At Hammer Injury Law, we understand that legal action isn’t just about compensation—it’s about justice, accountability, and making sure harm doesn’t happen again. Based in Edmonton and serving clients across Alberta, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, Hammer Injury Law is led by Rick Mallett, one of Canada’s most recognized class action lawyers. Named Best Lawyers’ “Lawyer of the Year” for Class Action Litigation in 2023, Rick brings not just legal expertise, but courage and commitment to every case.
Whether you’ve been harmed by a defective product, a negligent institution, or a misleading corporate practice, the decision between launching a class action or filing an individual lawsuit is an important one. This blog will help you understand the key differences and when a class action might be the better path forward.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit brings together a group of people who’ve all been harmed in a similar way by the same organization. Instead of everyone filing separate lawsuits, one or two people represent the entire group in a single case. This can be a powerful way to hold big companies or institutions accountable.
Here are some real-world situations where class actions often arise:
- A corporation sells a defective product that causes injury—like a popular brand of kitchen appliance that overheats and catches fire, burning several customers across the country.
- A care facility or hospital mistreats patients, and dozens of residents or family members come forward with similar stories of neglect or harm.
- A government agency or utility overcharges customers, pollutes the environment, or fails to provide safe services, impacting thousands of residents in a community.
In each of these situations, the harm may be too expensive or complicated for one person to fight alone. But by joining forces through a class action, individuals can access strong legal representation and push for real accountability.
What Is an Individual Lawsuit?
An individual lawsuit is a legal claim filed by a single person (or occasionally a small group) against another party. In injury law, this could be someone who:
- Was hurt in a car crash caused by another driver
- Suffered a fall due to unsafe property conditions
- Sustained injuries from a product or service
This approach gives the plaintiff full control over the legal process—from choosing their lawyer to deciding whether to settle or go to trial.
Why You Might Choose an Individual Lawsuit
There are good reasons to file an individual claim rather than join a class action. You may prefer an individual lawsuit if:
- Your injuries are more severe than those of others affected
- You want more control over decisions like settlements or trial strategy
- You seek a higher individual payout, not shared with a broader group
- Your case is time-sensitive, and a class action might take years
For example, if a product caused a minor skin rash in most users but resulted in permanent scarring for you, your damages may exceed what a class action would deliver.
When a Class Action Might Be the Better Option
A class action may be the stronger choice when:
- Many people were harmed in the same way by the same party
- The cost of filing individually is too high relative to your expected compensation
- You prefer less involvement and are comfortable with a lead plaintiff handling the process
- You want to send a strong message and change systemic behavior
Joining a class action can level the playing field. Instead of dozens of individuals with limited resources taking on a corporation, a class action pools resources and sends a powerful legal and public signal.
Class Actions and Your Right to Be Heard
When many people are harmed by the same company, institution, or government body, it can feel like your voice gets lost in the noise. But a class action brings those voices together—and gives them real power. Rick Mallett and Hammer Injury Law have spent years helping everyday people stand up to some of the most powerful organizations in Canada.
Class actions don’t just pursue compensation—they shine a light on hidden harm. Whether it’s unsafe medical products, predatory billing practices, or institutional neglect, these cases help expose wrongdoing and push for lasting change.
Rick understands how overwhelming these situations can be. He’ll take the time to understand your story, explain your legal options, and help you determine whether a class action or individual lawsuit gives you the strongest path to justice. For many, a class action is the most practical way to be heard—and to make sure what happened to you doesn’t happen again.
A Partner in Pursuit of Justice
Rick Mallett isn’t just a lawyer—he’s a tireless advocate for fairness, accountability, and meaningful results. Recognized across Canada for his leadership in class action litigation, Rick has helped bring justice to people harmed by telecommunications giants, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and government bodies alike.
But for Rick, it’s never about headlines—it’s about you. Every class action begins with a real person who deserves answers and action. He brings experience, integrity, and determination to every case he takes on—and he’s not afraid to take on complex, high-stakes litigation when it means doing what’s right.
If you think you may have been wronged by a corporation or institution, Rick will listen. He’ll give you honest advice about whether a class action or an individual lawsuit is right for your situation—and he’ll be by your side if you choose to move forward.
Wondering Which Path Is Right for You?
If you’ve been injured or wronged by a product, service, or organization, you don’t have to make this decision alone.
Hammer Injury Law is here to help. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options clearly, and let you know whether an individual lawsuit or a class action might make the most sense for your situation.
Contact Rick Mallett at Hammer Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation. Whether you’re one voice or part of many, we’re ready to fight for you.