Matthew Murphy
Top rated Workers' Compensation attorney in Great Falls, Montana
Murphy Law Firm, P.C.
Practice areas: Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury, Civil Rights; view more
Licensed in Montana since: 2012
Education: The University of Montana School of Law
Selected to Rising Stars: 2024 - 2025 Call today:
406-205-7956
Free Consultation Murphy Law Firm, P.C.
619 2nd Ave SGreat Falls, MT 59405 Visit website
Details
A managing partner/shareholder at the Murphy Law Firm, P.C. in Great Falls, Montana, Matthew Murphy provides the top-quality representation his clients deserve in their complex legal matters. Serving residents throughout the state, he is well-equipped to handle personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents and wrongful death, as well as workers’ compensation and disability claims.
Mr. Murphy completed his undergraduate studies in 2009, graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in political science and government from the University of Montana. He later enrolled at University of Montana School of Law where his legal acumen and talents were strengthened, and his legal foundation bolstered. He received his Juris Doctor in 2012, and in the same year, he obtained his license to practice law in Montana.
Throughout his nearly 15-year practice, Mr. Murphy always tests his mettle in every case he takes on, striving to take all of his clients’ legal burdens onto his shoulders. For his many contributions, he has been rated “Very Good” on Avvo, a Super Lawyer "Rising Star," and was recognized as an Outstanding Trial Lawyer by the Montana Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA).
Outside his law firm, Mr. Murphy maintains close affiliations with many prominent legal organizations, including the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Montana, the Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy Group, and the Cascade County Bar Association. He was elected to the MTLA board and serves as co-chair of its Workers’ Compensation Section. He was also selected by the Montana Workers' Compensation Court to serve as a member of its Rules Committee.
Practice areas
Workers' Compensation: Claimant, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Civil RightsFocus areas
Animal Bites, Assault, Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Disability, Dram Shop Laws, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Sexual Abuse - Plaintiff, Slip and Fall, Toxic Mold, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 50% Workers' Compensation: Claimant
- 40% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 10% Civil Rights
First Admitted: 2012, Montana
Professional Webpage: https://www.murphylawoffice.net/about-our-attorneys/matthew-...
Bar / Professional Activity
- Elected to the board of the Montana Trial Lawyers Association. , 2025
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Mazuranich v. Yearout. Cause No. DV-23-531. Civil jury trial in Gallatin County which resulted in verdict dated August 22, 2024, 2022
- Roberts v. Arch Ins. Co. 2024 MTWCC 5. Filed April 16, 2024. The Workers' Compensation Court agreed injured workers do not need to sign authorization's over to defense medical examiners, nor complete other paperwork, as part of the invasive examinations under Mont. Code Ann. 39-71-605, 2024
- MacGillivray v. Montana State Fund, 2016 MTWCC 13 In MacGillivray, Murphy Law Firm successfully argued that the Montana State Fund was not entitled to multiple defense medical examinations. The Montana State Fund tried to force Mrs. MacGillivray to attend multiple very stressful examinations with their favorite doctors. These appointments amount to invasions of Mrs. MacGillivray constitutional right to privacy. Ultimately, the Court agreed that insurers are not allowed unfettered access to their company doctors and upheld injured workers’ rights to privacy and full legal redress, 2016
- Hensley v. Montana State Fund. 2020 MT 317. After seven years of battling the constitutionality of a terrible law, the Montana Supreme Court, in a 4 to 3 decision, upheld the constitutionality of a 2011 law which deprives injured workers of impairment benefits in Montana. Murphy Law Firm dedicated countless hours to this cause and will continue to be the voice of the injured worker. Proverbs 31:8-9: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy, 2019
- Candida Krezelak v. Indemnity Insurance Company of North America, 2021 MTWCCC 16 Murphy Law Firm prevailed at trial in the Montana Workers’ Compensation Court recent decision Candida Krezelak v. Indemnity Ins. Co. of North America, 2021 MTWCCC 16. In this case, Matt and Tommy Murphy successfully litigated a week-long trial regarding Mrs. Krezelak’s entitlement to benefits for her serious and surgical lower back injuries. The insurer denied Mrs. Krezelak’s lower back injuries based on a large gap of time between her injury and treatment. The insurer hired a formidable and biased defense medical examiner to conclude that Mrs. Krezelak’s injuries were not related to her work injury. Murphy Law Firm was able to expose the flaws in the insurance doctor’s opinions, present the truth of Mrs. Krezelak’s injuries to the Court, and successfully obtained significant benefits for Mrs. Krezelak and her family. This decision positively impacts all injured Montana workers who are denied benefits by an insurer relying on a biased medical examiner, 2021
- Schieber v. Liberty Northwest Ins. Corp., 2019 MTWCC 14 Murphy Law Firm successfully argued that Schieber was permanently totally disabled, resulting in payment for full workers’ compensation benefits for 8 years, 2019
- Daniel Ward v. Victory Insurance Company, 2019 MTWCCC 11 Murphy Law Firm prevailed at trial in the most recent Montana Workers’ Compensation Court decision regarding Daniel Ward v. Victory Insurance Company, 2019 MTWCCC 11. In this case, we successfully litigated the claimant’s entitlement to benefits for his complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) which was an issue of first impression for the court. This decision positively impacts all injured Montana workers suffering from CRPS. We also successful revealed the biases of insurance defense medical examiners, 2019
- Hensley v. Montana State Fund, 2019 MTWCCC 12 In August 2019, the Montana Workers’ Compensation Court denied our motion for summary judgment in Hensley v. Montana State Fund, 2019 MTWCCC 12. As such, permanently impaired workers without wage loss will not receive payment of their impairment benefit, 2019
- Neisinger v. New Hampshire Ins. Co., 2019 MTWCC 13 In September 2019, the Montana Workers’ Compensation Court agreed with Murphy Law Firm that when a claimant is forced to submit to a psychological evaluation by an insurer, the psychologist/psychiatrist must disclose and produce all raw data generated as a result of the examination, including copyrighted testing materials, simultaneously with their final report. Previously, insurers often refused to produce this information, depriving injured workers of their constitutional right to a full and fair cross examination, 2019
- Davis v. Liberty Ins. Co., 2017 MTWCC 21 In Davis, Murphy Law Firm argued that Petitioner was permanently totally disabled despite being released to work 20 hours per week. Murphy Law Firm also challenged Montana’s five year medical closure law. Fighting for ongoing medical benefits for injured workers’ and their families. Ultimately, the Court found at trial that Davis was unable to return to any substantial gainful employment, Davis was awarded life time medical benefits, 2017
Videos
- Communication is the heartbeat of every relationship, and the bond between lawyer and client is no different. Listen in as we discuss the challenges and strategies of managing client expectations in the legal field with Matt Murphy from Montana. Specializing in workers' compensation cases, Matt shares his invaluable experience and emphasizes the importance of being upfront and honest with clients, even when the news isn't the most favorable. We also tackle the complexities of managing expectations in personal injury cases and the pivotal role trust plays in the lawyer-client relationship. We highlight the importance of keeping clients in the loop and seeking their feedback, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. Listen to how changes in judges or legal rulings can alter a case's trajectory and the need to involve clients in the decision-making process. Get insights on the importance of transparency and the art of delivering difficult news. Matt shares practical tips on effectively communicating with clients and setting realistic expectations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the legal field looking to enhance their client communication skills and build stronger relationships. Learn about the importance of open communication, managing expectations, and maintaining a strong client-lawyer relationship. In this episode, you will hear: The importance of building client relationships Importance of communication and trust Challenges with accepting medical treatment choices Importance of documentation and contact information, Managing Client Expectations, Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation, 2023
- Murphy Law Firm, Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury, 2024
Educational Background
- Graduated from the University of Montana - Missoula, Political Science, 2008
- Graduated from Charles M. Russell Highschool, 2004
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- The 2025 Legislative Session was active in many areas that affect MTLA practitioners. The Session presented numerous assaults on civil rights, access to justice, and the judiciary. As usual, the Montana Workers’ Compensation Act received a disproportionate amount of attention. Unfortunately, injured workers are uniquely vulnerable to legislative tinkering. The following is a summary of the legislative activity that impacted injured workers this Session. , Author, 2025 Workers’ Compensation Legislative Update, Montana Trial Lawyers Association Trial Trends, Workers Compensation; Legislative, 2025
- Many of us have received a call from an undocumented worker who was injured at work. An “undocumented worker” is someone who either illegally entered the United States or who legally entered but whose visa expired. These workers often do not speak English, have not filed a workers’ compensation (WC) claim, have no understanding of the workers’ compensation system, are concerned about deportation, and are completely unaware of their options. They are also often misguided and/or obstructed by their time-of-injury employer. Many practitioners are hesitant to help undocumented workers, but these claims deserve thorough investigation., Author, Representing Undocumented Workers in Montana: A Historical and Legal Perspective, Montana Trial Lawyers Association Trial Trends, Workers Compensation, 2025
- This article discusses the offset provisions with Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability benefits in Montana, and the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s recent stance regarding offsets in disputed workers’ compensation settlements. Finally, the article provides some practice pointers to avoid and/or resolve offset disputes., Co-author, Social Security Offsets in Workers' Compensation, Montana Trial Lawyers Association Trial Trends, Workers' Compensation, Social Security, Personal Injury, 2023
- “5 Ways to Prepare for Your Personal Injury Lawsuit,” Enjuris
- “Lane Splitting Will Soon Be Legal for Motorcyclists in Montana,” Enjuris
- “The Future of Workers’ Compensation MSA’s in the Wake of Loper Bright (overruling Chevron),” Trial Trends, Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Fall 2024 Edition
- Murphy, M., Murphy, Tom, & Murphy, Tommy. (2017). New Tools in the Fight Against Unconstitutional Defense Medical Examinations, Trial Trends. Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Summer 2017
- Murphy, M., & Murphy, T. (2020). Automated Vehicles and the Future of Auto Torts, Trial Trends. Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Autumn 2020
- Duckworth, K., & Murphy, M. (2021). Class 1 Impairment Benefits After Hensley, Trial Trends. Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Summer 2021
- “Understanding Montana Car Seat Laws — Plus Guidelines for Child Safety,” Enjuris
- Enjuris Interview: Get to Know Montana Personal Injury Lawyer Matt Murphy,” Enjuris
- Matt Murphy Honored with MTLA’s Outstanding New Lawyer Award
- Matt Murphy Presents at MTLA Convention on Workers’ Comp Basics
- “Representing Undocumented Workers in Montana: A Historical and Legal Perspective,” Trial Trends, Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Winter 2025 Edition
- On June 28, 2024, SCOTUS (Justice Roberts) decided Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, 144 S. Ct. 2244, 219 L. Ed. 2d 832 (2024). This decision held that courts need not, and under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) may not, defer to an administrative agency’s interpretation of ambiguous statutes. In no uncertain terms, this decision overrules the Chevron Doctrine of “agency deference” that has been the status quo for over 40 years. Relative to your Montana workers’ compensation practice, this decision will likely have implications for MSA compliance in workers’ compensation claims, and, as usual, experts are already debating what the future holds., Author, The Future of Workers' Compensation MSA's in the Wake of Loper Bright (overruling Chevron), Montana Trial Lawyers Association Trial Trends, Workers' Compensation, 2024
- Attorney Matt Murphy’s Interview With Montana’s New Workers’ Compensation Court Judge, Lee Bruner, Author, Attorney Matt Murphy’s Interview With Montana’s New Workers’ Compensation Court Judge, Lee Bruner, Montana Trial Lawyers Association Trial Trends, Workers' Compensation, 2024
- Numerous automobile manufacturers and technology companies are developing automated driving systems. Every year these companies come out with new technologies that seek to reduce the “human factor” in driving. These companies all share the same goal: fully autonomous vehicles (AV). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2018 annual report, approximately 37,000 people died in motor vehicle collisions that year and another 2.7 million were injured. The United States Department of Transportation estimates that human error accounted for 94% of these crashes. These statistics are widely cited by advocates of AV technology, and it is easy to back a cause that may eliminate 94% of unnecessary injuries and deaths. However, along with potential benefits, one can also perceive the inevitable problems, especially in the legal sector. How do we regulate AV? Who will be at fault in the event of a collision? How will an injured party recover their damages?, Co-Author, Automated Vehicles and the Future of Auto Torts, Montana Trial Lawyers Association Trial Trends, Personal Injury, 2020
- n a 4-3 decision in Hensley v. State Fund, 2020 MT 317, the Montana Supreme Court held that the provisions of Mont. Code Ann. § 39-71-703(2) (2011) disallowing impairment awards to injured workers with a Class 1 impairment and no wage loss did not violate Equal Protection. The 78-page decision, decided nine years after the claimant was injured, is another sign of Montana’s trend to erode the rights of injured workers. However, Hensley also provides insight on the future of constitutional challenges in Montana., Co-author, Class 1 Impairment Benefits After Hensley, Montana Trial Lawyers Association Trial Trends, Workers' Compensation, Constitutional Law, 2021
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Elected as Co-Chair of the Montana Trial Lawyer Associations' Workers' Compensation Section, 2023
- Elected as board member of the Montana Trial Lawyers Association., 2025
Honors
- Outstanding New Lawyer, Montana Trial Lawyers Association, 2018
- Selected as a Rising Star in the Mountain States by Super Lawyers in 2024, Mountain State Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2024
Selections
2 Years Rising Stars
- Rising Stars: 2024 - 2025
