Local timing matters. Early steps can affect whether your claim is supported later—especially when multiple records are created and then lost or overwritten.
1) Get medical documentation that ties symptoms to the incident Even if you’re “mostly okay,” crush injuries can reveal complications later (nerve issues, fractures, soft-tissue damage, swelling that worsens). Ask your provider to document mechanism of injury and functional limitations.
2) Request the incident report and keep your own timeline If the injury happened at work or at a contracted site, ask for the incident report number, supervisor notes, and any safety documentation you can receive. Write down what you remember while it’s fresh—what was happening, what equipment was involved, and who was present.
3) Avoid recorded statements that minimize your injuries Insurers may ask questions that sound harmless but can be used to reduce causation or severity. If you’re contacted, you can still respond carefully while you get legal guidance.
4) Preserve evidence linked to the equipment and area Photographs of the scene, the condition of guards or barriers, and the surrounding layout can be critical. If you can’t photograph immediately, ask someone who can and keep any photos you do have.


