Create an incident clock
Record the event date, the date each injury was identified, and any later date on which a connection became known. Do not alter original documents or metadata. These dates may be relevant to accrual, discovery, or notice questions.
Identify every possible defendant
Timing can change when a public entity, medical provider, employer, product manufacturer, property owner, or person in another state is involved. List legal names and roles without deciding fault yourself.
Preserve notices and claim correspondence
Keep envelopes, emails, claim acknowledgements, denial letters, and portal confirmations. An insurer’s internal claim deadline is not necessarily a court filing deadline, and opening a claim does not necessarily preserve a lawsuit.
Escalate uncertainty early
Ask a lawyer licensed in the potentially relevant jurisdiction to identify the cause of action, limitations period, accrual date, tolling issue, and any presuit notice. Early review leaves more room to investigate.