Statutory Rules In Arkansas Regarding Personal Injury Lawsuits

Statute of Limitations in Arkansas

There is a stipulated period within which you can file a personal injury lawsuit in Arkansas, like in every other state.

In Arkansas, this statute of limitation or the deadline is set for three years.

This means you can file a personal injury lawsuit within three years from the accident date.

In case the injuries become visible a long time after the accident, the three years are considered starting from the date of ‘discovery’ of the injury.

This usually happens in defective product injuries.

For instance, in the case of Taxotere lawsuits, talcum powder lawsuits, or similar, the side effects are seen years after continuously taking the prescription.

Also, in cases where the personal injury lawsuit is filed against an Arizona state government state, city, or country, the statute of limitation in such cases is five years.

Comparative Fault Rule

Arkansas also follows a comparative fault rule in cases where the party at fault is not clear.

This usually happens in case of car accidents.

In certain cases, the accident doesn’t entirely happen because of the fault of one person or party.

Both the parties involved in the accident may either be equally or partially at fault.

In such cases, to ascertain the amount of compensation, the comparative fault rule is used.

Arkansas uses the “modified comparative fault rule” for such personal injury cases.

For instance, if you are proven 20% at fault in a car accident, the other person is considered 80% at fault.

Let’s say, your total damages that occurred due to the accident amount to $10,000. According to the modified comparative fault rule, you will receive $8000 as compensation from the other party.

The $2000 gets deducted as you were 20% at fault for the accident.

There is another essential thing to note that is used to decide if you are entitled to recover or pay for the damages.

If you are less than 50% responsible for an accident, you have the right to receive damages for the remaining percentage from the other party.

However, if you are more than 50% responsible i.e., say 60%, you will not be entitled to receive compensation.

In fact, you will have to pay the same percentage of damages to the other party.

Thirdly, this rule is applied by the Arkansas court during negligence cases.

However, you and your attorney should be ready to prove 100% not at fault in an accident.

There are chances the insurance adjuster of the other party may come up with comparative fault during negotiations.

Don’t fall for the settlement, as this will reduce the compensation you are rightfully entitled to.

Arkansas Auto insurance Laws

Like most states, Arkansas is a “fault” or “at fault” state.

There are three (3) options available with injured drivers in Arkansas:

• They may choose to claim compensation from the insurance company (if the vehicle was insured)
• They may seek compensation from the other party by filing a lawsuit
• They may seek compensation from another party’s insurance company

Arkansas Laws Regarding Injuries Caused by Dog or Animal

Arkansas follows no specific personal injury law in case of dog bites.

The dog (or the animal) owner is held liable for the injury caused, provided the injured person is able to prove his innocence or prove that the “animal is dangerous.”

Arkansas follows a “one bite” rule, according to which the dog owner is provided one free bite before getting involved in a legal case.

Damage Caps in Injury Lawsuits

Arkansas follows no damage caps for personal injury laws.

This means there is no limit up to which the plaintiff can get compensated in a personal injury case.

Usually, a specific limit is applied for ‘non-economic injuries like damages caused due to pain, suffering and emotional trauma.

According to Arkansas Constitution Article 5, Section 32, there are no caps on damages caused in personal injury cases.

This was a brief round-up on statutory roles in Arkansas.

To learn more about personal injury lawsuits in Arkansas and how we can help you with our services, contact us today.