Your first steps can shape whether your claim is strong later. Before you worry about paperwork, focus on three priorities:
- Get medical care right away (and follow treatment). Crush injuries can involve hidden damage—nerve injury, internal tissue harm, fractures, and complications that become obvious later.
- Report the incident through the proper channels. At work, that usually means an employer incident report and any required documentation.
- Start an evidence file while it’s still fresh. If you can do so safely, collect photos of the area/equipment, write down what happened, and save any instructions, safety notices, or communications you receive.
California injury claims often hinge on timing and documentation. Delays can make insurers argue the injury is unrelated, exaggerated, or not caused by the incident.


