Most Houston personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. The standard fee is 33.33%, or one-third, of your settlement if the case resolves before a lawsuit is filed in Harris County District Court. If the case goes into litigation, the fee typically increases to 40% to reflect the additional time, court appearances, and preparation involved. Some attorneys charge up to 45% if the case reaches appeal. These fee arrangements must be in writing and signed before representation begins under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. You should also ask how case expenses are handled. Costs like filing fees in Harris County, expert witness fees, accident reconstruction, and obtaining medical records from facilities like Memorial Hermann or Ben Taub are usually deducted separately from your settlement on top of the attorney's percentage.