Work Accidents Generations of Trusted Advocacy

Houma Work Accident Attorneys

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

Representing Terrebonne Parish’s Injured Workers

Every day, hardworking people across South Louisiana show up to do tough, demanding jobs. Whether it’s on an oilfield, at a construction site, in a plant, or on the water, these workers form the backbone of our community. But when something goes wrong at work—when an employer cuts corners or safety measures fail—the consequences can be devastating.

At Waitz & Downer, we’ve represented injured workers and their families for more than 50 years. We understand what’s at stake when an accident takes away your health, your income, and your sense of stability. Our Houma work accident lawyers are here to make sure you understand your rights and to fight for the support you need to move forward.

If you were hurt at work, contact us today at (985) 331-7832 to discuss your legal options during a free initial 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.
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.
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.

Common Types of Workplace Accidents

The phrase “workplace accident” can be somewhat misleading, as these incidents don’t always happen at an actual place of work. Rather, a workplace accident is any incident that happens while you’re performing your job duties.

Work-related injuries can range from falls and machinery accidents to chemical exposure or transportation crashes. Some are immediate and catastrophic; others develop over time due to repetitive stress or unsafe conditions. Workplace accidents can happen in any industry, but they’re especially common in South Louisiana’s high-risk fields—oil and gas, construction, shipyards, manufacturing, and maritime work.

Over the decades, our Houma work accident lawyers have handled nearly every kind of work injury case, including:

Slip and Falls and Falls from Heights: Accidents involving wet floors, slippery surfaces, scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms
Struck-by or Caught-in Accidents: Workers pinned between heavy equipment or hit by falling objects
Equipment and Machinery Accidents: Crushed limbs, amputations, and severe trauma caused by unsafe or malfunctioning tools and machines
Vehicle Accidents: Work-related crashes involving commercial vans, trucks, big rigs, forklifts, or industrial vehicles
Electrical Accidents: Shocks, burns, and electrocutions caused by faulty wiring or poor safety procedures
Chemical and Toxic Exposure: Injuries from inhaling fumes or coming into contact with hazardous materials
Overexertion and Repetitive Motion Injuries: Common in industrial, warehouse, and offshore work

Many of these types of accidents could—and should—be prevented with proper safety training, maintenance, and oversight.

How Work Accidents Happen

Workplace safety is the employer’s responsibility. When accidents occur, it’s often because someone failed to do their job.

Workplace accidents are extremely varied, but some of the most common causes of these incidents include:

Inadequate safety training or supervision
Failure to maintain equipment or vehicles
Ignoring OSHA or state safety standards
Lack of proper protective gear
Poor communication between contractors or departments
Pushing employees to work too fast or too long without rest

These failures can lead to serious, even fatal injuries—and workers shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence.

What to Do After a Work Accident

If you’ve been injured at work, the steps you take right away can make a big difference in your recovery and your legal options.

If possible, here are some thing you should do:

Report the injury immediately to your supervisor or safety officer.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor.
Document everything. Take photos, write down what happened, and collect witness names.
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
Contact a work accident lawyer to understand your rights and what compensation you may be entitled to.

Your Legal Options After a Work Accident

One of the most important things any injured worker can do after a work-related accident is to make sure they fully understand their rights. Louisiana law gives injured workers several potential ways to recover compensation; knowing those options and which ones make sense for your case is critical.

Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you could be able to seek compensation in the following ways:

Workers’ Compensation: Most Louisiana employees are covered by this system, which provides medical care and partial wage replacement for job-related injuries. However, it doesn’t always cover the full cost of your losses or long-term effects.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims: If someone other than your employer caused your injury—like a contractor, manufacturer, or property owner—you may be able to file a separate claim for full damages, including pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one was killed in a workplace accident, families may be able to pursue compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of support, future income, and companionship.

Each case is different, and determining which options apply requires careful legal analysis. Our work injury lawyers in Houma can evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action for moving forward.

How Waitz & Downer Helps Injured Workers

For more than five decades, our firm has fought for the rights of injured workers throughout Terrebonne Parish and South Louisiana. We know the challenges working families face after a serious injury—and we know how to navigate the legal system to protect their future.

When you hire our team, we:

Investigate your accident to find out what went wrong and who’s responsible
Gather evidence, including safety reports, maintenance records, and witness statements
Work with medical and vocational experts to determine how your injury affects your ability to work
Negotiate with employers and insurance companies to secure fair compensation or take the case to trial if necessary

Our goal is simple: to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally after an accident that never should have happened. Since 1971, Waitz & Downer has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of South Louisiana. We’re not just lawyers; we’re part of the same communities we serve.

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.

Talk to a Work Accident Lawyer in Houma Today:

(985) 331-7832

If you’ve been injured on the job or lost a loved one in a workplace accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The process can be confusing and frustrating, but help is available.

At Waitz & Downer, we’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight for the justice and support your family deserves. We are proud to have spent decades helping Louisiana workers find strength and stability after tragedy—and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling our office at (985) 331-7832 or by contacting us online.

fighting for the injured

With Generations of Strength

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