An additional step and prerequisite to filing a lawsuit in a few particular situations, including those against any governmental agency or its employee, as well as in the case of a medical malpractice claim against a healthcare provider. The document describes the claim in detail (date, type of incident, extent of damages or injuries, etc.) and must be served on the party allegedly responsible for those injuries and damages before a lawsuit can be filed.  The claim will either be accepted or rejected. The notice of claim requirement must be strictly complied with or the case will be dismissed.