A catastrophic injury is more than just a medical crisis, it’s a financial one. Victims often require lifelong treatment, assistive care, and home modifications. Families must think not only about today’s medical bills but also about how to sustain quality of life for decades to come.
At Cellino Law, we understand that securing a settlement or verdict is only the beginning. True justice means ensuring those funds are structured in a way that covers both immediate needs and long-term care, helping injury victims maintain dignity, independence, and stability.
Why Financial Planning Matters After a Catastrophic Injury
Unlike short-term injury cases, catastrophic injury claims involve significant lifetime expenses. Without careful financial planning, even a large settlement can run out too quickly. Victims and families must account for:
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
- In-home nursing and attendant care
- Specialized equipment such as wheelchairs and communication devices
- Home modifications (ramps, lifts, widened doorways)
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Inflation and rising healthcare costs
A well-structured financial plan ensures compensation continues to support the injured person for as long as needed.
Structuring Settlements and Awards
When a catastrophic injury case is resolved, compensation may come as a lump sum or a structured settlement:
- Lump Sum: Paid all at once, often used to cover immediate medical bills and legal costs.
- Structured Settlement: Provides regular payments over time, protecting against the risk of spending down the award too quickly and offering stability for ongoing expenses.
Our attorneys at Cellino Law work with financial planners to determine which option (or combination) best suits your family’s needs.
Special Needs Trusts and Asset Protection
For many catastrophic injury victims, government benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are critical. However, receiving a settlement directly may jeopardize eligibility.
That’s where a special needs trust (SNT) comes in:
- Protects eligibility for government programs
- Ensures settlement funds are used for supplemental needs like therapies, home modifications, and quality-of-life expenses
- Provides professional management of funds for long-term security
Our firm partners with trust administrators to create customized plans that balance financial independence with essential benefits.
Planning for Long-Term Care
Catastrophic injury victims often require decades of medical oversight and personal care. Proper planning should account for:
- Life Care Plans: Comprehensive projections of future medical and living expenses prepared by rehabilitation experts.
- Home Health Aides and Nursing Support: Daily or round-the-clock care to assist with mobility, hygiene, and medical needs.
- Residential or Assisted Living Facilities: When independent living is no longer possible, structured housing with specialized care may be necessary.
At Cellino Law, we build these costs into every catastrophic injury claim so victims and families never have to struggle later.
Retaining Independence and Quality of Life
Financial planning isn’t just about covering medical bills. It’s about restoring dignity and independence after tragedy. Compensation can help provide:
- Accessible housing and transportation
- Adaptive technology for communication and mobility
- Vocational rehabilitation for new employment opportunities
- Counseling and psychological support for families
With the right resources, victims can maintain meaningful lives despite profound injuries.
Local Resources for Catastrophic Injury Victims in New York
Several New York organizations provide services that complement financial and long-term care planning:
- Rusk Rehabilitation at NYU Langone Health – specializes in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation.
- United Spinal Association – national nonprofit headquartered in New York supporting spinal cord injury survivors.
- New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) – resources for long-term support services.
Why Choose Cellino Law for Catastrophic Injury Cases
Catastrophic injuries require more than standard legal representation. At Cellino Law, we combine aggressive advocacy with forward-thinking planning. We:
- Work with life care planners and economists to calculate lifetime needs
- Structure settlements to protect your future
- Coordinate with financial advisors and trust specialists
- Fight insurers and defendants who try to undervalue catastrophic injuries
Our mission is simple: to secure not just compensation, but security.
Contact Cellino Law Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t leave your future to chance. Financial planning and long-term care are essential, and you deserve a legal team that understands both the courtroom battle and the years that follow.
Call Cellino Law today for a free consultation. With offices across New York and Connecticut, our catastrophic injury attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation and security you need for a lifetime of care.