10 Problems That Could Arise From Joining In on a Group Legal Claim

• Author: Natasha Herman
• Posted: 2024-07-25

Have you ever received an invitation to join a group legal claim? It may seem like a tempting opportunity to seek compensation for damages, but it's important to consider potential problems before joining. Group legal claims, also known as class actions or collective actions, involve multiple plaintiffs who come together to sue one or more defendants. While joining a group claim seems like a powerful way to achieve justice, it can sometimes result in unintended consequences, including:
 

1. Lack of Control

Your interests may differ from the other group members, and the settlement reached may not reflect your expectations. In individual claims, you have greater control over the direction of the case and the legal strategy used to seek compensation. In class action lawsuits, court-appointed representatives or lead plaintiffs may be the only ones with a say in decision-making. Therefore, it's crucial to consider what you expect from the litigation and understand that the collective interest may sometimes differ from the individual's interests.
 

2. Slow Process

Group legal claims can be slower to resolve than individual claims because finding all potential claimants for the group may take longer. Each claimant must undergo the verification process, which can be time-consuming. Even if all plaintiffs have joined the group, the case may take more time to resolve because of the involvement of many parties. The prolonged waiting time may be frustrating and impact personal finances and other areas of life. Therefore, it's important to consider the suit's timeline and the likely course to understand the potential risks of the group claim.
 

3. Lower Settlement Amounts

The settlement received may be divided among the group members, resulting in a lower payout than you would receive in an individual case. Additionally, legal fees may be higher, reducing the overall payout to the claimants. For example, the fees could offset the money received or make it negligible. Therefore, you must understand the costs and the likely compensation to claimants.
 

4. High Fees

Legal fees for group legal claims can be higher than for individual claims. It's because of the complexity of the legal procedures involved in group claims. In addition, hidden costs, sometimes added without the client's knowledge, could escalate the legal fees. Thus, it's vital to know the costs involved in the legal procedure, as they could be far more expensive than individual claims.
 

5. Pressure to Conform

Most members' opinions may overshadow personal views, especially when the lead plaintiff in the case is an authoritative group member. The expectations of the group must not blind your values and beliefs. Therefore, know your values and the expected compensation before committing to such a case.
 

6. Limited Communication

Limited communication between plaintiffs and their lawyers for updates, follow-ups, and important information could impact the case outcome. It's due to the numerous parties involved in the case, which could make it challenging to communicate correctly. Consequently, it's essential to comprehend the communication and be open to possibly restricted conversations.
 

7. Risks of Opting Out

Opting out of a group legal claim could be a risky strategy. All plaintiffs in the group may share the cost and burden of bringing legal charges. Opting out could mean losing the potential benefits of being part of a collective legal action. Hence, opting out should only happen in specific situations if one doesn't agree with the course of the litigation or holds completely different perspectives.
 

8. Complicated Legal Process

The intricate legalities and challenging terms associated with group claims can be overwhelming. The complexities of legal procedures can lead to confusion or exclusion of certain members. However, hiring the right legal representatives can minimize this effect. Thus, assess your legal expertise and comprehension of the terms and processes before participating in such claims.
 

9. Limited Compensation for Non-Lead Plaintiffs

Lead plaintiffs may participate more in litigation and receive larger compensation than other members. As such, other group members may not receive the expected settlement even if they face damages from the issue. Find out the role of lead plaintiffs and the distribution of compensation to the group members.
 

10. Privacy Concerns

Sometimes, the claimants' personal identifying information may be publicly available during litigation, especially if the case receives significant media attention. There may not be complete control over the release of information, and it may become difficult to track the use of such information. Thus, potential claimants must take adequate precautions to reduce the information-sharing risk, especially when it's not legally necessary.


Group legal claims can offer a cost-effective strategy for seeking compensation, especially when the damages suffered are relatively minor. However, the potential for limited communication, complicated legal processes, and privacy concerns are some of the risks and drawbacks of joining such claims. Understanding these factors and involving an expert will help you make a well-informed decision to be part of a group legal claim.