Identify the public connection
A public vehicle, employee, school, transit system, road condition, building, or contractor may create a government-claim question. Do not assume the agency’s role from a logo or uniform alone.
Distinguish notice from filing suit
Some jurisdictions require a claim or notice to an agency before a lawsuit. The recipient, contents, method of delivery, and time period can be different from the lawsuit deadline.
Confirm the correct entity
City, county, state, federal, authority, district, and contractor are not interchangeable. Sending notice to the wrong organization may not satisfy a legal requirement.
Preserve the delivery record
Keep the completed submission, attachments, delivery confirmation, response, claim number, and the name of any person who provided instructions.