Most trial attorneys are willing to handle personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis. The hallmark of the contingent fee is that the attorney will not charge you for his time unless there is a recovery. If there is a recovery, then the attorney's fee is based on a pre-agreed percentage of the gross amount recovered. Typically, HAMSTEAD, WILLIAMS & SHOOK PLLC charges a 33-1/3% contingent fee on personal injury matters. Many law firms are known to charge 40% to 50% contingent fees. The contingent fee to the attorney does not include costs of litigation which may be incurred. These may range from a few hundred dollars if the case can be settled out of court without suit being filed, to tens of thousands of dollars in complex actions such as medical malpractice and product liability. Incurred costs are paid separately, and not as part of the contingent fee.