When you’re hurt, the next steps matter more than almost anything else. Start here:
- Get medical care right away (and follow up). Crush injuries can worsen as swelling goes down or symptoms evolve.
- Report the incident through the proper channel (especially if it happened at work). If you’re a visitor or customer, ask for the incident record.
- Document what you can, safely: photos of the area, equipment condition, any guards or barriers, and the scene layout.
- Write down the timeline while it’s fresh: who was present, what was happening immediately before the injury, and what safety steps were (or weren’t) followed.
- Be careful with early statements. Insurers often use your words to minimize the injury or shift responsibility.
California has deadlines for filing claims, and delays can complicate evidence and testimony. A lawyer can help you move quickly without saying too much to the wrong person.


