Every slip and fall starts a countdown. In Arkansas, missing the deadline to file a claim can end your chance at compensation, no matter how clear the property owner’s fault. Falls are a major problem: The CDC’s 2025 data shows 14 million older adults fall yearly, causing 47,026 deaths (66.5 per 100,000).
Arkansas reported 23,900 work-related injuries in 2023, with slips and falls making up 20%, per the Department of Labor. Understanding the statute of limitations is key to protecting your rights.
The Standard Rule: Three Years
Arkansas Code §16-56-105 sets a three-year limit for personal injury claims, including slip and falls. If you slip in a Little Rock store on September 17, 2025, you have until September 17, 2028, to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and your case is likely over, even if the owner was negligent.
Why it matters: Evidence like witness statements or security footage fades over time, making prompt action essential.
Exceptions That Shift the Timeline
The three-year rule has nuances. Here are critical exceptions to know:
- Minors: For those under 18, the clock starts at adulthood, potentially extending to age 21.
- Government Property: Falls on city sidewalks or parks require a 120-day notice and often a one-year suit deadline.
- Delayed Injuries: If harm (e.g., spinal issues) isn’t immediately clear, the limit may start upon discovery, within three years.
- Wrongful Death: If a fall leads to death, families have three years from the death date.
- Incapacity: Severe injuries preventing filing may pause the clock, though this is rare.
Real example: In 2024, an Arkansas plaintiff lost a claim after missing the 120-day notice for a fall in a Little Rock city lot. Don’t make this mistake.
Why Deadlines Exist
Time limits ensure fairness. They prevent claims with outdated evidence, like repaired hazards. Arkansas property owners must fix or warn of dangers, but proving negligence needs fresh data. The National Council on Aging reports over one million ER visits from falls yearly, with Arkansas’s 1.9 injuries per 100 workers adding urgency.
The financial impact is huge: Falls rack up billions in medical costs and lost wages. A late claim risks losing coverage for these losses.
How to Stay Within the Limit
- Act Fast: Contact a lawyer to confirm your deadline.
- Secure Evidence Early: Photos and incident reports are stronger when fresh.
- Understand Exceptions: Government or minor-related claims have unique rules.
- Don’t Rely on Insurers: Settlement talks don’t stop the clock—file formally if needed.
Quick Tip: Arkansas bars recovery if you’re 50% or more at fault. Early legal help clarifies fault and protects your claim.
Little Rock’s Fall Risks
Local hazards demand action. Uneven sidewalks on Capitol Avenue or spills in busy restaurants are common culprits. With Arkansas ranking high for workplace injuries, timing is critical. Our slip and fall attorneys at Pfeifer Law Firm have used exceptions to extend deadlines, securing damages for medical bills and pain.
Don’t let time run out. For help with your claim’s timeline, check our Arkansas personal injury resource. Call (501) 374-4440 for a free case review. Act now to safeguard your future.