Well, all of that varies one way to the opposite in Canada, depending on which court you are in. Small claims (to $35,000) has a normal limitation period of two years after injury. You file it before, and, then, have up to six months to serve it (with proof of service). Longer if, say, the injury isn't known until later. Divisional court, more a part of Superior Court, you have so many days, I think 15, after serving a notice of appeal, to file it with the court. Serve stuff, and, then, file it. The rules of service are so much relaxed. Five days after mailing, if not by the other side's lawyer's email. Court forms are virtually non-existent. You have to have examples of other such suits to see how they did it. Sigh, a lot of different rules depending on which court. I'm involved in Divisional court at the moment.