Explosion Accident Attorney in Houma

Explosion Accidents on the Gulf Coast: The Challenges Families Face

Houma’s economy relies on industry. From shipyards on the Intracoastal Waterway to the oilfields fueling our region, the risk of explosion accidents is part of life for many people who live and work here. We see the tragic effects of explosions at offshore oil rigs, processing plants, chemical facilities, and even residential areas. These incidents often leave individuals and families facing immense trauma and loss.

Explosion accidents often result in: 

• Catastrophic injuries 
• Wrongful death 
• Significant medical bills
• Disability 
• Time off work
• Inability to return to work
• Financial hardship 
• Long-term challenges

Sadly, these events are almost always preventable. All too often, they occur because someone—an employer, a product manufacturer, a site manager—cut corners, ignored risks, or looked the other way when safety regulations went unmet. At Waitz & Downer, we believe that these parties must be held accountable. Not only do victims and families deserve justice, but workers and entire communities also deserve safety and the reassurance that these tragedies won't keep occurring without consequences. 

Industry-Specific Explosion Risks in Houma

With the high rate of industrial activity in South Louisiana and all along the Gulf Coast, the risk of explosion accidents is particularly high, especially for workers who are vital to our region's economy. Explosions may result from aging equipment at refineries, contractor mistakes during plant maintenance, or unexpected pipeline failures along Bayou Terrebonne. State laws in Louisiana shape how these cases proceed, and navigating the legal steps involved, whether at Terrebonne Parish Courthouse or with OSHA's Baton Rouge Area Office, requires local knowledge and experience.

Our attorneys support victims and families through difficult investigations involving both workplace injuries and industrial litigation. We know the Gulf Coast, its challenges and its people. Our goal is always to pursue just compensation and to help our community recover and move forward.

Common Explosion Injuries & What To Do Next

Explosion accidents can cause serious injuries, many of which are ultimately fatal. Victims may experience severe burns, spinal injuries, blunt force trauma, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss, and psychological injuries. If you or someone you love was harmed in an explosion, it is important to act quickly and carefully to protect both your health and your future claim.

If possible, try to follow these steps after an explosion accident:

• Get medical help right away: If you were not treated at the scene or transported to a local hospital, seek immediate medical attention.
• Report the incident as soon as possible: Tell your employer, local fire department, or the responsible agency, depending on where the accident occurred.
• Keep records of everything: Take pictures, make notes about the accident, and save any documents related to your injuries or treatment.
• Preserve evidence (if you can): Hold onto damaged clothing, equipment, or any objects from the scene. Talk to witnesses (if possible) and get their contact information.
• Reach out to a Houma explosion injury attorney: Our team can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes that might negatively affect your case.

Acting as soon as possible after an explosion protects your rights, including your potential right to financial compensation. Louisiana law sets deadlines for personal injury claims and evidence can disappear quickly. Contacting a lawyer early on put you on the best possible path to recovery.

How Our Team Helps After an Explosion Injury

Recovering after an explosion is never easy, but you don't have to face this time alone. When you call us, our first step is always to listen. We want to understand your situation and provide clear, straightforward information in a way that's easy to understand. Your initial consultation is free, and our Houma explosion attorneys will focus on helping you move forward without pressure.

Every case is different, but here is a general idea of our typical process: 

• Once we learn about your case, our attorneys can gather information and create a plan tailored to your needs. We can investigate the incident, obtain crucial evidence, and put together a powerful case aimed at securing maximum compensation on your behalf. 
• We handle all communication with insurance companies, manage paperwork, and keep you informed. Throughout your case, we prioritize your privacy and provide direct updates. If you have questions, we answer them promptly, so you are never left wondering what happens next.
• After filing the appropriate paperwork, we typically aim to negotiate with the insurance company or other liable party to achieve a fair settlement for you. However, if this is not possible or practical, we can begin preparing your case for trial. 

Our goal is always to support your recovery—physical, emotional, and financial. We do not charge upfront fees for explosion injury cases or any personal injury matter we handle. You only pay if we secure compensation for you. Every decision we make centers on your family’s stability and peace of mind.

What Sets Us Apart When It Comes to Explosion Accident Claims?

Our story is closely tied to South Louisiana. For over 50 years, three generations of the Waitz family, along with Hunt Downer and our experienced team of local attorneys, have stood beside the people of this region. Together, we have more than 100 years of combined experience working in the Gulf Coast and have helped families after some of our region's most devastating tragedies. 

We believe that every client is a neighbor we serve, not just a file to manage. From your first call until the moment your case is resolved, our attorneys provide personal attention, honest updates, and straightforward advice. We focus on doing what's right and on providing anything in our power to help you and your family recover.

Our commitment to supporting our clients goes beyond the legal aspects of each situation. To us, success means helping Houma families return to stability and look to the future with hope. When you work with our team, you work with advocates who care—every step of the way.