When Should I contact a Lawyer About a Potential Claim?

The answer is ASAP!!

An all too frequent and difficult encounter I have when trying to help people, certainly one of the most heartbreaking moments for me as a lawyer taking on civil rights and personal injury claims, is meeting someone with a very real problem—only to realize that, because too much time has passed, there is little or nothing I can do to help. This scenario is, unfortunately, common and underscores a crucial lesson: timing matters profoundly in the legal world.

Why Speedy Action Is Essential

Every type of legal claim—whether it’s personal injury, employment, civil rights, or others—has its own statute of limitations, or legal deadline, by which a case must be filed. But crucially, claims involving government entities often have even shorter timeframes where you have to file a notice of your possible intent to sue. In New Mexico, this can be just 90 days from when the incident occurs! Discrimination and other similar complaints also have their own special processes which have to be minded and pursued: otherwise, there is no possibility of compensation and justice. If these deadlines are missed, the right to pursue the claim is usually lost forever, regardless of its merits.

But it’s not just about the deadlines. Evidence can disappear quickly: surveillance footage may be erased, physical evidence may be lost, and witnesses’ memories can fade or become unreliable. As time passes, its perceived importance to others diminishes rapidly; it may affect you profoundly, but other people are quick to move on and turn the page. The sooner a lawyer is involved, the better the chances of preserving crucial evidence and building a strong case.

Why People Delay—and Why It’s Understandable

Many people hesitate to reach out to a lawyer right away. The aftermath of an injury or dispute is often overwhelming, stressful, and even traumatic. Victims may not be focused on recovery; maybe they are emotionally exhausted, or simply unsure about whether they have a valid claim. Some may hope the situation will resolve itself, or feel intimidated by the legal process. Others might not realize the seriousness of their situation until much later, when the window for legal action has already closed. It is a natural impulse to delay.

How Friends and Family Can Make a Difference

If you have a loved one who has experienced a traumatic event or is struggling with a potential legal issue, your support can be invaluable. Sometimes, the person affected is too overwhelmed or frightened to take the first step. As friends and family, you can:

• Gently encourage them to speak with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible.

• Do some basic research on the fundamentals and some names of reputable attorneys in the field.

• Help them organize important documents and timelines.

• Offer to accompany them to legal consultations for emotional support and to help them process information.

• Remind them that seeking legal advice is a step toward regaining control and protecting their rights, not an added burden.

Your involvement can help ensure that crucial deadlines are not missed and that your loved one receives the support and advocacy they deserve.

A Final Thought

If you or someone you care about is facing a potential legal issue, please don’t wait. The earlier you reach out, the more options are available—and the better the chances of a positive outcome. As always, I am here to help answer questions and provide guidance, no matter how uncertain or stressful the situation may feel.

Don’t let time take away your rights. Reach out early—your future self will thank you.