Bozeman Premises Liability Lawyer

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation under Montana’s premises liability laws. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we are experienced Bozeman premises liability lawyers dedicated to helping injured individuals secure justice and fair compensation for their injuries. Property owners in Bozeman, MT have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors—and when they fail to do so, we’re here to hold them accountable.

Contact us today at (406) 233-1302 to schedule a free consultation.

Montana Premises Liability Law

Under Montana law, property owners, landlords, business operators, and even governmental entities are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe premises. This legal concept is known as premises liability, and it applies to a wide variety of public and private properties.

Premises liability laws in Montana are based on the idea of negligence. To establish liability, an injured party must generally prove:

1. The property owner or occupier owed them a duty of care;
2. The owner breached that duty by failing to maintain safe conditions or by not warning of known hazards;
3. The breach directly caused the injury;
4. The injured party suffered measurable damages (such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering).

Importantly, Montana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you were partially at fault for your injury, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.

Our Bozeman premises liability attorneys at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC have a deep understanding of Montana’s legal standards and can help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability encompasses a broad range of accident types. Below are some of the most common cases we handle at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC:

• Slip and Fall Accidents – These are among the most common premises liability claims. They can occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, icy walkways, poor lighting, or hidden obstacles. Property owners must take reasonable steps to identify and correct these hazards.
• Inadequate Security – If a property owner fails to provide adequate security measures (such as lighting, locks, or security personnel), they may be liable for injuries resulting from criminal acts on the premises, especially in places like apartment complexes, hotels, and parking garages.
• Dog Bites and Animal Attacks – Montana law may hold dog owners liable if their animal injures someone, especially if the owner knew the dog was dangerous or failed to control it in a public or private setting.
• Unsafe Conditions in Commercial Properties – Retail stores, restaurants, malls, and entertainment venues must keep their properties safe for customers. Hazards like broken stairs, falling merchandise, or malfunctioning equipment can all lead to valid premises liability claims.
• Construction Site Hazards – Improper signage, lack of barriers, or unsecured tools and equipment can create dangerous conditions for passersby. Both construction companies and property owners can be liable.
• Swimming Pool Accidents – Drownings and near-drownings are tragically common, especially when pools lack appropriate fencing or supervision. Property owners with pools must adhere to strict safety regulations.

What to Do After a Premises Liability Injury

Taking the right steps immediately after your injury can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim:

1. Seek medical attention – Your health is the top priority, and a medical record will also help support your case.
2. Report the incident – Notify the property owner or manager and file a formal report if possible.
3. Document the scene – Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and anything that could support your claim.
4. Gather witness information – If anyone saw what happened, their statements could be valuable.
5. Contact a lawyer – The sooner you consult with a premises liability attorney, the better your chances of securing fair compensation.

FAQs About Premises Liability Claims in Bozeman, MT

How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in Montana?

Montana has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including premises liability. That means you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date of the injury—or risk losing your right to compensation.

What damages can I recover?

You may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Do I have a case if I was partially at fault?

Possibly. Montana's comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if you were up to 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Will I have to go to court?

Most premises liability cases settle outside of court, but if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to represent you in trial.

How much does it cost to hire a Bozeman premises liability lawyer?

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis—which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Your initial consultation is also completely free.

Contact a Bozeman Premises Liability Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property in Bozeman, MT, don’t wait to explore your legal options. The sooner you act, the more evidence can be preserved, and the stronger your case may be.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we are passionate about standing up for the rights of injury victims in Bozeman and throughout Gallatin County. With our deep knowledge of Montana premises liability law and a track record of successful outcomes, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (406) 233-1302 or fill out our online contact form to get started—we’re here to help every step of the way.