An injury can happen in the blink of an eye. Now what? For many, after their initial medical concerns are dealt with, the next step is to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
Personal injury laws in Little Rock, Arkansas, are governed by a combination of state laws and local regulations. Here are some key aspects of personal injury laws that pertain to Little Rock:
Statute of Limitations: In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally three years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury. This means that you have three years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. Failing to file within this time frame can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
Comparative Fault: Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if you are found partially at fault for an accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. However, if you are determined to be 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Caps on Damages: Arkansas places caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. Non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases are capped at $500,000. There are generally no caps on non-economic damages in other personal injury cases.
Government Liability: If your injury involves a government entity or employee in Little Rock, such as a city bus accident or a slip and fall on government property, specific rules and deadlines apply. You typically have 180 days to file a notice of claim against the government entity.
Dog Bite Laws: In Arkansas, dog owners are typically held liable for injuries caused by their dogs if the injured person was on public property or lawfully on private property at the time of the bite. It is important to note that Arkansas follows a “one-bite” rule, meaning that liability may not apply if the dog has not previously shown dangerous behavior.
Insurance Laws: Arkansas is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning that the at-fault driver’s insurance is primarily responsible for covering the injured party’s damages. Arkansas law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance.
Wrongful Death: Arkansas allows surviving family members to file wrongful death lawsuits when a person’s death is caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party. Damages may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
Premises Liability: Property owners in Little Rock have a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. If someone is injured due to a dangerous condition on the property, the property owner may be held liable.
The specific details of your case may impact how these laws apply to you. If you’ve suffered a personal injury in Little Rock, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable about the latest laws and can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. In order to find one, contact 1-800-Injured. We are a medical and legal referral network and connect our clients with experienced professionals who can help them with their unique personal injury needs.