In the earliest days, the goal is simple: protect evidence and protect your future options.
- Get and keep every medical record. Ask for copies (not just summaries) of ER notes, imaging reports, discharge paperwork, and follow-up instructions.
- Write down your incident timeline while it’s fresh. Include where you were, what you noticed first, weather/road conditions (if it was a crash), lighting, and what happened immediately before the injury.
- Preserve accident details. If vehicles were involved, note the direction of travel and any witnesses. If it was a premises incident, document the area, hazards, and lighting conditions.
- Do not rely on “the adjuster will handle it.” In many catastrophic claims, insurers ask questions early. Your answers should be accurate and consistent with your medical story.
If you’re wondering whether you should “wait until you feel better,” the safer approach is to start organizing now—because paralysis cases often require time to understand the full scope of neurological injury.


