firm helps workers understand their rights when occupational injuries occur during temporary or seasonal jobs in Montana’s outdoor workforce.
After a workplace injury in Great Falls, winter’s icy conditions or heavy machinery accidents can make returning to work uncertain. Flaherty Gallardo Law responds by focusing on the paperwork, deadlines, and communication with employers that workers often find overwhelming. They guide clients through Montana’s claim process, from medical documentation to dispute resolution. For anyone hurt on the job, an initial consultation reviews the specific injury, lost wages, and benefit options before moving forward.
Conner, Marr & Pinski, PC provides legal representation for individuals across Great Falls who have sustained workplace injuries. As a Workers Compensation Lawyer, the firm handles claims for medical benefits, lost wages, and disability ratings arising from on-the-job accidents. The practice concentrates on navigating Montana’s workers’ compensation system to secure entitled compensation. Its services extend to employees injured in various commercial settings, including offices, warehouses, and food service.
Kovacich Snipes Johnson provides legal representation to residents of Great Falls who have suffered workplace injuries. The firm also handles claims for commercial clients across the surrounding communities in Montana. They focus on navigating complex workers compensation laws to secure medical benefits and wage replacement for their clients. Attorneys manage every step of the process, from filing initial paperwork to appealing denied claims. After a case resolves, the firm remains available for follow-up representation should a client require new legal services between regular office visits.
The Practice of Law, PLLC in Great Falls, MT, is known for representing individuals in workers compensation cases. The firm handles claims involving workplace injuries, lost wages, and disputed benefit denials by insurance carriers. It files necessary appeals and advocates for medical coverage under Montana labor laws through administrative hearings. This practice also prepares settlements that account for ongoing treatment needs and permanent impairment ratings. A specialty service it can add on is representing clients seeking rehabilitation benefits or vocational retraining programs.
What Does a a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Great Falls Cost?
The cost of hiring a workers compensation lawyer in Montana is typically structured as a contingency fee, meaning the lawyer receives a percentage of the benefits or settlement you recover. Common fee percentages range from 20% to 25%, though the Workers’ Compensation Court may approve fees up to 25% in disputed cases. Some lawyers may charge a flat fee for specific services, such as reviewing a settlement offer, but this is less common. There are no upfront costs for most consultations, and you do not pay anything unless your case is successful.
It is important to note that attorney fees in workers compensation cases are often subject to court approval, especially in lump-sum settlements. The fee is usually deducted from the settlement amount, not from ongoing weekly benefits. Some lawyers may also charge for out-of-pocket expenses, such as copying medical records or expert witness fees, but these are typically advanced by the lawyer and deducted from the final recovery. This information is general and does not constitute legal advice; you should discuss fee arrangements directly with a qualified attorney.
About workers compensation lawyers in Great Falls
Workers compensation in Great Falls, Montana, serves as a critical safety net for employees who suffer on-the-job injuries, develop occupational diseases, or experience repetitive stress injuries from years of physical labor. The system is designed to provide medical care and wage replacement without requiring the worker to prove fault, but it also limits the employee’s ability to sue their employer for negligence. In Great Falls, where industries such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation are prominent, workplace accidents can range from falls from scaffolding and heavy machinery mishaps to cumulative trauma like carpal tunnel syndrome or hearing loss. Montana law requires most employers to carry workers compensation insurance, though there are specific exemptions for certain agricultural workers, domestic employees, and independent contractors. Understanding the scope of coverage and the nuances of the claims process is essential for any worker injured on the job in Cascade County.
Montana’s workers compensation system is governed by the Montana Workers’ Compensation Act, codified in Title 39 of the Montana Code Annotated, and administered by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Workers’ Compensation Division. Under Montana law, any employer with one or more employees must carry workers compensation coverage, with limited exceptions for employers of agricultural labor who have fewer than five employees or for employers of domestic servants. The benefit calculation formula in Montana is based on the worker’s average weekly wage, with temporary total disability benefits set at two-thirds of that wage, subject to a maximum weekly benefit amount. As of 2025, the maximum weekly benefit for temporary total disability is $1,200, and the minimum is $200. Permanent partial disability benefits are calculated using a different formula that considers the worker’s impairment rating and wage loss. Key statutes include Montana Code Annotated sections 39-71-101 through 39-71-2909, and the agency responsible for oversight is the Workers’ Compensation Division, which also handles mediation and dispute resolution.
The types of benefits available under Montana workers compensation law are designed to address different stages and severities of injury. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits provide wage replacement when a worker is completely unable to work for a limited period, typically until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits apply when a worker has a lasting impairment but can still work in some capacity, with payments based on the degree of impairment and any wage loss. Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits are for workers who are permanently and totally unable to return to any gainful employment, providing ongoing wage replacement at two-thirds of the pre-injury wage up to the maximum. Medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the injury, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Vocational rehabilitation benefits may be available to help retrain a worker for a new occupation if they cannot return to their previous job. Death benefits provide financial support to a worker’s dependents, including burial expenses up to $7,000 and weekly payments to a surviving spouse or children.
The claims process in Montana begins with strict deadlines that must be followed to preserve the right to benefits. An injured worker must report the injury to their employer within 30 days of the accident or within 30 days of when the injury became known, though the statute of limitations for filing a formal claim is one year from the date of injury. The employer then files a First Report of Injury with their insurance carrier, who will investigate and either accept or deny the claim. During the claim, the insurance carrier may require the worker to attend an independent medical examination (IME) to assess the extent of the injury and the need for ongoing treatment. Once the worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning the condition is stable and unlikely to improve further, the doctor assigns an impairment rating that determines eligibility for permanent benefits. Settlement options in Montana include lump-sum settlements, where the worker receives a single payment to close the claim, or structured settlements, where payments are made over time. Lump-sum settlements are common but require approval from the Workers’ Compensation Division to ensure the worker understands the implications.
Disputed claims are unfortunately common in Montana, and the reasons for denial can vary widely. An insurance carrier may deny a claim if they argue the injury did not arise out of and in the course of employment, if the worker failed to report the injury on time, or if the injury is pre-existing and not work-related. When a claim is denied, the worker has the right to appeal through a multi-step process. The first step is mediation through the Workers’ Compensation Division, which is mandatory and free of charge. If mediation does not resolve the dispute, the case proceeds to a formal administrative hearing before a Workers’ Compensation Judge, who hears evidence and issues a decision. The Montana Workers’ Compensation Court, located in Helena, has exclusive jurisdiction over these disputes. Appeals from the Workers’ Compensation Court go to the Montana Supreme Court. The role of the Workers’ Compensation Commission is limited in Montana, as the system is primarily handled by the Workers’ Compensation Division and the Workers’ Compensation Court.
Third-party claims offer an important additional avenue for compensation when a workplace injury is caused by someone other than the employer. For example, if a construction worker in Great Falls is injured by a defective piece of equipment manufactured by a third party, they may file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. Similarly, if a delivery driver is hit by a negligent motorist while on the job, they can pursue a personal injury claim against the driver. These third-party claims are separate from workers compensation and can include damages for pain and suffering, which are not available under workers comp. However, the workers compensation insurance carrier typically has a right of subrogation, meaning they can recover the amount they paid in benefits from any third-party settlement or judgment. This interaction can be complex, as the worker must ensure they do not inadvertently waive the carrier’s subrogation rights or jeopardize their own benefits. In Montana, the workers compensation carrier is entitled to reimbursement for benefits paid, but the worker retains the first portion of the recovery to cover attorney fees and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific reporting deadlines for a workplace injury in Great Falls, Montana?
In Montana, you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident or within 30 days of when you first knew or should have known the injury was work-related. You then have one year from the date of injury to file a formal claim with the Workers’ Compensation Division. Missing these deadlines can result in a permanent loss of benefits, so it is critical to act promptly.
How much does it cost to hire a workers compensation lawyer in Great Falls, and what fee structures are common?
Most workers compensation lawyers in Montana work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive benefits or a settlement. The typical contingency fee is 20% to 25% of the benefits recovered, though this can vary. In some cases, the fee may be capped by the Workers’ Compensation Court at 25% of the amount obtained. Initial consultations are usually free, and there are no upfront costs.
What is the typical timeline for a workers compensation case in Montana from injury to settlement?
The timeline varies widely depending on the complexity of the case. A straightforward accepted claim may resolve in a few months, with temporary benefits starting within weeks. If the claim is disputed, mediation occurs within 60 to 90 days of the denial, and a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Court may take 6 to 12 months. Settlement negotiations can occur at any stage, but lump-sum settlements often require court approval, adding additional time.