How Long Do I Have To Hire An Attorney?
The law requires that you file a lawsuit within a specified period of time depending on the nature of the claim and the entity that caused your injury. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. Generally, for negligent acts to persons (such as automobile accidents and premises liability), the statute of limitations in Arkansas is three years. For intentional acts (such as assault and battery or false imprisonment) the limitation period is one year. Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years from the time of death unless the death was caused by medical malpractice in which case the twoyear limitation period for medical malpractice claims is controlling.
The period of limitations usually runs from the time the injury occurred. Special rules, however, apply in some situations. If the claimant is under the age of twenty one or insane, the twoyear limitation period is tolled until three years after attaining full age or removal of the disability.
For lawsuits brought against public entities, there are statutes which often require lawsuits be brought within a very short period of time, and only after written notice of the injury has been given to the government.
Additional Arkansas Personal Injury FAQs
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Q:
I Was Injured. What Can I Do Now?
A: You can make a claim against another party if they are more at fault for your injury than you are. In Arkansas, they adhere to the doctrine of comparative fault. A … More -
Q:
How Will My Claim Be Processed?
A: If the person who caused your injury has insurance, an insurance adjuster will gather the pertinent records including medical records, medical bills, wage loss … More -
Q:
Who Is Responsible When A Person Is Injured?
A: The law of personal injury is concerned with determining who may be responsible for your injuries and how much they should be required to pay for your damages. … More -
Q:
How Do I Decide If I Need To Hire An Attorney?
A: There are situations where an attorney is unnecessary, such as very small cases. Small claims court in Arkansas will handle claims up to $5000. If your injury is a … More -
Q:
How Much Will An Attorney Cost?
A: Most attorneys who believe a case has merit will take the case without payment up front. They will take the case on a contingency basis, which means they will receive … More -
Q:
What Damages Can I Recover?
A: You can recover your actual past losses such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. The law allows compensation for future medical and care expenses as … More -
Q:
How Can I Determine How Much My Claim Is Worth?
A: For purposes of settlement, a claim is valued upon an estimate of what a jury would likely believe the case to be worth, taking into account the severity of the … More
