Fighting for the Compensation Montanans Deserve – No Fee Unless You Win.
Montana’s Trusted Personal Injury Attorney
Construction and Industrial Accidents
Construction & Industrial Accidents
Construction and industrial work often involves dangerous conditions, and accidents can result in serious injury, disability, or even death. At McKeon Law, we help injured workers pursue compensation through workers’ comp and, when possible, third-party claims against negligent contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. These claims can provide additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp covers, including for pain and suffering and full wage replacement.
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What to Do After a Construction & Industrial Accidents Accident
Construction and Industrial Accident Claims
While workers’ compensation covers most on-the-job injuries, some accidents involve negligence by parties other than your employer. In these cases, a third-party personal injury claim may provide additional compensation. These claims often involve contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners whose carelessness caused or contributed to the accident.
Common Construction and Industrial Claim Examples
Power tools, scaffolding, cranes, or forklifts that malfunction due to poor design or lack of maintenance can cause serious injuries. These claims often target manufacturers or maintenance contractors.
Unsafe job site practices, lack of training, or failure to follow safety protocols—such as missing guardrails or fall protection—can make contractors liable for injuries.
Dangerous site conditions like unstable walkways, unmarked hazards, or exposed wiring may lead to claims against the property owner or site manager.
Crashes involving work trucks, bulldozers, or forklifts—especially when caused by poor training, faulty equipment, or third-party operators—may qualify for third-party action.
Prolonged or acute exposure to chemicals, asbestos, or industrial fumes can lead to lasting illness. If exposure resulted from another company’s negligence, you may have a claim.
Common Injuries in Construction & Industrial Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – From falling objects or being struck by heavy equipment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Falls from heights or severe impact injuries.
- Broken Bones & Amputations – Machinery accidents and crush injuries.
- Burns & Electrocution – Resulting from faulty wiring or explosions.
- Lung Diseases – From inhaling toxic fumes, dust, or asbestos.
Montana-Specific Construction and Industrial Accident Laws
Exclusive Remedy Rule – You generally can’t sue your employer, but third-party lawsuits are allowed.
Comparative Negligence – You can still recover compensation even if partially at fault—your award is reduced by your share of fault.
Statute of Limitations– You have three years from the accident date to file a third-party claim.
What to Expect When Filing a Construction and Industrial Accident Claim
Step 1: Case Evaluation & Investigation – We begin by reviewing the worksite conditions, safety practices, contracts, and any equipment failures to gather evidence and assess the strength of your claim.
Step 2: Identifying Liable Parties – We determine who is legally responsible—this could include subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or vendors.
Step 3: Filing a Claim – A formal injury claim is filed with the at-fault party’s insurance company, backed by the evidence we’ve collected.
Step 4: Negotiation & Demand for Compensation – We handle all communication with the insurance company and push for a fair settlement that covers your full losses.
Step 5: Lawsuit & Resolution – If a settlement can’t be reached, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial. Many cases resolve before court, but we’re ready to fight for you in front of a jury if needed.
Construction and Industrial Accident Compensation You May Recover
A third-party construction or industrial accident claim allows workers to recover damages beyond workers’ compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses – Covers surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages & Future Earnings – If injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may receive compensation for lost income.
- Pain & Suffering – Unlike workers’ compensation, third-party claims allow damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Permanent Disability – Compensation for long-term impairments or life-altering injuries.
- Wrongful Death Benefits – If a construction worker dies due to a third party’s negligence, surviving family members may seek funeral costs and financial support.
- Punitive Damages – In cases of gross negligence or reckless misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
Why Work With McKeon Law?
Advocates for Construction and Industrial Accident Victims in Montana
When you’re injured on a job site, everything changes—physically, emotionally, and financially. At McKeon Law, we stand up for Montana’s construction and industrial workers, offering experienced legal representation rooted in local values. From toxic exposure to equipment malfunctions, we take on the complex claims others won’t, and we don’t stop fighting until you get the compensation you deserve.
Michael McKeon, Personal Injury Attorney
Michael McKeon, Personal Injury Attorney
Born and raised in Butte, Michael McKeon is a fifth-generation Montanan who has dedicated his legal career to standing up for those injured through no fault of their own. After graduating from the University of Montana School of Law, he returned home to build a practice rooted in trust, integrity, and personal service.
Michael represents clients in personal injury cases, workplace accidents, and insurance disputes—ensuring they’re not alone when facing powerful companies and legal teams. His hands-on approach means clients work directly with him, not passed off to staff, and every case receives the attention it deserves.
Known for his commitment to justice and community, Michael strives to restore dignity to those navigating life after an injury—and to secure the compensation they need to move forward.
Outside the office, he enjoys a fulfilling life with his wife Teresa and their dog, Harley. They value time together exploring new places through travel and appreciating all that Montana has to offer. His time away from work provides balance and perspective, reinforcing the dedication and focus he brings to each client’s case.
Credentials:
- Licensed in Montana and U.S. District Courts of Montana
- Board Member, Montana Trial Lawyers Association
- Member, State Bar of Montana & National Trial Lawyers Association
- Recognized as Top 40 Under 40 & Top 100 Trial Lawyer (NTLA)
- Voted Best Attorney in Butte-Silver Bow (2023)
Camy Allen, Paralegal & Office Manager
Camy Allen, Paralegal & Office Manager
Camy has been a practicing paralegal for over 35 years and has been an integral part of McKeon Law for nearly 30 years as both office manager and paralegal.
Camy and Russ have two adult children, Scout and Saylor, two dogs, Finn and Obie, and two cats, Ellie and Remy.
Personalized Legal Support
At McKeon Law, we know how to navigate these complexities and fight for maximum compensation.
- We Conduct Thorough Investigations – We examine accident reports, safety violations, witness statements, and company records to determine liability.
- We Hold Employers, Contractors & Third Parties Accountable – If your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or OSHA violations, we ensure the responsible parties are held fully liable.
- We Take on Insurance Companies – Insurers often delay or deny claims to save money. We push back aggressively to get you the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Construction and industrial accidents often result in long-term or permanent disabilities, requiring extensive medical treatment and lost income. We pursue every possible avenue for compensation, including:
- Workers’ Compensation Benefits – Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
- Third-Party Claims – If a subcontractor, manufacturer, or property owner’s negligence caused your injury, we can file a separate personal injury lawsuit.
- Wrongful Death Claims – If you lost a loved one in a fatal workplace accident, we help families recover funeral costs, lost income, and emotional damages.
- Pain and Suffering – While workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering, a third-party lawsuit may allow you to recover for long-term physical and emotional distress.
We don’t just settle for what the insurance company offers—we fight to get you everything you are entitled to.
At McKeon Law, we’ve successfully represented injured construction and industrial workers across Montana. Our results show our commitment to holding negligent contractors, manufacturers, and property owners accountable:
- Significant settlements for workers hurt by defective equipment and unsafe job sites.
- Successful third-party claims involving subcontractors and negligent site supervisors.
- Verdicts against insurers who attempted to deny or minimize valid injury claims.
When you choose McKeon Law, you get a legal team with the experience—and the resolve—to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to win the compensation you deserve.
No Win, No Fee Commitment
We understand that after a serious construction or industrial accident, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and financial uncertainty. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
- No upfront costs
- No legal fees unless we win
- A risk-free way to get the legal help you need
Montana-Based Representation
As a fifth-generation Montanan, I understand the importance of hard work and fair compensation. Construction and industrial workers build and power Montana, and when they get hurt, they deserve a lawyer who will stand up for them.
- We know the Montana legal system inside and out – We understand workers’ compensation laws, personal injury claims, and third-party liability cases.
- We have deep roots in the Montana workforce – We are committed to protecting workers and ensuring they get fair treatment and full compensation.
Construction and Industrial Accident FAQs
Got questions about your case? Get clear, expert answers from a trusted Montana construction or industrial accident lawyer.
Workers’ compensation only covers medical bills and lost wages, but a third-party claim allows pain and suffering damages and full compensation for losses.
Subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors can all be held liable if their negligence caused your injury.
In Montana, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
Yes. Workers’ comp prevents you from suing your employer, but you can still file a lawsuit against third parties responsible for your injury.
McKeon Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.