How Long Do I Have to Sue for a Slip-and-Fall in Arkansas?

After suffering a devastating slip-and-fall injury in Arkansas, you may be dealing with considerable financial, emotional, and physical changes as a result of your injuries. However, waiting to get started on your case could limit your opportunities for financial recovery. 

Furthermore, evidence that could be valuable and used to prove liability in your case may only be available for a short amount of time. The sooner you get started on your case, the more likely it is we can recover maximum compensation for your slip-and-fall damages.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip-and-Fall in Arkansas?

How long do you have to sue for a slip-and-fall in the state of Arkansas? The answer may seem obvious. However, you may be surprised to learn that the statute of limitations is not always clear. 

Generally, according to Arkansas Code §16-56-105, the personal injury lawsuit statute of limitations is three years from the date of the slip-and-fall injury. Three years may seem like more than enough time to move forward with your slip-and-fall lawsuit. However, the longer you take to get started on your case, the less likely it is you will have the chance to get the most out of your claim. 

Much of the evidence needed to prove liability may only be available for a short period of time after your slip-and-fall accident. For example, if a nearby home or business caught the slip-and-fall accident on video, this video footage may only be available for a limited amount of time before the footage is ultimately erased, recorded over, or deleted. The sooner you get started on your case, the more likely it is that your premises liability attorney can recover the evidence needed to prove fault and negligence in your slip-and-fall accident claim.

Factors that Could Impact How Long You Have to Sue for a Slip-and-Fall

Although the statute of limitations for slip-and-fall injury claims in the state of Arkansas is three years, there are several factors that could have an impact on the amount of time you have to pursue your claim. For example, if your child suffered a slip-and-fall injury, the injured child may have three years from the date they turn 18 years of age to file their slip-and-fall injury lawsuit.

There is also a question as to what happens if you were not diagnosed with your slip-and-fall-related injuries until days or even weeks after the slip-and-fall accident. It is common for injury victims to initially feel fine after their accident. They may avoid seeking medical attention until their condition worsens and they require medical care.

If you were diagnosed with an injury after your slip-and-fall accident occurred, the amount of time you have before the statute of limitations expires could vary. For this reason, it is essential that you work with your Arkansas slip-and-fall lawyer to figure out how much longer you have before the statute of limitations expires in your case.

What Happens if Your Claim Isn’t Filed in Time?

Getting your slip-and-fall injury claim in Arkansas filed before the statute of limitations expires is critical. Unfortunately, according to the law, anyone who attempts to file a personal injury or slip-and-fall lawsuit after the statute of limitations deadline has expired will no longer have the right to pursue their case in Arkansas civil courts. If your claim is not filed in time, this means you will not be entitled to compensation via a civil lawsuit against the liable party.

That is not to say you may not still have an opportunity to file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company or explore other options for financial recovery. However, when the statute of limitations has already passed in your case, it makes recovering compensation and holding the liable party accountable that much more challenging. You can avoid issues with the statute of limitations adversely impacting your ability to recover maximum compensation by getting a slip-and-fall lawyer on your case as soon as possible after the accident.

What Can an Arkansas Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Do to Help?

When you are still recuperating from your slip-and-fall injuries in Arkansas, the last thing you want to be dealing with is a lawsuit or insurance negotiations. When you have a slip-and-fall attorney handling your case, you can focus on what matters most- healing from your injuries and spending time with your family.

An Arkansas slip-and-fall attorney could make all the difference in your ability to recover The compensation you are entitled to and rebuild your life. While you recuperate and learn to deal with any lasting implications of your injuries, your attorney can work to build a compelling case against those responsible. 

Some of our most important tasks and obligations after taking on your slip-and-fall claim will include:

• Gathering the evidence we need to prove culpability and negligence for your slip-and-fall injuries
• Quantifying your damages so you can get the most out of your slip-and-fall lawsuit
• Moving quickly on your case so your slip-and-fall lawsuit is filed before the Arkansas statute of limitations runs out
• Negotiating with the insurance company for a reasonable and fair settlement
• Updating you regularly when there are case status updates
• Being available to communicate when you have questions or concerns
• Advocating for your rights if your slip-and-fall case goes to trial

Contact a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in Arkansas for Help Today

When you are ready to hold the at-fault party accountable for your slip-and-fall injuries but are unsure where to search for help, turn to an experienced Arkansas slip-and-fall lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC. 

Our firm is offering complimentary consultations to slip-and-fall injury victims across the state of Arkansas. Take advantage of this opportunity. Fill out our quick contact form or call our office today to get started.