When you trust a doctor, nurse, or hospital with your care, you expect to be treated safely. If a medical professional in Montana made a mistake that left you injured, scared, or searching for answers, you’re not alone.
At Conner, Marr & Pinski, we help clients throughout Kalispell, Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Missoula, Great Falls, and communities statewide understand what went wrong and what they can do next. Our team knows Montana hospitals, knows the medical system, and knows how to fight for injured patients and their families.
Were you the victim of medical malpractice in Montana? We can help. Contact our office at (406) 727-3550 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Medical Malpractice Looks Like in Montana
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider delivers care that falls below accepted standards, causing harm to a patient. These cases often lead to long-term medical needs, financial strain, and emotional stress.
Some of the most common types of Montana medical malpractice cases include:
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose
- Surgical errors or wrong-site surgeries
- Birth injuries, including those affecting both mother and child
- Medication or prescription errors
- Neglect in nursing home care
- Anesthesia errors
- Radiology malpractice
- Delayed treatment leading to worsening conditions
If you’re unsure whether what happened to you qualifies as malpractice, our team can review your situation and help you understand your options.
How Medical Negligence Is Proven in Montana
Building a successful medical malpractice claim requires showing that a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care and that this failure caused your injuries.
Our attorneys handle the full investigative process, including reviewing records, working with medical experts, and identifying where the provider’s care fell short. This step is often the core of the case and is essential to holding the responsible parties accountable.
Who Can be Held Liable in a Medical Malpractice Case?
Many different providers and facilities can be liable when medical care goes wrong. These may include individual professionals or entire institutions, such as:
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Doctors, nurses, and specialists
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Surgeons and anesthesiologists
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Hospital staff
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Clinics, hospitals, and healthcare facilities
Some cases involve more than one responsible party. When that happens, we investigate every angle to make sure each one is held accountable.
A single error can have lifelong consequences. The failure to care can feel magnified when several individuals or institutions have collectively failed to protect a patient’s well-being. Identifying multiple liable parties can also increase the compensation available to aid in recovery.
How to Know If You Have a Montana Medical Malpractice Claim
Many clients come to us because something simply felt wrong. Maybe your condition worsened instead of improved. Maybe a second doctor gave you a completely different diagnosis. Perhaps a procedure created complications that were never mentioned.
Even if you aren’t sure whether medical negligence played a role, your instincts matter. The best first step is to sit down with an attorney who can review your records and gather insight from medical experts. Once we understand the facts, we can tell you whether your experience likely rises to the level of malpractice under Montana law.
Montana’s Deadline for Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim
Montana sets a strict timeline on when these cases can be filed. For now, most medical malpractice claims must be brought within two years of the date you were injured or the date you discovered the injury. Starting July 1, 2025, this window expands to three years.
Even with the extended timeframe, it’s important to act quickly. Medical records must be gathered, experts must be consulted, and your case must be built carefully. Starting early protects your right to pursue compensation.
Compensation Available in a Montana Medical Malpractice Case
Suffering harm due to medical negligence can leave deep scars—not only physically but emotionally and financially as well. Compensation in a Montana medical malpractice lawsuit serves as a way for victims and their families to begin rebuilding their lives. It can help ease the burden of medical bills, cover ongoing treatment, replace lost income, and provide support during an incredibly challenging time. Recovering damages isn’t just about financial relief; it’s about acknowledging the harm done and giving victims the resources they need to move toward healing.
The types of damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical expenses, including past and future treatment
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Montana's Cap on Medical Malpractice Damages
Montana does place a limit on non-economic damages—things like pain, emotional distress, and loss of companionship—capped at $250,000. There is no cap on economic losses such as medical bills or lost earnings.
What to Expect When Working with a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When you hire Conner, Marr & Pinski, you’re getting a team that takes your situation seriously from the first conversation. We begin by listening to your experience in detail, gathering your records, and consulting with qualified medical professionals. From there, we prepare your case, deal directly with insurance companies, and keep you informed at every step.
Our role is to take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, our team stands beside you and fights for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s what an attorney does for you:
- Investigates and gathers evidence, including medical records and expert opinions
- Analyzes the details of your case to determine liability
- Consults with medical professionals to strengthen your claim
- Negotiates with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represents you in court, if necessary
- Advocates for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to
Having an advocate by your side during such a challenging time can be a profound relief. A skilled attorney not only provides clarity and support but also helps you regain a sense of control over your situation. Knowing someone is fighting for justice on your behalf allows you to begin moving toward peace and healing, making an otherwise traumatic experience just a little easier to endure.
Why Montanans Choose Conner, Marr & Pinski
With decades of experience in medical malpractice litigation, our firm has built a strong reputation for detailed case preparation, compassionate client service, and results. We regularly work with patients and families from Billings to Kalispell, Bozeman to Missoula, Helena to Great Falls, and everywhere in between.
We know Montana’s healthcare system, we understand the challenges that come with complex medical cases, and we’re committed to standing up for people who were let down by the professionals they trusted.
Contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Conner, Marr & Pinski today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice in Montana
What is the hardest part of proving medical malpractice?
The most challenging aspect of proving medical malpractice is demonstrating that the medical provider breached their duty of care and that this directly caused your injury or condition. This often requires in-depth reviews of medical records and opinions from expert witnesses to establish that the care you received fell below the accepted standard. A skilled attorney with experience in medical malpractice cases can help gather and present the evidence needed to prove your claim.
Can I sue a hospital directly in Montana?
Yes, you can sue a hospital directly in Montana if the hospital’s actions or policies contributed to the malpractice. This includes situations where the hospital failed to properly train or supervise staff, maintain unsafe conditions, or allow unqualified medical professionals to treat patients. Your attorney can help determine whether the hospital, medical staff, or both can be held accountable in your case.
How long does a medical malpractice case take in Montana?
Depending on their complexity, medical malpractice cases in Montana can take several months to a few years. The process involves multiple stages, including investigation, filing the claim, negotiation, and possibly going to trial. Cases that settle out of court generally conclude faster, while those that proceed to trial may take longer. Your attorney will help guide you through the process and keep you informed every step of the way.
What happens if I signed a waiver or consent form?
Signing a waiver or consent form doesn’t necessarily prevent you from filing a medical malpractice claim. While these forms acknowledge the known risks of medical procedures, they do not excuse negligence or substandard care. If a healthcare provider acted outside the scope of reasonable care, they can still be held liable, whether a waiver was signed or not.
Talk With a Montana Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you believe you were harmed by medical negligence, your story matters. Our team is here to listen, guide you through your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
