At Join the Claim, we hear a lot of questions from people thinking about joining a group action. It’s completely normal to have concerns. After all, legal action can feel daunting if you’ve never been involved before. Here’s a straightforward guide to some of the most common queries we get
“What happens if I join, will anyone know who I am?”
Privacy is one of the biggest worries for potential claimants. In some group actions, the names of claimants can appear on a public court document, especially if the case is managed under a Group Litigation Order (GLO) (a court order that brings similar claims together into a single legal action).
However, your personal details aren’t splashed across the internet or the news just because you join. In many situations, only the court, your legal team, and the defendant will know you are part of the claim. If public listing is a possibility, your solicitor will explain exactly what that means.
“If I miss the deadline, can I still join a class action?”
Unfortunately, missing the deadline often means you can’t take part. Group actions have strict cut-off dates to make sure the case can move forward fairly. That’s why we always say: if you think you might have a claim, act sooner rather than later.
That said, there are rare exceptions. If a new phase of the case opens, or if another related claim is launched, you might still have a chance. The safest bet is to check your eligibility right away rather than risk losing out.
“What if I’m still employed by the company I’m suing? Could that lead to retaliation?”
This is a common concern. The good news is that the law protects employees from retaliation for taking legal action, whether individually or as part of a group. It’s illegal for an employer to sack you, demote you, or treat you unfairly because you’re involved in a claim.
That said, we know the worry is real — especially if your workplace is small. If you believe your employer is penalising you for joining a claim, it’s worth discussing it with an employment law solicitor, who can advise on steps to protect yourself and your job.
“If the case is won, how soon do I get paid. Will I still be waiting months later?”
Winning a case is just the start of the final stage. The timeline for distributing compensation can vary depending on how the defendant pays, how many claimants there are, and whether there are any disputes over amounts owed.
It’s not unusual for payouts to take several months after a settlement or court win, especially in complex cases. While delays can be frustrating, your legal team should keep you updated on progress and explain what’s happening behind the scenes.
“What does ‘no-win, no-fee’ really mean?”
Most group actions run on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and if the case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe your solicitor for their legal work. If the case wins, your solicitor’s fees are usually deducted from your compensation.
However, T&Cs do apply, so it’s important to read the funding agreement carefully to ensure you understand exactly what will be deducted and when.
When you register with a law firm via Join the Claim, we explain these terms clearly before you sign up, so there are no surprises later.
Want to know more?
If you’re thinking about joining a group action, it’s better to get clear answers upfront than to guess. At Join the Claim, we’re here to make the process as transparent, straightforward, and stress-free as possible.
If you’d like help understanding some of the legal terms you might come across, take a look at our group litigation jargon buster. It’s a simple guide to help you cut through the complexity.
