Offshore Injuries Generations of Trusted Advocacy

Houma Offshore Injury Lawyers

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

Representing Victims of Offshore Accidents in Terrebonne Parish

Offshore work is vital to Louisiana’s economy, but the work itself can be extremely dangerous. The men and women who work on oil rigs, platforms, and supply vessels face long hours, dangerous conditions, and unpredictable weather—often hundreds of miles from the nearest shore. With its high risk nature and remote locations, far from medical assistance, offshore work can lead to a perfect storm for catastrophic injuries and deaths when something goes wrong.

At Waitz & Downer, we’ve represented injured offshore workers across South Louisiana for more than 50 years. We know the Gulf, its people, and the industries that help it thrive. Our team understands how offshore accidents happen, what laws protect you, and how to hold negligent companies accountable when they don’t put safety first. If you were injured in an offshore accident, or if someone you love passed away, our firm is here to help.

Contact our office today at (985) 331-7832 to get started with a free consultation. We don’t collect any legal 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.
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.
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.

Understanding Offshore Injuries

An offshore injury is any injury that occurs while working on navigable waters or in connection with offshore operations. These incidents are often severe because of the remote locations, complex machinery, and hazardous environments involved.

Unlike most onshore jobs, offshore work involves a unique mix of risks—explosive materials, high-pressure systems, cranes, heavy equipment, and constant exposure to the elements. A single oversight can change a worker’s life in seconds.

Common Causes of Offshore Injuries

Offshore accidents can happen in many ways, but most are traced back to one thing: preventable negligence.

Some of the most common causes include:

Equipment Failures: Poor maintenance, outdated machinery, or defective parts can lead to catastrophic incidents.
Fires and Explosions: Flammable materials and volatile gases make oil rigs especially prone to deadly fires.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet decks, loose cables, and poor housekeeping create constant hazards.
Lifting and Crane Accidents: Heavy loads can shift unexpectedly or fall if not properly secured.
Falling Objects: Tools or equipment dropped from heights can cause fatal head and spine injuries.
Transportation Accidents: Helicopter crashes and vessel collisions are less common but are often catastrophic when they occur.
Toxic Exposure: Workers can suffer burns, respiratory damage, or long-term illness from chemicals or fumes.
Fatigue and Overwork: Long shifts and limited rest periods increase the risk of human error.

These are not “accidents” in the truest sense—most could be avoided if employers followed proper safety procedures and maintained their equipment responsibly. When someone else, be it an employer, a manufacturer, or some other party, is responsible for a worker’s injury or death, they can and should be held accountable.

Common Types of Offshore Injuries

Because of the dangerous nature of offshore work, injuries are often serious or even life-threatening.

We frequently see cases involving:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Crush injuries and amputations
Severe burns and disfigurement
Broken bones and orthopedic trauma
Back and neck injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Psychological trauma and PTSD

Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to long-term complications when medical care is delayed or incomplete.

The Laws That Protect Offshore Workers

Offshore workers aren’t covered by traditional state workers’ compensation laws. Instead, they’re protected by a series of federal maritime laws designed specifically for those who work at sea.

Depending on your role and where the accident occurred, you may be covered by:

The Jones Act: The Jones Act allows eligible seamen to file claims against their employers for negligence.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): The LHWCA provides benefits to maritime workers who aren’t considered seamen, such as dock or platform workers.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA): The OCSLA extends federal protections to workers on offshore drilling platforms attached to the seabed.
General Maritime Law: General maritime law ensures all seamen are entitled to “maintenance and cure,” which covers medical expenses and basic living costs after an injury.

Each law works differently, and knowing which one applies can make a major difference in your recovery. That’s why it’s essential to have an attorney who understands maritime and offshore law.

What To Do After an Offshore Injury

If you’re injured offshore, the steps you take immediately afterward can affect your health and your case.

If possible, take the following steps:

Report the injury to your supervisor right away and ensure an official report is filed.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you must be transported to shore.
Avoid signing or giving statements to company representatives before speaking to an attorney.
Document everything, including names of witnesses, photos, and any safety violations you noticed.
Contact an offshore injury lawyer who can help protect your rights and guide your next steps.

Remember: your employer and their insurance company are looking out for their bottom line, not yours. Having your own advocate is critical.

At Waitz & Downer, we’ve built a reputation for standing up for Gulf Coast workers. Our Houma offshore injury attorneys understand how these operations work because we’ve spent decades representing the people who keep them running. We know how much is at stake—your livelihood, your recovery, and your family’s future. That’s why we fight for every client’s right to full, fair compensation.

Over Five Decades of Legal Practice Protecting Families for Generations

Let's Get Started

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 Offshore Workers Trust Waitz & Downer

With Their Injury Claims

Since 1971, Waitz & Downer has been a trusted name throughout Terrebonne Parish. Founded by Joseph L. Waitz and carried forward by three generations of his family alongside Hunt Downer and a highly skilled local team, our firm combines deep community roots with over 100 years of combined legal experience.

Injured offshore workers choose us because we offer:

Extensive experience in maritime and offshore injury law
Proven results for injured seamen, rig workers, and vessel crew
Local insight into the Gulf Coast’s industries and operations
Personal attention and honest, compassionate guidance

We don’t treat our clients like case numbers—we treat them like family.

If you were hurt while working offshore, or if you’ve lost a loved one in an offshore accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. You deserve answers, accountability, and the chance to rebuild.

Contact our offshore injury attorneys in Houma today to discuss your case. Call (985) 331-7832 for a free consultation.

fighting for the injured

With Generations of Strength

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Waitz & Downer at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy