Doubek, Pyfer & Fox, LLP
Helping Western Montana Residents Since 1981
Doubek, Pyfer & Fox, LLP
Helping Western Montana Residents Since 1981
Applying more than 75 years of combined legal experience
Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP is a Montana law firm operating out of Helena. Since 1981, the firm's attorneys have advocated for the rights of people who have been harmed by the carelessness and wrongdoing of other individuals and institutions throughout Western Montana. Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP has achieved numerous recoveries in excess of $1 million in Montana and other states in the northwest. For a list of these recoveries, please see our "Notable Cases" page.
Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP serves clients throughout Western Montana. For their professionalism and ethics, the Firm has earned an AV Preeminent Peer Review Ratings by Martindale-Hubbell. The lawyers at the Firm have more than 75 years of combined legal experience in car crashes, trip-and-falls, defective products, medical negligence, work accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injury, insurance bad faith, business disputes, Social Security disability hearings, and Securities and Exchange matters.
Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP regularly handles:
-General trial and appellate practice
-Workers compensation
-Plaintiffs personal injury
-Wrongful death
-Products liability
-Medical malpractice
-Corporate
-Utility
-Securities
-Environmental
-Complex commercial litigation
Providing focused and effective representation
The medical knowledge our attorneys have amassed from their work gives them strong capabilities to effectively prepare your case for presentation to a judge or a jury. Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP reviews the circumstances of your injury and explains your realistic options and how our attorneys can help. Regardless of your legal matter, the firm will work with you to facilitate a solution.
Main Office
307 N. Jackson Street
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 442-7830
Workers compensation is a complicated and ever-changing process that often requires the skills of an experienced lawyer to ensure the injured claimants are fairly treated under the law.
The Firm has handled hundreds of workers compensation cases, including many trials before the Workers' Compensation Court and appeals to the Supreme Court.
Mr. Doubek is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Personal injury law
Commercial litigation
Workers compensation
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 1976
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1976
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 1977
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, 1978
U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit, 1988
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 1976
Carroll College, B.A., with honors, 1973
Associations and memberships
First Judicial District Bar Association
State Bar of Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Biographical details
Instructor, Business Law, Carroll College, Helena, Montana, 1984-1987, 1991--
Born
St. Louis, Missouri
Mr. Doubek was born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Helena, Montana as a young teenager.
He attended Carroll College and received his law degree from the University of Montana.
Out of law school, Mr. Doubek handled some 80 trials and contested cases on behalf of the Montana Consumer Counsel, which represents the interests of the people of Montana against public utilities and railroads. These trials were held before the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision (FERC), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
In 1978, Mr. Doubek joined the law firm of Small & Hatch and has remained in private practice since then. The law firm of Small & Hatch became Small Hatch Doubek, Pyfer, then Doubek & Pyfer, and finally Doubek, Pyfer & Fox. Since 1981, the firm has exclusively represented plaintiffs. Mr. Doubek primarily represents people who have suffered severe injuries as a result of car crashes, defective products, medical negligence, work injuries, slip-and-falls, wrongful death, traumatic brain injury and other accidents.
NOTABLE RECOVERIES:
AVIATION
Pilot error and manufacturing defects on Embraer aircraft operated by Comair ($6 million)
Defective jet engine causing multiple deaths; evidence spoliation ($8.9 million from
multiple defendants)
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Breach of fiduciary obligations and contract regarding an eye clinic ($1.1 million)
Breach of stock contract and fiduciary duties ($1.2 million)
Failure to adequately fund business and wrongful termination of credit ($1.5 million)
Improper termination of operating line of credit
Violation of corporation borrowing regulations
Violation of SEC rules regarding secondary stock offer disclosures ($15 million)
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
Failure to advise patient of consequences of latex exposure ($1 million)
Breach of standards regarding spinal fusion surgery and technique
Failure to monitor coagulation problems after prostate surgery
Failure to properly monitor patient during spinal anesthesia
Failure to properly treat glaucoma
Failure to properly treat ER patient with infectious respiratory illness
Failure to properly treat retinal detachment
Failure to timely diagnose breast cancer
Failure to timely diagnose colon cancer
Failure to timely diagnose prostate cancer
Failure to treat post-operative complications following cataract surgery
Injury to optic nerve during surgery
Failure to properly treat macular degeneration
Injury from misplaced screw during spinal fusion
Medical negligence resulting in injury to vagus nerve
Negligent handling of tissue for transplantation surgery ($2.2 million)
Negligent treatment post-CT myelogram complications
Negligent treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and catheter insertion
Failure to monitor clotting issues post surgery of lower extremity resulting in death
Misdiagnosis of biopsy resulting in unnecessary kidney removal
Failure to monitor post surgery medication reaction resulting in death
University of Montana
Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Doubek is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Personal injury law
Commercial litigation
Workers compensation
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 1976
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1976
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 1977
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, 1978
U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit, 1988
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 1976
Carroll College, B.A., with honors, 1973
Associations and memberships
First Judicial District Bar Association
State Bar of Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Biographical details
Instructor, Business Law, Carroll College, Helena, Montana, 1984-1987, 1991--
Born
St. Louis, Missouri
Mr. Doubek was born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Helena, Montana as a young teenager.
He attended Carroll College and received his law degree from the University of Montana.
Out of law school, Mr. Doubek handled some 80 trials and contested cases on behalf of the Montana Consumer Counsel, which represents the interests of the people of Montana against public utilities and railroads. These trials were held before the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision (FERC), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
In 1978, Mr. Doubek joined the law firm of Small & Hatch and has remained in private practice since then. The law firm of Small & Hatch became Small Hatch Doubek, Pyfer, then Doubek & Pyfer, and finally Doubek, Pyfer & Fox. Since 1981, the firm has exclusively represented plaintiffs. Mr. Doubek primarily represents people who have suffered severe injuries as a result of car crashes, defective products, medical negligence, work injuries, slip-and-falls, wrongful death, traumatic brain injury and other accidents.
NOTABLE RECOVERIES:
AVIATION
Pilot error and manufacturing defects on Embraer aircraft operated by Comair ($6 million)
Defective jet engine causing multiple deaths; evidence spoliation ($8.9 million from
multiple defendants)
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Breach of fiduciary obligations and contract regarding an eye clinic ($1.1 million)
Breach of stock contract and fiduciary duties ($1.2 million)
Failure to adequately fund business and wrongful termination of credit ($1.5 million)
Improper termination of operating line of credit
Violation of corporation borrowing regulations
Violation of SEC rules regarding secondary stock offer disclosures ($15 million)
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
Failure to advise patient of consequences of latex exposure ($1 million)
Breach of standards regarding spinal fusion surgery and technique
Failure to monitor coagulation problems after prostate surgery
Failure to properly monitor patient during spinal anesthesia
Failure to properly treat glaucoma
Failure to properly treat ER patient with infectious respiratory illness
Failure to properly treat retinal detachment
Failure to timely diagnose breast cancer
Failure to timely diagnose colon cancer
Failure to timely diagnose prostate cancer
Failure to treat post-operative complications following cataract surgery
Injury to optic nerve during surgery
Failure to properly treat macular degeneration
Injury from misplaced screw during spinal fusion
Medical negligence resulting in injury to vagus nerve
Negligent handling of tissue for transplantation surgery ($2.2 million)
Negligent treatment post-CT myelogram complications
Negligent treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and catheter insertion
Failure to monitor clotting issues post surgery of lower extremity resulting in death
Misdiagnosis of biopsy resulting in unnecessary kidney removal
Failure to monitor post surgery medication reaction resulting in death
University of Montana Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Pyfer is BV Distinguished Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Workers compensation law
Personal injury
Professional malpractice
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 1979
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1979
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 1979
Gonzaga University, M.B.A., 1978
University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1974
Associations and memberships
First District Bar Association
American Bar Association
State Bar of Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Community Involvement President, United Way of Lewis & Clark County;
President, Helena YMCA Board of Directors (1986-87; 2005-06);
President, Helena Kiwanis Club;
President, Western Montana Catholic Foundation Board of Directors;
President, Notre Dame Club of Western Montana;
Board Member, Exploration Works Montana's Science Center in Helena;
Big Brother, Big Brothers/Big Sisters (Helena) since 1969 (three different "Littles" over the years);
Knights of Columbus
Born
Helena, Montana
Rick Pyfer was born in Helena, Montana, in 1952. He attended St. Ann's Catholic Grade School in East Helena through Grade 8, Helena Catholic Central High School through Grade 11, and upon closure of Helena Catholic Central High School, he was transferred with his classmates to Helena High School, where he graduated in 1970. During his high school years, Rick served as Governor of Montana Key Clubs, received the state Elks' leadership award, and played varsity football, competed in the National Forensics League (earning a Ruby), and played keyboard in a travelling rock band.
Upon graduation from high school, Rick attended Notre Dame University, where he majored in Government and International Studies. At Notre Dame, Rick served on the Hall Presidents' Council as president of Zahm Hall and was charter president of the Notre Dame Circle K Service Club.
Upon graduation from Notre Dame, Rick worked on a congressional staff in Washington, DC, as well for the VA Cemetery System. He attended and graduated from Gonzaga University with a Masters of Business Administration in 1976. He received his law school diploma from the University of Montana School of Law in 1979.
After a short term with the Smith Law Firm (Helena) practicing predominantly in the area of school and hospital law with Chad Smith, Rick joined the law firm of Small, Hatch & Doubek in 1981 and was made a partner in 1982. The firm has been renamed several time during his partnership: Small, Hatch, Doubek & Pyfer; Doubek & Pyfer; and currently Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP.
Rick's practice areas are primarily workers' compensation (claimant) and personal injury/negligence (plaintiff). He has successfully negotiated and resolved over one thousand cases in his 31-year career as a workers' compensation and personal injury lawyer. Rick takes great pride in maximizing the value of his clients' cases and, if necessary, developing and presenting them to a jury at trial (if insurers are not reasonable). He has participated in hundreds of mediations as a mediator and as a client representative, and developed experience and expertise in the strategies necessary to maximize settlement or verdict value. Over his thirty-plus years in injury practice, he has developed the reputation as a tenacious and fair advocate by insurance representatives and lawyers who make decisions regarding claim resolution.
University of Montana
Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Pyfer is BV Distinguished Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Workers compensation law
Personal injury
Professional malpractice
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 1979
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1979
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 1979
Gonzaga University, M.B.A., 1978
University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1974
Associations and memberships
First District Bar Association
American Bar Association
State Bar of Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Community Involvement President, United Way of Lewis & Clark County;
President, Helena YMCA Board of Directors (1986-87; 2005-06);
President, Helena Kiwanis Club;
President, Western Montana Catholic Foundation Board of Directors;
President, Notre Dame Club of Western Montana;
Board Member, Exploration Works Montana's Science Center in Helena;
Big Brother, Big Brothers/Big Sisters (Helena) since 1969 (three different "Littles" over the years);
Knights of Columbus
Born
Helena, Montana
Rick Pyfer was born in Helena, Montana, in 1952. He attended St. Ann's Catholic Grade School in East Helena through Grade 8, Helena Catholic Central High School through Grade 11, and upon closure of Helena Catholic Central High School, he was transferred with his classmates to Helena High School, where he graduated in 1970. During his high school years, Rick served as Governor of Montana Key Clubs, received the state Elks' leadership award, and played varsity football, competed in the National Forensics League (earning a Ruby), and played keyboard in a travelling rock band.
Upon graduation from high school, Rick attended Notre Dame University, where he majored in Government and International Studies. At Notre Dame, Rick served on the Hall Presidents' Council as president of Zahm Hall and was charter president of the Notre Dame Circle K Service Club.
Upon graduation from Notre Dame, Rick worked on a congressional staff in Washington, DC, as well for the VA Cemetery System. He attended and graduated from Gonzaga University with a Masters of Business Administration in 1976. He received his law school diploma from the University of Montana School of Law in 1979.
After a short term with the Smith Law Firm (Helena) practicing predominantly in the area of school and hospital law with Chad Smith, Rick joined the law firm of Small, Hatch & Doubek in 1981 and was made a partner in 1982. The firm has been renamed several time during his partnership: Small, Hatch, Doubek & Pyfer; Doubek & Pyfer; and currently Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP.
Rick's practice areas are primarily workers' compensation (claimant) and personal injury/negligence (plaintiff). He has successfully negotiated and resolved over one thousand cases in his 31-year career as a workers' compensation and personal injury lawyer. Rick takes great pride in maximizing the value of his clients' cases and, if necessary, developing and presenting them to a jury at trial (if insurers are not reasonable). He has participated in hundreds of mediations as a mediator and as a client representative, and developed experience and expertise in the strategies necessary to maximize settlement or verdict value. Over his thirty-plus years in injury practice, he has developed the reputation as a tenacious and fair advocate by insurance representatives and lawyers who make decisions regarding claim resolution.
University of Montana Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Fox is BV Distinguished Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Personal injury
Workers compensation
Medical malpractice
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 2005
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 2005
9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 2005
University of Montana, M.B.A., 2005
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 2002
Associations and memberships
State Bar of Montana
American Bar Association
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Born
Hardin, Montana
Pat Fox was born and raised in Hardin, Montana. A recipient of Montana's Frank Hervey Cook Scholarship, Pat attended high school at St. Paul's School, in Concord, New Hampshire. Pat attended college at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar (now known as the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program). While at UNC, Pat played varsity football. After college, Pat married Holly and moved back to Montana to attend law and business school. Pat has two sons and a daughter and enjoys spending his time with his family. Pat is presently sits on the Montana Trial Lawyer Association's Board of Directors, and is the chair of the Membership Committee. Pat is also a board member of the Willow Creek Nutrition Program, a non-profit that assists childcare providers with state nutrition regulations. Pat has also provided appellate mediation services through the Montana Supreme Court's appellate mediation program, and provides pro bono services through Montana Legal Services and the Montana Bar Association's "Modest Means" program.
Notable Recoveries
Negligence involving motorcycle/automobile collision resulting in serious personal injuries ($1 million)
Negligence and Montana Residential Landlord Tenant Act violations resulting in carbon monoxide exposure ($1 million)
Premises liability negligence of municipality resulting in death
Recovery for insurance bad faith against out-of-state third party administrator (adjusting company) for failure to follow Montana law in adjusting claims
Negligent supervision and civil rights violations against government entity for improper investigation and harassment of innocent individual
Negligence of general contractor for injury to independent contractor resulting in significant personal injuries (workers compensation and personal injury)
University of Montana
Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Fox is BV Distinguished Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Personal injury
Workers compensation
Medical malpractice
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 2005
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 2005
9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 2005
University of Montana, M.B.A., 2005
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 2002
Associations and memberships
State Bar of Montana
American Bar Association
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Born
Hardin, Montana
Pat Fox was born and raised in Hardin, Montana. A recipient of Montana's Frank Hervey Cook Scholarship, Pat attended high school at St. Paul's School, in Concord, New Hampshire. Pat attended college at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar (now known as the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program). While at UNC, Pat played varsity football. After college, Pat married Holly and moved back to Montana to attend law and business school. Pat has two sons and a daughter and enjoys spending his time with his family. Pat is presently sits on the Montana Trial Lawyer Association's Board of Directors, and is the chair of the Membership Committee. Pat is also a board member of the Willow Creek Nutrition Program, a non-profit that assists childcare providers with state nutrition regulations. Pat has also provided appellate mediation services through the Montana Supreme Court's appellate mediation program, and provides pro bono services through Montana Legal Services and the Montana Bar Association's "Modest Means" program.
Notable Recoveries
Negligence involving motorcycle/automobile collision resulting in serious personal injuries ($1 million)
Negligence and Montana Residential Landlord Tenant Act violations resulting in carbon monoxide exposure ($1 million)
Premises liability negligence of municipality resulting in death
Recovery for insurance bad faith against out-of-state third party administrator (adjusting company) for failure to follow Montana law in adjusting claims
Negligent supervision and civil rights violations against government entity for improper investigation and harassment of innocent individual
Negligence of general contractor for injury to independent contractor resulting in significant personal injuries (workers compensation and personal injury)
University of Montana Juris Doctorate ,
Applying more than 75 years of combined legal experience
Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP is a Montana law firm operating out of Helena. Since 1981, the firm's attorneys have advocated for the rights of people who have been harmed by the carelessness and wrongdoing of other individuals and institutions throughout Western Montana. Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP has achieved numerous recoveries in excess of $1 million in Montana and other states in the northwest. For a list of these recoveries, please see our "Notable Cases" page.
Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP serves clients throughout Western Montana. For their professionalism and ethics, the Firm has earned an AV Preeminent Peer Review Ratings by Martindale-Hubbell. The lawyers at the Firm have more than 75 years of combined legal experience in car crashes, trip-and-falls, defective products, medical negligence, work accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injury, insurance bad faith, business disputes, Social Security disability hearings, and Securities and Exchange matters.
Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP regularly handles:
-General trial and appellate practice
-Workers compensation
-Plaintiffs personal injury
-Wrongful death
-Products liability
-Medical malpractice
-Corporate
-Utility
-Securities
-Environmental
-Complex commercial litigation
Providing focused and effective representation
The medical knowledge our attorneys have amassed from their work gives them strong capabilities to effectively prepare your case for presentation to a judge or a jury. Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP reviews the circumstances of your injury and explains your realistic options and how our attorneys can help. Regardless of your legal matter, the firm will work with you to facilitate a solution.
Main Office
307 N. Jackson Street
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 442-7830
Workers compensation is a complicated and ever-changing process that often requires the skills of an experienced lawyer to ensure the injured claimants are fairly treated under the law.
The Firm has handled hundreds of workers compensation cases, including many trials before the Workers' Compensation Court and appeals to the Supreme Court.
Mr. Doubek is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Personal injury law
Commercial litigation
Workers compensation
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 1976
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1976
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 1977
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, 1978
U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit, 1988
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 1976
Carroll College, B.A., with honors, 1973
Associations and memberships
First Judicial District Bar Association
State Bar of Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Biographical details
Instructor, Business Law, Carroll College, Helena, Montana, 1984-1987, 1991--
Born
St. Louis, Missouri
Mr. Doubek was born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Helena, Montana as a young teenager.
He attended Carroll College and received his law degree from the University of Montana.
Out of law school, Mr. Doubek handled some 80 trials and contested cases on behalf of the Montana Consumer Counsel, which represents the interests of the people of Montana against public utilities and railroads. These trials were held before the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision (FERC), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
In 1978, Mr. Doubek joined the law firm of Small & Hatch and has remained in private practice since then. The law firm of Small & Hatch became Small Hatch Doubek, Pyfer, then Doubek & Pyfer, and finally Doubek, Pyfer & Fox. Since 1981, the firm has exclusively represented plaintiffs. Mr. Doubek primarily represents people who have suffered severe injuries as a result of car crashes, defective products, medical negligence, work injuries, slip-and-falls, wrongful death, traumatic brain injury and other accidents.
NOTABLE RECOVERIES:
AVIATION
Pilot error and manufacturing defects on Embraer aircraft operated by Comair ($6 million)
Defective jet engine causing multiple deaths; evidence spoliation ($8.9 million from
multiple defendants)
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Breach of fiduciary obligations and contract regarding an eye clinic ($1.1 million)
Breach of stock contract and fiduciary duties ($1.2 million)
Failure to adequately fund business and wrongful termination of credit ($1.5 million)
Improper termination of operating line of credit
Violation of corporation borrowing regulations
Violation of SEC rules regarding secondary stock offer disclosures ($15 million)
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
Failure to advise patient of consequences of latex exposure ($1 million)
Breach of standards regarding spinal fusion surgery and technique
Failure to monitor coagulation problems after prostate surgery
Failure to properly monitor patient during spinal anesthesia
Failure to properly treat glaucoma
Failure to properly treat ER patient with infectious respiratory illness
Failure to properly treat retinal detachment
Failure to timely diagnose breast cancer
Failure to timely diagnose colon cancer
Failure to timely diagnose prostate cancer
Failure to treat post-operative complications following cataract surgery
Injury to optic nerve during surgery
Failure to properly treat macular degeneration
Injury from misplaced screw during spinal fusion
Medical negligence resulting in injury to vagus nerve
Negligent handling of tissue for transplantation surgery ($2.2 million)
Negligent treatment post-CT myelogram complications
Negligent treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and catheter insertion
Failure to monitor clotting issues post surgery of lower extremity resulting in death
Misdiagnosis of biopsy resulting in unnecessary kidney removal
Failure to monitor post surgery medication reaction resulting in death
University of Montana
Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Doubek is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Personal injury law
Commercial litigation
Workers compensation
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 1976
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1976
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 1977
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, 1978
U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit, 1988
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 1976
Carroll College, B.A., with honors, 1973
Associations and memberships
First Judicial District Bar Association
State Bar of Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Biographical details
Instructor, Business Law, Carroll College, Helena, Montana, 1984-1987, 1991--
Born
St. Louis, Missouri
Mr. Doubek was born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Helena, Montana as a young teenager.
He attended Carroll College and received his law degree from the University of Montana.
Out of law school, Mr. Doubek handled some 80 trials and contested cases on behalf of the Montana Consumer Counsel, which represents the interests of the people of Montana against public utilities and railroads. These trials were held before the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision (FERC), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
In 1978, Mr. Doubek joined the law firm of Small & Hatch and has remained in private practice since then. The law firm of Small & Hatch became Small Hatch Doubek, Pyfer, then Doubek & Pyfer, and finally Doubek, Pyfer & Fox. Since 1981, the firm has exclusively represented plaintiffs. Mr. Doubek primarily represents people who have suffered severe injuries as a result of car crashes, defective products, medical negligence, work injuries, slip-and-falls, wrongful death, traumatic brain injury and other accidents.
NOTABLE RECOVERIES:
AVIATION
Pilot error and manufacturing defects on Embraer aircraft operated by Comair ($6 million)
Defective jet engine causing multiple deaths; evidence spoliation ($8.9 million from
multiple defendants)
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Breach of fiduciary obligations and contract regarding an eye clinic ($1.1 million)
Breach of stock contract and fiduciary duties ($1.2 million)
Failure to adequately fund business and wrongful termination of credit ($1.5 million)
Improper termination of operating line of credit
Violation of corporation borrowing regulations
Violation of SEC rules regarding secondary stock offer disclosures ($15 million)
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
Failure to advise patient of consequences of latex exposure ($1 million)
Breach of standards regarding spinal fusion surgery and technique
Failure to monitor coagulation problems after prostate surgery
Failure to properly monitor patient during spinal anesthesia
Failure to properly treat glaucoma
Failure to properly treat ER patient with infectious respiratory illness
Failure to properly treat retinal detachment
Failure to timely diagnose breast cancer
Failure to timely diagnose colon cancer
Failure to timely diagnose prostate cancer
Failure to treat post-operative complications following cataract surgery
Injury to optic nerve during surgery
Failure to properly treat macular degeneration
Injury from misplaced screw during spinal fusion
Medical negligence resulting in injury to vagus nerve
Negligent handling of tissue for transplantation surgery ($2.2 million)
Negligent treatment post-CT myelogram complications
Negligent treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and catheter insertion
Failure to monitor clotting issues post surgery of lower extremity resulting in death
Misdiagnosis of biopsy resulting in unnecessary kidney removal
Failure to monitor post surgery medication reaction resulting in death
University of Montana Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Pyfer is BV Distinguished Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Workers compensation law
Personal injury
Professional malpractice
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 1979
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1979
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 1979
Gonzaga University, M.B.A., 1978
University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1974
Associations and memberships
First District Bar Association
American Bar Association
State Bar of Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Community Involvement President, United Way of Lewis & Clark County;
President, Helena YMCA Board of Directors (1986-87; 2005-06);
President, Helena Kiwanis Club;
President, Western Montana Catholic Foundation Board of Directors;
President, Notre Dame Club of Western Montana;
Board Member, Exploration Works Montana's Science Center in Helena;
Big Brother, Big Brothers/Big Sisters (Helena) since 1969 (three different "Littles" over the years);
Knights of Columbus
Born
Helena, Montana
Rick Pyfer was born in Helena, Montana, in 1952. He attended St. Ann's Catholic Grade School in East Helena through Grade 8, Helena Catholic Central High School through Grade 11, and upon closure of Helena Catholic Central High School, he was transferred with his classmates to Helena High School, where he graduated in 1970. During his high school years, Rick served as Governor of Montana Key Clubs, received the state Elks' leadership award, and played varsity football, competed in the National Forensics League (earning a Ruby), and played keyboard in a travelling rock band.
Upon graduation from high school, Rick attended Notre Dame University, where he majored in Government and International Studies. At Notre Dame, Rick served on the Hall Presidents' Council as president of Zahm Hall and was charter president of the Notre Dame Circle K Service Club.
Upon graduation from Notre Dame, Rick worked on a congressional staff in Washington, DC, as well for the VA Cemetery System. He attended and graduated from Gonzaga University with a Masters of Business Administration in 1976. He received his law school diploma from the University of Montana School of Law in 1979.
After a short term with the Smith Law Firm (Helena) practicing predominantly in the area of school and hospital law with Chad Smith, Rick joined the law firm of Small, Hatch & Doubek in 1981 and was made a partner in 1982. The firm has been renamed several time during his partnership: Small, Hatch, Doubek & Pyfer; Doubek & Pyfer; and currently Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP.
Rick's practice areas are primarily workers' compensation (claimant) and personal injury/negligence (plaintiff). He has successfully negotiated and resolved over one thousand cases in his 31-year career as a workers' compensation and personal injury lawyer. Rick takes great pride in maximizing the value of his clients' cases and, if necessary, developing and presenting them to a jury at trial (if insurers are not reasonable). He has participated in hundreds of mediations as a mediator and as a client representative, and developed experience and expertise in the strategies necessary to maximize settlement or verdict value. Over his thirty-plus years in injury practice, he has developed the reputation as a tenacious and fair advocate by insurance representatives and lawyers who make decisions regarding claim resolution.
University of Montana
Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Pyfer is BV Distinguished Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Workers compensation law
Personal injury
Professional malpractice
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 1979
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 1979
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 1979
Gonzaga University, M.B.A., 1978
University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1974
Associations and memberships
First District Bar Association
American Bar Association
State Bar of Montana
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Community Involvement President, United Way of Lewis & Clark County;
President, Helena YMCA Board of Directors (1986-87; 2005-06);
President, Helena Kiwanis Club;
President, Western Montana Catholic Foundation Board of Directors;
President, Notre Dame Club of Western Montana;
Board Member, Exploration Works Montana's Science Center in Helena;
Big Brother, Big Brothers/Big Sisters (Helena) since 1969 (three different "Littles" over the years);
Knights of Columbus
Born
Helena, Montana
Rick Pyfer was born in Helena, Montana, in 1952. He attended St. Ann's Catholic Grade School in East Helena through Grade 8, Helena Catholic Central High School through Grade 11, and upon closure of Helena Catholic Central High School, he was transferred with his classmates to Helena High School, where he graduated in 1970. During his high school years, Rick served as Governor of Montana Key Clubs, received the state Elks' leadership award, and played varsity football, competed in the National Forensics League (earning a Ruby), and played keyboard in a travelling rock band.
Upon graduation from high school, Rick attended Notre Dame University, where he majored in Government and International Studies. At Notre Dame, Rick served on the Hall Presidents' Council as president of Zahm Hall and was charter president of the Notre Dame Circle K Service Club.
Upon graduation from Notre Dame, Rick worked on a congressional staff in Washington, DC, as well for the VA Cemetery System. He attended and graduated from Gonzaga University with a Masters of Business Administration in 1976. He received his law school diploma from the University of Montana School of Law in 1979.
After a short term with the Smith Law Firm (Helena) practicing predominantly in the area of school and hospital law with Chad Smith, Rick joined the law firm of Small, Hatch & Doubek in 1981 and was made a partner in 1982. The firm has been renamed several time during his partnership: Small, Hatch, Doubek & Pyfer; Doubek & Pyfer; and currently Doubek, Pyfer & Fox LLP.
Rick's practice areas are primarily workers' compensation (claimant) and personal injury/negligence (plaintiff). He has successfully negotiated and resolved over one thousand cases in his 31-year career as a workers' compensation and personal injury lawyer. Rick takes great pride in maximizing the value of his clients' cases and, if necessary, developing and presenting them to a jury at trial (if insurers are not reasonable). He has participated in hundreds of mediations as a mediator and as a client representative, and developed experience and expertise in the strategies necessary to maximize settlement or verdict value. Over his thirty-plus years in injury practice, he has developed the reputation as a tenacious and fair advocate by insurance representatives and lawyers who make decisions regarding claim resolution.
University of Montana Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Fox is BV Distinguished Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Personal injury
Workers compensation
Medical malpractice
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 2005
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 2005
9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 2005
University of Montana, M.B.A., 2005
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 2002
Associations and memberships
State Bar of Montana
American Bar Association
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Born
Hardin, Montana
Pat Fox was born and raised in Hardin, Montana. A recipient of Montana's Frank Hervey Cook Scholarship, Pat attended high school at St. Paul's School, in Concord, New Hampshire. Pat attended college at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar (now known as the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program). While at UNC, Pat played varsity football. After college, Pat married Holly and moved back to Montana to attend law and business school. Pat has two sons and a daughter and enjoys spending his time with his family. Pat is presently sits on the Montana Trial Lawyer Association's Board of Directors, and is the chair of the Membership Committee. Pat is also a board member of the Willow Creek Nutrition Program, a non-profit that assists childcare providers with state nutrition regulations. Pat has also provided appellate mediation services through the Montana Supreme Court's appellate mediation program, and provides pro bono services through Montana Legal Services and the Montana Bar Association's "Modest Means" program.
Notable Recoveries
Negligence involving motorcycle/automobile collision resulting in serious personal injuries ($1 million)
Negligence and Montana Residential Landlord Tenant Act violations resulting in carbon monoxide exposure ($1 million)
Premises liability negligence of municipality resulting in death
Recovery for insurance bad faith against out-of-state third party administrator (adjusting company) for failure to follow Montana law in adjusting claims
Negligent supervision and civil rights violations against government entity for improper investigation and harassment of innocent individual
Negligence of general contractor for injury to independent contractor resulting in significant personal injuries (workers compensation and personal injury)
University of Montana
Juris Doctorate ,
Mr. Fox is BV Distinguished Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for his professionalism
and ethics.
Practice areas
Personal injury
Workers compensation
Medical malpractice
Products liability
Admitted
Montana, 2005
U.S. District Court, District of Montana, 2005
9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Education
University of Montana, J.D., 2005
University of Montana, M.B.A., 2005
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 2002
Associations and memberships
State Bar of Montana
American Bar Association
Montana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Born
Hardin, Montana
Pat Fox was born and raised in Hardin, Montana. A recipient of Montana's Frank Hervey Cook Scholarship, Pat attended high school at St. Paul's School, in Concord, New Hampshire. Pat attended college at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar (now known as the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program). While at UNC, Pat played varsity football. After college, Pat married Holly and moved back to Montana to attend law and business school. Pat has two sons and a daughter and enjoys spending his time with his family. Pat is presently sits on the Montana Trial Lawyer Association's Board of Directors, and is the chair of the Membership Committee. Pat is also a board member of the Willow Creek Nutrition Program, a non-profit that assists childcare providers with state nutrition regulations. Pat has also provided appellate mediation services through the Montana Supreme Court's appellate mediation program, and provides pro bono services through Montana Legal Services and the Montana Bar Association's "Modest Means" program.
Notable Recoveries
Negligence involving motorcycle/automobile collision resulting in serious personal injuries ($1 million)
Negligence and Montana Residential Landlord Tenant Act violations resulting in carbon monoxide exposure ($1 million)
Premises liability negligence of municipality resulting in death
Recovery for insurance bad faith against out-of-state third party administrator (adjusting company) for failure to follow Montana law in adjusting claims
Negligent supervision and civil rights violations against government entity for improper investigation and harassment of innocent individual
Negligence of general contractor for injury to independent contractor resulting in significant personal injuries (workers compensation and personal injury)
University of Montana Juris Doctorate ,
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