The first 30–60 minutes can affect what can be proven later. If you’re able, prioritize these actions:
- Get medical care promptly (even if you think it’s “just a bruise”). Some injuries connected to falls, abrupt stops, or door malfunctions show up later.
- Ask for an incident report and write down the report number, location, and time.
- Identify witnesses who were nearby—especially anyone who saw the device behave oddly before the fall or contact occurred.
- Preserve what you can: photos of visible conditions (lighting, signage, floor debris around the unit, any warning placards), and any mobility limits you notice afterward.
If you contact an insurer or building staff, stick to the basics. In Tennessee, statements can be used to dispute severity, causation, or notice—so it’s smart to have counsel help you respond.


