Evidence Checklist for Robot & AI Injuries

The strength of your robot or AI injury case depends heavily on evidence. This checklist guides you through what to preserve, collect, and document. Print it, check off items, and share it with your attorney.

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

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Device Preservation

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• Secure the device — Do NOT return it to manufacturer
• Do NOT turn it on or restart it
• Do NOT update software even if prompted
• Do NOT reset to factory settings
• Photograph device from all angles including:
  • Overall condition
  • Serial numbers and model numbers
  • Manufacturing dates
  • Any visible damage
  • Error lights or indicators
  • Safety certification marks
• Note the state when you found it after incident
• Store securely where it won’t be disturbed

Scene Documentation

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• Photograph the scene from multiple angles
• Note lighting conditions
• Document floor/ground surface
• Capture any obstacles or environmental factors
• Photograph property damage
• Note weather conditions if relevant
• Save security camera footage if available
• Save doorbell camera footage if available

Personal Injury Documentation

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• Photograph all injuries clearly with good lighting
• Include scale reference (ruler, coin)
• Multiple angles for each injury
• Date/timestamp photos
• Continue photographing as injuries develop/heal
• Note pain locations and levels (1-10)
• Document any limitations on movement or activity

Medical Documentation

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Initial Medical Care

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• Seek medical attention — ER for serious, urgent care/doctor for moderate
• Tell providers exactly what device was involved
• Explain how injury occurred in detail
• Mention all symptoms even minor ones
• Request copies of all records from this visit
• Get diagnosis in writing
• Keep all discharge paperwork

Ongoing Medical Records

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• All physician visits related to injury
• Specialist consultations
• Physical therapy records
• Mental health treatment if applicable
• Prescription records
• Imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI)
• Lab results
• Surgery records if applicable
• Bills from all providers

Digital Evidence

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Device App Data

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• Screenshot usage history
• Screenshot schedules/settings
• Screenshot error notifications
• Export any available logs
• Screenshot any diagnostics
• Save customer support chats
• Export purchase confirmation
• Save warranty information

Account Records

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• Manufacturer account records
• App account data
• Cloud-synced data
• Email confirmations from manufacturer
• Software update notifications
• Any communications with company

Network Data

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• Router logs showing device connections
• Smart home hub logs if applicable
• Other connected device logs that may show activity

Written Documentation

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Your Written Account

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• Write detailed description of what happened
• Include date, time, location
• Describe what you were doing before incident
• Describe what device was doing
• Describe the sequence of events
• Note exactly what you saw, heard, felt
• Describe your immediate response
• Date and sign your account
• Complete within 24 hours while memory is fresh

Witness Information

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For each witness:

• Full name
• Contact information (phone, email, address)
• Relationship to you
• Location during incident
• Written statement of what they observed
• Audio recording of their account (with permission)
• Date and signature on statement

Financial Documentation

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Medical Expenses

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• All medical bills (itemized)
• Explanation of Benefits from insurance
• Out-of-pocket receipts
• Pharmacy receipts
• Medical equipment costs
• Transportation to appointments (mileage, parking, rideshare)

Lost Income

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• Pay stubs before incident (showing normal income)
• Employer statement of missed work
• Reduced hours documentation
• Self-employment income records if applicable
• Bonus or commission losses
• Benefits losses (vacation used, etc.)

Other Financial Losses

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• Property damage estimates/receipts
• Home modification costs if needed
• Hired help costs (childcare, housekeeping)
• Disability accommodations
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses

Official Reports

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Manufacturer Report

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• File report with manufacturer
• Stick to facts only — what, when, where
• Get case/reference number
• Get written confirmation
• Do NOT accept blame or speculate on cause
• Do NOT agree to return device without attorney

Regulatory Reports

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• Consumer Product Safety Commission — SaferProducts.gov for consumer products
• Food and Drug Administration — MedWatch for medical devices
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — for autonomous vehicles
• OSHA — for workplace injuries
• Save confirmation of all reports filed

Other Reports

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• Police report if injuries are significant
• Insurance claim filed with your carriers
• Workplace incident report if applicable

Ongoing Documentation

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Daily Journal

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Maintain a daily log including:

• Date
• Pain levels (1-10 scale)
• Pain locations and character
• Sleep quality
• Medications taken and effects
• Activities attempted
• Activities you couldn’t do
• Medical appointments
• Emotional state
• Impact on relationships
• Impact on work

Progress Documentation

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• Photograph healing progress weekly
• Note milestone improvements
• Note setbacks
• Track all appointments

What NOT to Do

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• Do NOT post on social media about incident
• Do NOT discuss publicly until consulting attorney
• Do NOT sign anything from manufacturer without attorney review
• Do NOT give recorded statements to manufacturer/insurer without attorney
• Do NOT dispose of any evidence
• Do NOT repair or modify the device
• Do NOT accept early settlement offers

Organization Tips

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Create a Case File

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• Physical folder for all paper documents
• Digital folder with subfolders for:
  • Device photos
  • Scene photos
  • Injury photos
  • Medical records
  • Financial documents
  • Written accounts
  • Correspondence
• Backup digital files in multiple locations
• Chronological timeline of all events

Share with Your Attorney

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• Provide copies (keep originals)
• Update regularly with new documents
• Report any new developments promptly

Download and Print

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Save this checklist and check off items as you complete them. Share with family members who can help with documentation while you focus on recovery.