Do free consultations actually help or are they just a sales pitch?

I’ve been looking around for someone to help with a work injury I got a few months ago at a lumber yard near Catskill, and every lawyer’s website talks about offering a free consultation, but I’m a little skeptical about whether that’s actually useful or just a way to get you in the door so they can pressure you into signing something. I’m not great at saying no to people, so I’m nervous that I’ll walk in for a free consultation workers comp lawyer Catskill NY and then feel obligated to hire them even if I’m not sure yet. Has anyone here done one of these and actually found it helpful without getting the hard sell? Like, do they give you real advice about your case or just tell you enough to make you think you need them? I found a local firm’s site that seems straightforward, but I’d rather hear from real people about what to expect before I make that call. Thanks.