Understanding Our Process: From Intake To Trial

Choosing the right law firm can feel intimidating, especially when you’re already facing a difficult situation. At Waltzer Wiygul & Garside, we ensure clients know exactly what to expect at every stage of their case. In this article, we’ll walk you through…

• What happens when you first contact our firm.
• The role you’ll play as a client as we handle your case.
• How we tailor our legal approaches to benefit you throughout your case.

What Happens When I First Contact Your Firm?

While we occasionally have walk-ins, most people call after finding us online or being referred by someone they trust. Calls are always answered by staff who are knowledgeable about the types of law we practice. If a lawyer is available, you may even speak directly with one during that first call.

The first thing we determine is whether the issue falls within our areas of focus—personal injury litigation, environmental law, and general civil litigation. If it doesn’t, we won’t waste your time. Instead, we’ll refer you to an attorney we trust, often someone we’ve worked with personally and would send our own friends or family to.

If the matter does fit our area of focus, we set an appointment at whichever of our three office locations (West Bank of New Orleans, East Bank of New Orleans, or the Mississippi Gulf Coast) is most convenient. And if you can’t travel due to injury or transportation issues, we’ll come to you.

What Does Your Intake Process Include That Others Might Skip?

Our intake is always done in person, not over the phone. We believe a case can look very different on paper than it does when you sit down face-to-face with someone. Intake is not just about learning about your legal issues. It’s also about you interviewing us. You need to feel comfortable with our team, too.

During intake, you’ll meet with a paralegal and, whenever possible, an attorney. We ask about:

• Your family and work background
• What led you to us, whether an injury, an environmental issue, or a community concern
• Your personal goals for the case, be it healing, preventing future harm, securing compensation, or seeking an injunction

We also explain the possible remedies available and gather as much information as possible, from accident or investigation reports, photos, insurance details, and medical reports, so you can leave with peace of mind. Our goal is for you to walk out feeling like a weight has been lifted, thinking “Waltzer Wiygul & Garside will handle this, and I can focus on healing and moving forward”.

What Role Do I Play As A Client During Investigation And Litigation?

Once your intake session is complete, we immediately set up medical care with providers we know and trust. This includes doctors we would send our own families to. From there, your main responsibility is simple: focus on your health and attend appointments.

During the claims process, we:

• Contact insurers or responsible parties directly
• Gather medical records and build your story
• Handle communication and negotiation on your behalf

You will typically only need to get your property inspected (if relevant) and keep us updated on your care.

If litigation becomes necessary, which is less common in personal injury cases but more frequent in environmental matters, we’ll prepare you thoroughly. This may include answering written questions, attending a deposition, or participating in mediation. Before every step, we’ll sit down with you to explain what will happen and make sure you feel confident.

Whether in claims or litigation, our aim is to carry the bulk of the work so you can concentrate on recovery.

How Will You Prepare Me Emotionally And Practically For Each Phase?

Every client is different. You may want detailed updates every week, or you may just want a call when something major happens. We’ll tailor communication to your comfort level.

At intake, we go over insurance coverage, medical billing, and how treatment costs will be managed. We’ll explain what to expect, step by step, without overwhelming you. The more you understand the process, the less stressful it feels. Since the legal system can be slow and insurance companies often make things harder, we do everything possible to make the process easier and less intimidating.

How Is Your Process Tailored To Your Individual Clients, Not The Legal System?

No two clients are the same. Some come in highly emotional, others more detached, and many shift as the case progresses. Our role is to meet you where you are. You will always have direct access to our attorneys and paralegals so you can reach us when needed, even via our cell phone numbers.

We also pride ourselves on ensuring you take home more than we do. While our fees are reasonable to begin with, if circumstances require, we will adjust to maximize your recovery. At the end of the day, it’s about getting you the best possible outcome, not just closing a case.

We tell clients: This is your case, your injury, your life. You set the goal—we’ll create the roadmap to get there.

You will always have ultimate control over whether to settle or go to trial. Our job is to guide you from point A to point B as effectively as possible.

What Technology Or Communication Tools Have You Found Useful For Communicating With Clients?

Communication preferences vary, and we adapt accordingly. We’ve noticed that:

• Older clients often prefer in-person meetings at the office
• Others are comfortable with scheduled phone calls or Zoom
• Younger clients often prefer texting for quick updates and reminders

We also use email for sending documents securely, especially if you are out of state. The key is flexibility. Whether it’s a 10-minute call during lunch, a text check-in about a medical appointment, or an evening conversation after work, we’ll meet you where you are.

Ultimately, you may want to be deeply involved, or you may prefer to leave everything in our hands. Either way, we ensure you’ll feel well-represented and cared for every step of the way.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on the personal injury case process in Louisiana, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 254-4400 today.