Traumatic brain injury · Case study 03

Protecting benefits while funding lifelong support

Daniel F., age 23$4.5 million net settlement

The situation

A falling lighting rig caused Daniel a traumatic brain injury with serious communication, memory, mobility, and processing impairments. His parents became full time caregivers, and the plan needed to support extensive care without disrupting Medicaid and SSI eligibility.

Planning priorities

  1. 01Loss of future earning potential
  2. 02Preservation of needs based benefits
  3. 03Home and vehicle modifications
  4. 04Extensive therapy and nursing needs

Settlement allocation

$2M

Special Needs Trust

Immediate and ongoing needs while preserving benefit eligibility

$1.5M

Structured settlement payable to the trust

Steady long term trust funding

$500K

Market based structured settlement payable to the trust

Growth potential and another trust funding source

The outcome

The trust supported Daniel’s quality of life and preserved Medicaid and SSI eligibility. Complementary structured payments created durable funding while allowing his parents to focus more attention on his recovery and care.

This case study is educational and does not constitute legal, tax, benefits, or investment advice. Individual results and appropriate strategies vary.

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