Boat Accidents Generations of Trusted Advocacy

Boat Accident Lawyers in Houma

Name: Waitz & Downer
Address: 423 Goode Street,, Houma, LA, 70360
Telephone: (985) 331-7832

Commercial & Recreational Boating Accidents in Terrebonne Parish

For many in South Louisiana, boating is at the center of both work and recreation but, unfortunately, accidents can occur on the water that result in life-changing injuries. If you were hurt in a boating accident as a result of another party’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit and receive compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation services. At Waitz & Downer, we can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the full amount you are owed. Our Houma boat accident attorneys are here to answer your questions and provide information on taking the next steps during a completely free initial consultation.

Contact Waitz & Downer today at (985) 331-7832 to talk to a lawyer about your boat accident in Terrebonne Parish or the surrounding areas.

I would recommend them to anyone needing a personal injury attorney.
“Waitz and Downer has handled legal affairs for my family for years. My daughter was involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver. The insurance company did not want to pay for my daughter to purchase a new car, hers was totaled. Waitz and Downer handled the matter very professionally and things were settled very quickly.”

- Lie Ann M.
This firm is exceedingly generous to its clients and the community at large.
“Excellent law firm. Attorney Hunt Downer is a very down to earth guy who likes to keep it simple.”

- Joseph G.
Mary W. Riviere and her team are outstanding!
“Mary is sharp, professional, and friendly. She strives to meets the needs of her clients, and she truly invest in them and their cases. She is easily assessable, and she is exceptionally honest and trustworthy. She is an excellent attorney, and I highly recommend her!
”

- Dana P.

How Boating Accidents Happen

According to statistics from the National Coast Guard, there are thousands of recreational boating accidents each year, leading to hundreds of deaths—and most of these incidents can be attributed to negligence.

Some of the leading causes of recreational boat accidents include:

Alcohol use/intoxication
Operator inexperience or error
Operator inattention
Improper lookout
Machinery failure
Navigational rule violations
Excessive speed/reckless operation
Collisions with other vessels and fixed objects
Vessel grounding and swamping
Inclement weather and hazardous waters

Tragically, because these incidents occur on the water, the risk of drowning is exceptionally high. The vast majority of boating accident-related fatalities involved drownings, according to the same Coast Guard statistics, and in most instances of fatal drownings, flotation devices were not worn.

Who Is Liable for a Boating Accident in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana’s general personal injury laws, the person or party who negligently caused the incident is usually the one liable for victims’ damages. In other words, whoever was at fault is likely responsible for your losses, including things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This could be the operator of a vessel that you were aboard, the manufacturer of a faulty vessel or vessel component, or the owner of a boat rental company that failed to properly inspect or maintain its vessels. Determining who is liable for your damages requires an in-depth investigation into what happened and what contributing factors led to the incident.

At Waitz & Downer, our Houma boating accident lawyers have decades of experience handling complex cases involving recreational boat accidents, as well as injuries and deaths occurring aboard commercial vessels. We have recovered millions for our clients, and we are known for our tireless commitment to securing justice through holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause. We don’t just serve this area; we live and work right here in Terrebonne Parish and are committed to making our community safer by sending a strong message that careless and reckless conduct will not be tolerated.

Over Five Decades of Legal Practice Protecting Families for Generations

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Strength with Heart

Big-firm results, small-town heart—we treat every client like one of our own.
We Stand Firm

From oilfields to open waters, we fight for the injured and the families left behind.
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Three generations strong, our family’s legacy is protecting yours when tragedy strikes.
Rooted in the Gulf Coast

Born from the region we serve, we stand with our neighbors through every storm and every fight for justice.

How We Can Help

After a Boating Accident in Houma

Being involved in a boat accident can be an extremely stressful experience, and the aftermath can feel just as overwhelming. After receiving medical attention for your injuries, you might feel uncertain of what to do next. Should you file a lawsuit? Do you need a lawyer? How do you get started?

At Waitz & Downer, we’re here to help. We can answer all your questions during a free, no-obligation consultation. We encourage you to reach out to our firm as soon as possible, as you only have two years from the date of the accident (in most cases) to sue for damages. The sooner we can begin investigating your case and communicating with the liable party, the sooner we can begin fighting for the fair compensation you deserve.

Discuss your situation with a skilled boat accident attorney in Houma today. Call Waitz & Downer at (985) 331-7832 or contact us online.

fighting for the injured

With Generations of Strength

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