01

Start with the event

Record the exact location, activity, staff present, time, witnesses, medical response, notifications, and any equipment or condition involved.

02

Build the record

Potential records include nurse and incident reports, communications, supervision schedules, video, inspection, maintenance, transport, and contractor materials.

03

Prepare the legal questions

Ask about privacy, access, public-entity notice, education-specific procedure, and whether another organization controlled the activity or equipment.

04

Contact and insurance log

Keep a dated log of reports, claim numbers, requests, responses, appointments, expenses, and decisions. Distinguish what you observed from what another person said or a record states.

05

Use the file in a consultation

Bring the shortest accurate chronology you can prepare, the most important original records or secure copies, and three questions. A lawyer can identify gaps without requiring you to solve the legal issues first.