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Arkansas
Personal Injury Law
The following summary of Arkansas personal injury laws and theories of
liability will help you understand important aspects of injury claims
in this state...
Arkansas Statute of Limitations:
Personal Injury cases: For general personal injury, the SOL is 3 years
Medical Malpractice claims: 2 years from discovery of the injury.
Products Liability cases: 3 years
Caps on Personal Injury Awards in Arkansas:
In 2003, this state passed legislation requiring clear and convincing
evidence before punitive damages could be recovered. They also capped
the amount of punitive damages at $250,000 or three times the
compensatory damages up to $1 million.
Arkansas Serious Injury Threshold:
There is no serious injury threshold in the state of Arkansas. But it
is considered an “add-on” state meaning that drivers can purchase
personal injury coverage as an add-on which pays out regardless of who
is at fault.
Arkansas is a
Fault state and follows the modified comparative – 50%
negligence doctrine. This means that a party can only recover if he or
she is 49% or less at fault.
Personal Injury Claims & Theories of
Liability in Arkansas:
Wrongful
Death Cases: When a victim is killed as a result of the
negligence of another, that party may be liable for wrongful death.
Medical Malpractice:
When a health care professional or hospital is negligent in its
administration of care, the health care provider can be held liable for
any physical injuries that result.
Slip and
Fall Accidents: This is a personal injury case in which an
individual slips, trips, falls and is injured on the property of
another as a result of the property owner’s negligence.
Auto
Accident Claims: These injuries occur when a driver causes an
accident due to his/her negligent conduct. Arkansas follows the
modified comparative – 50% negligence theory, therefore he or she is
only entitled to recovery if they are less than 50% at fault.
If they are found to be 50% or more at fault, this is a complete bar to
recovery.
Product
Liability Lawsuits: If a product fails to perform in the way
in which it was designed and the result is serious injury or even
death, the manufacturer or distributor is usually strictly liable to
the injured party under this theory.
Workers'
Compensation Law: Arkansas is a compulsory state meaning that
employers are required to carry workers compensation
insurance. If an employee is injured while working, the
employer will be responsible for compensating the injured party for his
injury provided it occurs during the scope of employment.
For More
Information Check out these sites:
Official Arkansas State Government Website
Arkansas State Insurance Commission
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