Once your Houston personal injury case settles, the payout follows a specific process. After both parties sign the settlement agreement, the at-fault party's insurance company issues a check to your attorney's trust account. This typically takes two to four weeks. Your attorney then deducts the agreed-upon contingency fee, case costs such as Harris County filing fees and expert witness expenses, and resolves any outstanding medical liens from hospitals like Memorial Hermann, Ben Taub, or Methodist. The remaining balance is distributed to you. Most Houston settlements are paid as a lump sum, giving you immediate access to the funds. In cases involving severe or permanent injuries with large payouts, you may have the option of a structured settlement that distributes funds in regular installments over time. Structured settlements offer tax advantages because the growth within the annuity is also tax-free. Your attorney should provide a detailed settlement statement showing exactly how every dollar is allocated before you receive your check.