Oilfield Accidents Generations of Trusted Advocacy

Oilfield Accident Attorneys in Houma

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

Decades of Experience Handling Oilfield Injury Claims in Terrebonne Parish

In southern Louisiana, oilfield work, though dangerous and demanding, is essential. The people who do this work—on rigs, platforms, pipelines, and refineries—keep our communities and our economy running. But when safety standards fail or go unmet, the consequences can be devastating.

At Waitz & Downer, we’ve spent decades representing oilfield workers and their families after serious accidents. We understand the risks of this industry because it’s part of who we are. Our Houma oilfield accident lawyers have seen firsthand how one moment on the job can change everything—and how much strength it takes to rebuild afterward.

If you or someone you love was involved in an oilfield accident in Houma or anywhere in Terrebonne Parish, we can help. Call us at (985) 331-7832 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

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.

The Dangers of Oilfield Work

Oilfield operations involve heavy machinery, volatile chemicals, and long hours. Even when everyone is careful, the work itself carries inherent danger. That’s why safety procedures, proper equipment maintenance, and clear communication are so critical.

Unfortunately, when companies cut corners or fail to train their workers properly, those risks increase dramatically. A single oversight—an uninspected valve, a defective pipe, a fatigued crew—can lead to explosions, fires, catastrophic injuries, and deaths.

Oilfield accidents can happen in countless ways. Some of the most common include:

Explosions and Fires: Often caused by gas leaks, electrical sparks, or improper handling of flammable materials, these incidents can cause severe burns and fatal injuries.
Blowouts: A sudden, uncontrolled release of oil or gas can lead to violent explosions and extensive destruction.
Equipment Failures: Defective drilling rigs, cranes, or pressure systems can cause crush injuries, amputations, or electrocutions.
Transportation Accidents: Workers traveling to and from remote oilfield sites can be involved in serious truck or helicopter crashes.
Falls: Slippery platforms, unstable scaffolding, and poor lighting create hazards for workers, both on the ground and in the air. Pretty
Caught-in or Struck-by Accidents: Moving machinery, heavy pipes, and swinging loads can cause devastating injuries in an instant.
Chemical Exposure: Contact with drilling muds, solvents, and toxic fumes can cause lasting harm to the skin, lungs, and nervous system.

Every oilfield worker deserves an environment where safety isn’t optional. When that duty is ignored, Waitz & Downer stands ready to hold the responsible parties accountable. Our Houma oilfield accident attorneys are ready to fight for you.

Common Causes of Oilfield Accidents

Oilfield accidents are rarely “just bad luck.” These incidents happen when mistakes are made, when standards are ignored, and when employers cut corners at the expense of worker safety.

Oilfield accidents often happen when:

Equipment isn’t properly inspected or maintained
Supervisors ignore known safety hazards
Workers are pushed to meet unrealistic deadlines
Safety gear is missing, outdated, or defective
Companies fail to provide proper training or supervision
Contractors or third parties fail to coordinate safely

Under Louisiana regulations and federal laws, employers and contractors have a legal duty to protect their workers. When they fail in that duty, injured workers have the right to seek justice and fair compensation.

Oilfield Accidents Injuries

The physical toll of oilfield accidents can be life-altering. Due to the intense, hazardous nature of this type of work, accidents tend to result in catastrophic injuries.

Common injuries from oilfield accidents include:

Severe burns and scarring
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord and back injuries
Crush injuries and amputations
Broken bones and internal trauma
Toxic exposure and respiratory illness
Post-traumatic stress and emotional trauma

Recovering from these injuries can take months—or a lifetime. Many workers are unable to return to the jobs that once supported their families. That’s why fair compensation is so critical.

What Are Your Legal Options After an Oilfield Accident?

After an oilfield accident, you may have several legal paths depending on how and where you were injured.

Workers’ Compensation: Provides medical coverage and partial wage replacement for job-related injuries; however, it may not cover all your losses.
Personal Injuryor Third-Party Claims: If another party’s negligence contributed to the accident (e.g., a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner) you may be able to recover full compensation for medical care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death Claims: If your loved one was killed in an oilfield accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for loss of support, companionship, future income, and other damages.

Determining which laws apply, especially in cases involving multiple companies or offshore operations, requires experience, understanding, and careful investigation. That’s where Waitz & Downer can help.

For over 50 years, our firm has represented workers across Terrebonne Parish and the Gulf Coast who’ve been injured in oilfield and offshore accidents. We know how complex these cases can be and how much is at stake for the people involved.

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 Oilfield Workers Trust Waitz & Downer

With Their Injury Claims

Our firm has deep roots in this region. Founded in 1971, Waitz & Downer is built on three generations of the Waitz family, the leadership of Hunt Downer, and a team of dedicated local attorneys who understand this region and its industries.

Oilfield workers and their families choose us because we offer:

More than 100 years of combined legal experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
An in-depth understanding of oilfield operations, safety standards, and employer responsibilities
Personal attention, tireless advocacy, and compassionate representation that puts clients first—always
A proven record of helping injured workers recover the compensation they deserve, with millions recovered

We take pride in being the firm people turn to when they need both legal strength and personal care. If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident in Terrebonne Parish or anywhere in South Louisiana, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The legal process can be complicated, but we’re here to help you understand your rights and protect your future.

Contact Waitz & Downer today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll take the time to listen, answer your questions, and stand with you every step of the way because helping our neighbors rebuild their lives is what we’ve done for over 50 years.

Call us at (985) 331-7832 to talk to an oilfield accident lawyer in Houma.

fighting for the injured

With Generations of Strength

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