If you’ve been injured, finding the right personal injury lawyer can feel overwhelming. You might see big law firms with flashy ads promising fast settlements. You might also come across local personal injury attorneys who offer a more personal approach. So, who should you choose?
In my experience, bigger isn’t always better. Many large firms operate like settlement mills — taking on hundreds of cases at a time and pushing quick payouts. That approach works for them, but not always for you.
I’ve been on all sides of personal injury — first in insurance defense, and then at a large injury firm. Now, as a local Idaho personal injury attorney, I know the difference personalized representation makes. Here’s what you need to know when choosing who will represent you for your personal injury case.
How Big Firms Work (And Why It May Not Be in Your Best Interest)
Big personal injury firms look impressive, and they promote having all the resources and lawyers on hand to win your case. While they often have an experienced team, many of these firms handle hundreds or even thousands of cases at once — which is why big firms may not be the best fit for everyone.
Here’s what happens behind-the-scenes at many large firms:
- High case volume with less personal attention — Your case is one of many, which means it may not get the focus it deserves.
- You might never speak with an attorney — Rather than working directly with an attorney, your case is often managed by paralegals or assistants.
- Settlements are pushed through quickly — Large firms prioritize speed over strategy, often leaving money on the table.
- Trial isn’t part of the plan — Many large firms avoid taking cases to court because trials take time, and quick payouts keep their business moving.
For some people, a quick settlement works. But when you’ve suffered serious injuries, you need an attorney who will give your case the full attention it deserves.
What Are Settlement Mills?
At the extreme end of big injury firms are settlement mills — the kind of firm you want to avoid entirely. These firms take the high-volume approach even further, prioritizing quick, lowball settlements over actually advocating for their clients. Instead of building strong cases, their goal is to churn through claims as fast as possible.
Here’s how settlement mills typically operate:
- They prioritize speed over compensation — The goal is to settle fast, even if it means accepting far less than what your case is worth.
- Clients never speak directly with an attorney — Most communication is handled by case managers.
- Cases are handled assembly-line style — There’s little to no individualized strategy.
- Insurance companies know these firms won’t go to trial — This means lower settlement offers from the start.
While this approach profits the law firm, it often shortchanges the client. You deserve better.
Benefits of Hiring a Solo Personal Injury Attorney
When you work with a solo personal injury attorney, your case isn’t one file in a stack — it gets the attention it deserves. Below are some of the benefits of working with an independent, local personal injury attorney:
- Direct communication and 1:1 attention — Work directly with your attorney, not a case manager or assistant.
- A strategy tailored to your case — Every case is unique, and a solo injury attorney builds a legal approach based on your specific injuries, losses, and needs.
- Maximizing compensation — Large firms prioritize speed, while a dedicated attorney focuses on securing the best possible outcome for you.
- Prepared to go to trial – Insurance companies take lawyers more seriously when they know they’re willing to fight in court if necessary.
- Client-focused representation – With a smaller, more concentrated caseload, solo attorneys offer more personalized attention and truly advocate for their clients.
How to Choose the Right Representation for Your Personal Injury Case
If you’re trying to decide which personal injury firm to represent you, here are a few questions to consider. You may want to make a list to directly ask each firm or lawyer.
1. Who Will Actually Handle Your Case?
- Will you have direct access to an attorney, or just a case manager?
- Can you call your lawyer when you have questions?
- Will your case be one of hundreds on their desk?
2. Do They Prioritize Settlements Over Client Needs?
- Do they push quick settlements or build strong cases?
- Are they willing to take your case to trial if needed?
- Do they have a history of maximizing client compensation?
3. Do They Have Experience Handling Cases Like Yours?
- Have they worked on cases similar to yours?
- Do they have a track record of success and testimonials from clients?
- Have they gone up against insurance companies before?
Why Choose Schmitz Law for Your Personal Injury Case
Here’s what I promise when you choose to work with me at Schmitz Law:
- One-on-one representation — Your case isn’t just another file on a desk. You get direct access to me as your attorney, not just a case manager or assistant. I take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the process.
- Insurance defense experience — At the beginning of my career, I spent years on the other side of personal injury cases, defending insurance companies. I know how they think, the tactics they use to minimize payouts, and how to push back to get the compensation you actually deserve.
- A real strategy, not just a quick settlement — Some firms rush cases through the system, accepting lowball offers just to move on to the next one. That’s not how I operate. I take the time to build a strong case, negotiate aggressively, and fight for the best possible outcome.
- Trial-ready representation — Insurance companies know which lawyers will settle fast and which ones are willing to go to trial. If they refuse to play fair, I have experience in local Idaho courts and am prepared to take your case to trial and fight for what’s right.
- A lawyer who actually cares — This might sound cliche, but you’re not just another case number here. I know how overwhelming an injury can be, and I’m committed to helping you move forward. Whether that means tough negotiations, preparing for trial, or simply answering your calls when you need clarity, I’m here to make sure you feel heard, supported, and taken care of.
Choosing a lawyer is a big decision, and I want you to feel confident in your choice. That’s why I offer a free case review to discuss your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. Big law firms may be right for some people, but if you want someone who works with you 1:1, fights for your maximum compensation, and gives your case the attention it deserves, let’s talk.
