What you do early can strongly affect what’s provable later. If you’re able to do so safely, prioritize:
- Get medical care right away (urgent care or ER if warranted). Don’t assume a “minor” injury will stay minor.
- Request a copy of the incident paperwork you’re given and write down what you were told about the cause.
- Document the site details while they’re still accurate: where you were standing, lighting/visibility, whether pedestrians were nearby, and any traffic control issues.
- Identify witnesses quickly—especially drivers, supervisors, or anyone who saw how the forklift was being operated.
In many Texas workplace injury situations, evidence isn’t “lost,” it’s just reorganized or overwritten. Surveillance retention policies and maintenance record access can change fast. Acting early protects your ability to prove what happened.


