MCP Solicitors News

Why Not To Use Panel Firms

 

Insurance companies providing legal expenses cover often promote their panel firms as a better option than your local solicitor for dealing with claims, whether these be personal injury cases, employment cases or some other type of claim. However many of the reasons given for using panel solicitors do not bear any relation to the practical realities. Below are some examples:-

  • In personal injury cases we do not issue interim invoices to our clients and in most cases client’s keep 100% of their damages so do not have to pay an invoice at any stage. Because in most cases we operate on a no win no fee basis then if the claim does not succeed the client does not have to pay us anything.
  • Some insurers claim that there are delays caused by using a local solicitor as terms of business have to be agreed with that solicitor. While it is correct that legal expenses insurers who instruct local solicitors have to agree terms of business, this process should not take more than a few days and would not normally hold up the progress of a claim.
  • It is claimed the panel solicitors often have greater expertise than local firms. Our experience from taking over cases which had been conducted by panel firms is that they often employ very junior staff to do the work and therefore they have less rather more expertise. One of the reasons for this may be the fact that there is usually a financial arrangement between the insurer and the panel firm whereby the panel firm pay for the work that they have been provided with. Therefore they are under pressure to maximise their profits by employing junior staff to do the work.

 

So what are the benefits of using a local solicitor?

First, the fact that we are local. Panel firms appointed by legal expenses insurers will almost invariably not be local and therefore you will not be able to meet with the person conducting your case. By contrast you can meet with us at any time and we can even travel to your house if need be.

Second, all of the fee earners dealing with your case will be qualified, and in most cases will have many years experience in personal injury work.

Third, we can offer you a range of services, so if for example receive a large personal injury settlement and wish to buy a property or revise your Will, we can take care of this for you.

If you have the benefit of legal expenses to cover a case you are involved in, but are not sure about who to use we are always happy to provide a free half hour’s worth of advice and to answer any questions you may have regarding the merits of the case or the funding of it.

For more information please contact Ben Dures 01842 756104 or email ben.dures@mcp-law.co.uk.