When injuries are catastrophic, families often feel forced to make decisions immediately. Before you talk to anyone about “what happened,” focus on preserving proof and building a medical timeline.
If possible, do these things early:
- Request and save incident documentation (police/incident reports, employer accident reports, and any event paperwork).
- Write down your observations while they’re fresh—where you were, what you saw/heard, weather/lighting conditions, and who was present.
- Collect contact info for witnesses near the scene (friends, coworkers, bystanders, or nearby residents).
- Keep every medical document you receive: ER discharge papers, imaging reports, therapy notes, and follow-up orders.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers until your attorney reviews what you’re being asked.
This matters because paralysis cases often turn on causation (what caused the neurological injury) and how quickly medical records reflect the injury’s seriousness.


