I had a similar situation a few years ago which ended up being solved quite well by the telephone baggage folks.

The baggage belt started and I hear some people snickering and making comments about some poor sap's bag etc. Of course when it came closer, I could see I was the poor sap as my bag looked like it had burst and my clothing was all visible where the sealed seams used to be. I pulled it off and headed to the office where I was promptly told that there must have been a fault with the bag and UAL wasn't responsible. When I flipped the bag over and showed her the TIRE TRACK that ran the length of the bag from one corner to the other, she said that doesn't prove anything. I took photos, called the claim folks, explained to them that the bag had obviously fallen off the baggage truck, been run over and then placed in the belt where they assumed I'd pick it up. They were very understanding and I had a replacement bag delivered to my home within the week. Hopefully you will get the level of service I've experienced the only time I've made a claim.