After a construction accident, the priority is medical care and safety. Then, focus on preserving what insurers and defense teams will later challenge.
Do this early:
- Get seen promptly and follow your provider’s instructions. Delayed care can create disputes about whether the accident caused your condition.
- Document the scene if you’re able—photos of the hazard, your position, barriers/signage, and any equipment involved.
- Write down the timeline while it’s fresh: what task you were doing, who directed the work, weather/lighting conditions, and any near-misses.
- Preserve paperwork: incident reports, safety meeting notes you receive, referrals, work restrictions, and discharge instructions.
Be cautious about:
- Recorded or written statements given before your claim is evaluated.
- Talking to multiple contractors or insurers without a clear record of what each one says.


