Personal injury law often comes into the spotlight when a case involves a settlement that alters the expectations of both victims and defendants. Throughout the United States, civil courts have tens of thousands of personal injury filings annually. Automobile accident cases constitute a significant share of tort filings, with settlement amounts varying with factors such as case severity and jurisdiction. Here, high-stakes settlements not only compensate victims but also influence how insurance companies and attorneys handle such cases. Large resolutions can highlight reckless procedures, prompt reforms, and serve as a measure of accountability.
In North Carolina, less populated counties rarely have settlements in the higher six figures. Yadkin County, with a population of approximately 37,000 according to the 2020 census reports, typically experiences significantly smaller settlements. When a settlement approaches or exceeds the three-quarter-million mark, it is notable in court documents and local jurisprudential observation. Such results can alter the risk attitudes of local enterprises and lead to increased emphasis on safety, while providing economic security for the seriously injured.
Michael Christopher Schehr entered this environment after earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He graduated cum laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2018 and passed the North Carolina Bar the following year. After gaining several years of experience in immigration law, he founded Schehr Law PLLC in Charlotte in 2019. Building a boutique firm in a competitive environment required focusing on client communication, using technology to manage cases, and working effectively with complex personal injury claims. The firm now employs six support personnel and has developed a local reputation for handling complex claims.
One of Schehr’s highest-documented successes occurred in Yadkin County, where he represented an injured passenger, a youth who was a DoorDash driver. In this case, the settlement was worth $802,000, an amount that witnesses have described as one of the largest in the county’s history. Local lawyers noted the size of the resolution relative to typical settlements in the area, in which many cases settle for amounts less than half that amount. The case illustrated how much effort in the preparation of the claim and ongoing advocacy can result in outcomes that diverge from regional averages.
While the Yadkin County settlement made headlines, it is merely one component of a broader pattern of Schehr’s work in personal injury. He has represented clients in a range of automobile and negligence cases, employing negotiation as a complement to litigation when needed. Industry statistics indicate that only some 4 percent of personal injury claims made in the U.S. ever actually proceed to trial, so the vast majority are settled. To obtain favorable settlements, one requires proper documentation, familiarity with medical evidence, and the ability to effectively convey the impact of injuries on a client’s life. Schehr’s practice embodies these needs, prioritizing direct communication and transparency with clients.
Schehr Law’s practice aligns with a broader trend in the law toward technology and client-centered service. Research by the American Bar Association in recent years indicates that small firms increasingly rely on electronic case management systems, secure messaging, and web-based reviews to build trust. Schehr himself described such developments in his 2025 work, “Personal Injury in the Age of AI, TikTok, and 5-Star Reviews,” in which he explains how artificial intelligence, social media, and online reviews are reconfiguring legal advertising and client expectations. His dual role as author and attorney positions him among attorneys who work both in practice and in the study of contemporary law.
Schehr has emphasized in interviews and public comments that large settlements are not just about dollars. They can highlight unsafe practices, trigger corporate responsibility, and provide access to recovery tools. The DoorDash-related case, for instance, highlighted the safety of gig-economy transportation and the obligations of delivery services. Commentators have pointed to similar cases elsewhere in the country in which large settlements influenced corporate policy or drew individuals’ attention to risk.
Outside the courtroom, Schehr is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, a professional organization offering continuing education and legislative advocacy. He also participates in pro bono work, providing counsel for clients who might otherwise be deprived of representation. Through these activities, his high-profile successes are tied to a broader mission of promoting legal access and professional integrity within the state.
Schehr’s career is notable for combining his legal practice with ongoing participation in professional paintball. Since turning professional in 2016, he has played for teams such as the Los Angeles Ironmen and San Diego Dynasty and won the 2023 NXL World Cup, as well as the Doritos Player of the Year award four consecutive years from 2022 through 2025. Unconnected to his court cases but indicative of a potential sideline career, it shows an aptitude for focus and discipline that his colleagues often apply to successful litigation.
As Schehr Law continues to grow its business, its wins in cases like the Yadkin County settlement remain a testament to its reputation. Such outcomes demonstrate how individual cases can have an echo effect beyond those directly involved, shaping public perceptions of safety, accountability, and the potential for redress. In the broader field of personal injury law, they demonstrate the evolving expectations of clients and the public regarding advocacy and outcomes.
Michael Christopher Schehr’s Yadkin County settlement positions him in a group of attorneys whose cases make headlines for their impact on clients and the legal profession. His intersection of courtroom advocacy, writing on legal innovation, and dual infrequent career continues to define his place in the North Carolina legal community and beyond.
