New Orleans, Louisiana
Free Consultation · No Fee Unless We Win
We believe you should understand exactly how your case will be handled before you hire us. The personal injury process can feel overwhelming — especially when you are dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies at the same time. This page walks you through our process from the moment you call to the final resolution of your case.
Every case is different, but the framework remains consistent. Gary W. Johnson — who developed his approach to legal analysis as a clerk at the Louisiana Supreme Court — applies the same methodical, detail-oriented process to every case we take.
It starts with a conversation. You tell us what happened. We listen carefully, ask the right questions, and give you an honest assessment of whether you have a viable case. There is no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. If we believe we can help, we explain how — and what the process will look like from here. If your case is outside our practice areas, we will tell you that directly and refer you to someone who can help.
Before anything else, we make sure you are getting the medical care you need. We can connect you with physicians who understand injury cases and know how to document injuries for legal purposes. Proper medical documentation from the start is essential — it establishes the connection between the accident and your injuries, and it ensures nothing is overlooked in your treatment plan. This step is about your recovery, not the legal process.
While you focus on healing, we are building your case. We obtain the police report, interview witnesses, request traffic camera or surveillance footage, photograph the scene if needed, and gather all relevant medical records and bills. For truck accident cases, this includes sending spoliation letters to preserve electronic logging data, driver records, and maintenance logs. When the evidence warrants it, we bring in accident reconstruction specialists or other experts. The goal is to leave no question unanswered before we engage with the insurance company.
Once you have reached maximum medical improvement — the point where your doctors determine your condition has stabilized — we compile everything into a comprehensive demand package. This includes a detailed narrative of the accident, your medical records and bills, employment documentation showing lost wages, and evidence supporting pain and suffering. This is where the meticulous, Supreme Court–level preparation pays off: a well-documented demand gives the insurance company less room to argue. We present the demand and negotiate on your behalf, keeping you informed at every stage.
The majority of personal injury cases settle before a lawsuit is filed. If the insurance company offers fair compensation — an amount that reflects the true value of your injuries, lost income, and suffering — we recommend accepting. If they do not, we file suit. Filing a lawsuit signals to the insurer that we are serious, which often elevates settlement offers. Our firm advances all costs of litigation so you never have to pay out of pocket.
In litigation, both sides exchange information through a process called discovery. We gather additional evidence, depose the at-fault party and their witnesses, and prepare expert testimony to support your case. Your deposition — where you tell your story under oath — is a critical moment. We prepare you thoroughly so you know exactly what to expect and how to answer effectively. This stage is about building the strongest possible case for trial or final settlement negotiations.
Most cases that reach this stage resolve through mediation — a structured negotiation session with a neutral mediator. If mediation does not produce a fair result, we take your case to a jury. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial from the very beginning — not as a contingency, but because this preparation is what produces the best outcomes at every stage. When a jury sees a thoroughly prepared case, it validates what we have been telling the insurance company all along.
Every case is different. Here are general timelines based on typical scenarios:
3-9 months after maximum medical improvement, depending on the insurer's response
12-24 months from filing, depending on court schedules and complexity
18-36+ months
We never rush a settlement that undervalues your claim. Patience in the process typically produces significantly better outcomes than accepting an early, lowball offer. We keep you informed throughout and explain why each stage takes the time it does.
Gary W. Johnson founded Gary W. Johnson Injury Law to serve individuals and families navigating the aftermath of serious injuries. Before focusing on private practice, Mr. Johnson clerked at the Louisiana Supreme Court and served as general counsel for an international logistics company. He brings a methodical, prepared approach to every case.
