Ah, inefficiency. Perhaps the only word more cringe-worthy to lawyers than “case dismissed.”
It lurks in the dark corners of your operations, siphoning off your hard-earned money faster than you can say “objection.”
But nowhere is inefficiency more cryptic (and costly) than in the realm of service of process. You may think you’re cutting costs by skimping on process server selection, but before you know it, your budget will be as tight as the judge’s face when you’re two minutes late.
In this blog post, we’ll discover the hidden costs of inefficient process service. Stay with us.
The Not-So-Simple Cost of Time
Time lost is essentially money flushed down the drain (especially in the legal world where deadlines are everything).
An inefficient process server may miss deadlines, arrive late, or simply drag their feet, causing delays that could mean the difference between a case won and a case lost.
And let’s not even get into the domino effect. A single delay can cause a ripple effect and push back everything from court dates to adjournments.
It’ll eat up precious time you could have used for case preparation or other clients.
Legal Risks: When Costs Snowball
Inefficient process service isn’t just about delays; it’s also a potential legal landmine.
Failure to serve papers correctly could lead to motions to dismiss or even a lawsuit. If you’ve ever faced the wrath of an angry judge for an error that wasn’t even your fault, you’ll know it’s an experience best avoided.
The financial and reputational costs can snowball rapidly and eclipse whatever money you thought you were saving initially.
Recommended Read: The Anatomy of a Process Server’s Day: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
An Annoyed Client is a Lost Client
Let’s talk client relations. You’ve promised your client that this legal battle would be swift and just. Then, a process server you hired for their low rates botches the job.
What happens next?
Your client, now irritated, questions your judgment and perhaps even takes their business elsewhere. The lifetime value of a client is significantly higher than the immediate costs you may have saved.
Administrative Nightmares
Don’t underestimate the administrative burden of botched service. The paperwork alone can make even the most organized paralegal go weak at the knees.
Errors often result in repeat work: new documents, rescheduled services, added layers of proof and verification, etc. All of this translates into more hours spent and, thus, increased costs.
Hidden Emotional Costs
While it may not appear on a balance sheet, stress is a hidden cost of inefficient service of process. The mental toll it takes on you and your staff can’t be ignored.
Stress leads to reduced productivity and increased error rates. It contributes to a less efficient and less profitable practice in the grand scheme of things.
Start Working with SwiftWings Express
As you review your options for process servers, think beyond the sticker price. True cost-effectiveness isn’t about going cheap; it’s about investing wisely.
Choose a service that’s reliable, professional, and in it for the long haul. Because when it comes to inefficient service of process, the hidden costs are simply too high to ignore.
SwiftWings Express should be your first call. We provide professional service of process in Weaverville, NC. Our private process servers go the extra mile to provide unmatched quality. We also specialize in same-day process service.