Wrongful Death Generations of Trusted Advocacy

Houma Wrongful Death Attorneys

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

Seeking Justice for Families Across Terrebonne Parish

There’s nothing more painful than losing someone you love, especially when their death could have been prevented. When a fatal accident happens because of someone else’s negligence, the emotional toll is often made worse as families grapple with unanswered questions and uncertainty.

At Waitz & Downer, we understand that no amount of recovery can ever replace the person you’ve lost. What it can do is bring accountability to those responsible and provide the financial security your family needs to move forward. For more than five decades, our attorneys have stood beside families throughout Houma, Terrebonne Parish, and across South Louisiana, helping them seek justice with compassion, care, and strength. If you believe you may have a wrongful death case, reach out to our firm today to learn more about your options and how we can help.

Contact us online or call (985) 331-7832 for a free consultation with one of our compassionate and experienced wrongful death attorneys in Houma.

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.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life because of another party’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions. These claims are civil (not criminal) cases; the goal is not to seek criminal penalties against the responsible party but, rather, to recover compensation for surviving loved ones.

Wrongful death cases often follow incidents such as:

Car, truck, motorcycle, and other vehicle accidents
Offshore and oilfield accidents
Maritime and Jones Act-related fatalities
Workplace or industrial accidents
Defective or unsafe products
Medical malpractice or negligence

In each of these situations, the central question is the same: Could this death have been prevented if the responsible party had done the right thing? When the answer is yes, your family has the right to hold them accountable.

Supporting Families in Difficult Times

When we take on a wrongful death case, our first priority is to take care of the family. That means listening, understanding, and guiding you through every step of the process with honesty and compassion.

When you choose our firm, we can:

Conduct a full investigation to determine how the death occurred and, most importantly, who is responsible
Work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and economists to calculate the full value of your family’s losses
Handle all communication with insurers and corporations so you can focus on grieving, healing, and spending time with your loved ones
Pursue accountability and justice through negotiation or trial, depending on what your family needs

We know that taking legal action can feel overwhelming during a time of grief. Our team is here to shoulder that burden for you with patience, care, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right.

Why Families Turn to Our Houma Wrongful Death Lawyers

Since 1971, Waitz & Downer has been a pillar of strength for families across South Louisiana. We’ve built our reputation on compassion, integrity, and results, proudly standing beside our neighbors when they need help most.

Families choose our firm because we offer:

Over 100 years of combined legal experience in serious injury and wrongful death cases
Deep roots in the Gulf Coast community, with a true understanding of local industries and challenges
A client-first approach, where you’re treated like family, not a case file

We’re more than lawyers. We’re part of this community. When tragedy strikes, we fight for families like we’d fight for our own.

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.

Speak With a Wrongful Death Attorney

At Our Firm Today

If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident that never should have happened, you don’t have to face the next steps alone. Our attorneys are here to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you find a path forward.

Call Waitz & Downer today for a free, private consultation. We represent families throughout Houma, Terrebonne Parish, and across South Louisiana with care, strength, and unwavering dedication. Let our family help yours find the justice and peace you deserve.

Call (985) 331-7832 to schedule a complimentary 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