Why it matters: When making a personal injury claim, your choice of solicitor can significantly impact both the process and outcome. While insurance companies often push claimants towards national panel firms, local solicitors say they offer distinct advantages.
The big picture: The number of law firms handling personal injury cases has dropped by 4.3% since 2021, with just 3,637 firms now undertaking this work. Despite this shrinking market, local law firm Ellisons Solicitors argues that local firms can provide benefits that larger national practices struggle to match.
Key advantages of local solicitors:
Face-to-face consultations and direct access to your solicitor, rather than dealing with call centres
Better understanding of local courts and judicial systems
Ability to visit accident sites quickly and gather crucial evidence
More personalised service and closer involvement in case management
Greater focus on fair compensation over quick settlements
What they're saying: "Choosing a local solicitor often means more direct engagement with your case. You're not just a file number; you're a client whose situation is fully understood," says Stevan Stratton, Head of Injury Services at Ellisons Solicitors.
The other side: Insurance companies require claimants to use their national panel firms, which can handle high volumes of cases efficiently. However, according to a 2023 report by the Personal Injury Lawyers Association, these firms sometimes prioritise quick settlements over fair compensation.
"We are regularly contacted people who are unhappy with the service they’ve received from national panel firms, feeling either that their claims have been undervalued or that their case has been unfairly abandoned," Stratton notes. "We can focus solely on achieving the best outcome for each client."
Bottom line: For individuals considering a personal injury claim, legal experts advise reaching out to a local personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Early intervention allows solicitors to assess the case thoroughly, identify key evidence and start building a case strategy.
“Timeliness can greatly impact the outcome of a claim,” says Stratton. “The earlier we can begin gathering evidence and assessing damages, the better positioned we are to secure the best possible outcome."
