Brain Injuries Generations of Trusted Advocacy

Brain Injury Lawyers in Houma

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

Helping TBI Victims in Terrebonne Parish & Across Southern Louisiana

A traumatic brain injury can change everything in an instant. Whether it happens on the road, at work, or at an offshore jobsite, the effects of a TBI reach far beyond the initial trauma. Survivors often face long recoveries, ongoing (and expensive) medical needs, and major changes to how they live their daily lives. Family members can suddenly find themselves in the role of caregivers, trying to navigate an unfamiliar world of doctors, insurance claims, and uncertainty.

At Waitz & Downer, we understand how overwhelming this can be. For more than 50 years, our Houma brain injury lawyers have helped families across southern Louisiana rebuild after life-changing accidents. We’re proud to be part of this community, and when our neighbors are hurt, we’re here to help them find stability, accountability, and hope.

Discuss your case with a brain injury lawyer in Houma today. Call us at (985) 331-7832 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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!
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- Dana P.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden impact or lack of oxygen interferes with the brain’s normal function. It can range from a mild concussion to severe damage that affects memory, movement, speech, and personality.

Some TBIs heal over time, but others cause permanent changes. Even mild injuries can lead to headaches, dizziness, mood swings, or problems with focus. Because symptoms aren’t always obvious right away, many people don’t realize how serious a brain injury can be until days or weeks later. Proper diagnosis and early treatment are crucial—not just for recovery, but for making sure victims receive the compensation they’ll need for long-term care.

Brain injuries can take many forms, including:

Concussions: Usually caused by a blow to the head or sudden movement, concussions are often classified as “mild,” but effects can last for weeks or months.
Brain Contusions: Brain contusions occur when there is bruising or bleeding on the brain’s surface from a direct impact.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries: DAIs are often caused by severe shaking or rotation of the head, often in high-speed vehicle crashes.
Penetrating Injuries: When an object breaks through the skull and damages brain tissue, this is known as a penetrating injury.
Anoxic or Hypoxic Injuries: These injuries occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen, such as during a near-drowning or serious medical emergency.

Each type of brain injury requires specialized care and a clear understanding of what recovery will look like over time.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Louisiana

In Terrebonne Parish and throughout the Gulf Coast, brain injuries often result from:

Vehicle accidents, including car accidents, truck collisions, and motorcycle crashes
Oilfield accidents and offshore incidents, where falls, explosions, or equipment failures can cause severe head trauma
Workplace injuries and industrial accidents, particularly in construction or manufacturing
Boating accidents and other recreational incidents on the water
Falls, especially from heights or unsafe surfaces
Defective products or unsafe property conditions, where negligence puts others at risk

No matter how it happens, a brain injury can disrupt every part of a person’s life. And, in many cases, it could have been prevented if someone had taken proper care or followed safety rules.

The Lasting Effects of a Brain Injury

The true impact of a brain injury isn’t always visible. Survivors may look fine from the outside but struggle with concentration, memory, balance, or emotional regulation. Many can’t return to the jobs or activities they once enjoyed.

Families often shoulder the emotional and financial weight of these changes, everything from arranging medical appointments and managing lost income to trying to stay strong in the face of uncertainty. Recovery can be a long process, and it requires support, patience, and numerous resources. At Waitz & Downer, we’ve seen how powerful it can be when families have both medical and legal advocates working together to protect their future.

Why a Brain Injury Attorney Matters

Brain injury cases can be some of the most complex personal injury claims. They often involve multiple liable parties, long-term medical evaluations, and future cost projections that can stretch decades ahead. Insurance companies tend to downplay these claims, offering quick settlements that don’t come close to covering what victims will actually need.

An experienced brain injury attorney can make a major difference by:

Investigating how the injury happened and identifying everyone who may be responsible
Working with medical and economic experts to understand long-term needs and losses
Negotiating for a fair settlement or taking the case to trial when needed
Handling the legal details so victims and families can focus on healing

Why Families Trust Waitz & Downer

For more than half a century, our firm has been part of the South Louisiana community. Founded in 1971 and carried forward by three generations of the Waitz family, alongside Hunt Downer and our talented local team, Waitz & Downer has built a reputation for integrity, compassion, and results. We understand this region and the people who live and work here. We’ve represented oilfield workers, offshore crews, truck drivers, and families whose lives were upended by serious injuries. Every case matters to us because every client is part of the same community we call home.

We believe that strong legal representation can help restore more than financial stability. It can restore dignity and peace of mind.

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.
One Shared Mission
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.

Discuss Your Case

With a Houma Brain Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in Terrebonne Parish or anywhere in South Louisiana, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our traumatic brain injury attorneys in Houma are here to listen, explain your options, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Contact Waitz & Downer today for a free consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your story and guide you through every step of the process.

Call us at (985) 331-7832 to talk to our Houma brain injury lawyers.

fighting for the injured

With Generations of Strength

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