Industrial Accidents Generations of Trusted Advocacy

Industrial Accident Attorneys in Houma

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

Standing Up for Injured Workers Throughout Terrebonne Parish

South Louisiana’s economy depends on hardworking people—men and women who keep our oilfields running, our refineries operating, and our manufacturing plants producing. But in these demanding environments, one small mistake or safety lapse can lead to life-changing injuries.

At Waitz & Downer, we’ve spent decades standing up for industrial workers and their families after serious accidents. We understand the dangers of these jobs because we live and work in the same communities where they happen. When safety rules are ignored or profits are put ahead of people, we help injured workers get the justice and support they deserve.

To speak to our Houma industrial accident attorneys about your case, give us a call at (985) 331-7832 or contact us online. We offer free consultations and don’t collect any attorney fees unless we win your case.

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.
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.

What Is Considered an “Industrial Accident?”

An industrial accident includes any incident that occurs in a workplace involving heavy machinery, hazardous materials, or unsafe working conditions. These accidents are common in industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, and transportation, all of which play major roles in our region’s economy.

Industrial accidents can take many forms, including:

Explosions and Fires: Such incidents are often caused by equipment malfunctions, gas leaks, or unsafe storage of flammable materials.
Equipment and Machinery Accidents: Crushed limbs, amputations, or fatal injuries can occur when machinery isn’t properly maintained or guarded.
Chemical Exposure: Contact with toxic substances can cause burns, respiratory damage, or long-term illness.
Falls from Heights: Industrial workers frequently work on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms, where a fall can cause serious or fatal injuries.
Electrocutions: Common in construction and plant maintenance, electrocutions are often caused by faulty wiring or inadequate safety training.
Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Collisions: Forklifts, cranes, and industrial vehicles can cause devastating injuries when operated unsafely.
Structural Failures: Collapsing walkways, tanks, or support structures can trap or crush workers.

Industrial sites often involve complex operations with many contractors and layers of responsibility. When something goes wrong, it can be difficult for workers to know who’s accountable or where to turn for help. That’s where an experienced industrial accident lawyer can make a real difference.

How Industrial Accidents Happen

Most industrial accidents aren’t “random” occurrences. They’re the result of preventable safety failures.

Some common causes of industrial accidents include:

Inadequate training or supervision
Lack of proper safety equipment
Failure to follow OSHA regulations
Poor maintenance of machinery and tools
Unsafe work procedures or production pressure
Negligence by third-party contractors or equipment manufacturers

Workers have the right to a safe workplace. When that right is violated, employers and others responsible for unsafe conditions can and should be held accountable.

Legal Options for Injured Industrial Workers

After an industrial accident, injured workers often face steep medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about how to support their families. Depending on the situation, several legal options may be available.

Workers’ Compensation: In Louisiana, workers’ compensation covers medical costs and a portion of lost wages for on-the-job injuries. However, it often doesn’t cover the full extent of losses.
Third-Party Claims: If someone other than your employer—such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—contributed to your injury, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for additional compensation.
Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one was killed in an industrial accident, families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional suffering.

An experienced industrial accident attorney in Houma can review your situation and determine which types of claims you may have.

How Waitz & Downer Can Help

For more than 50 years, Waitz & Downer has represented industrial workers across Terrebonne Parish and South Louisiana. Our attorneys know the industries that define this region—oil and gas, shipyards, refineries, and construction—and we understand the safety standards that are supposed to protect workers.

When we take on a case, we handle every detail so you can focus on recovery. Our team is ready to:

Conduct a full investigation to determine how the accident happened and who’s responsible.
Work with safety experts, engineers, and medical professionals to build a clear picture of your losses.
Deal directly with insurance companies, employers, and other parties to protect your rights.
Fight for full and fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and future care needs.

We know that after an industrial accident, you’re not just dealing with an injury; you’re dealing with the impact it has on your family, your work, and your future. Our goal is to help you rebuild with strength and confidence.

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.

Why Workers Choose Us

After Industrial Accidents

We’ve built our firm on the belief that hardworking people deserve strong advocates. Founded in 1971 and guided by three generations of the Waitz family, along with Hunt Downer and our respected local team, Waitz & Downer combines decades of legal experience with a deep commitment to the Gulf Coast community.

Clients turn to us because we offer:

Over 100 years of combined experience in serious injury and wrongful death
A proven record of recovering results for industrial workers
Local insight into the unique risks of South Louisiana industries
A client-first approach, where honesty and compassion guide every decision

When you hire Waitz & Downer, you get more than a lawyer. You get a team that stands beside you from start to finish.

If you’ve been injured in an industrial accident in Terrebonne Parish or anywhere in South Louisiana, you have rights, and you deserve to know what those rights are. Our Houma industrial accident lawyers are here to help you understand your options and take the next steps toward recovery.

Call Waitz & Downer today at (985) 331-7832 for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you move forward.

fighting for the injured

With Generations of Strength

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