After a pinning or compression incident, the early steps often determine whether your claim can survive insurer disputes later.
- Get medical care immediately (even if symptoms seem “manageable”). Crush injuries can worsen as swelling and internal damage become clear.
- Request the incident report from the property manager or employer and write down the report number.
- Document the scene while it’s still there: photos of guards, access points, lockout/tagout indicators, door/gate positions, and any visible damage to equipment.
- Record witness information before people leave for the day—names, supervisors, and where they were standing.
- Keep everything related to work status: restrictions, modified duty notes, and missed-shift documentation.
If an adjuster calls early, it’s okay to pause. In many crush cases, early statements can be used to minimize causation or argue that the injury was pre-existing.


