Medical Malpractice Statutes of Limitations in Arkansas
Whenever a medical professional acts negligently, they can harm their patient. Medical errors can have severe consequences. In order to get compensation for the injuries and damages you’ve suffered, you may be able to get help from a medical malpractice lawyer. At McMath Woods P.A., we understand that what you’re going through is overwhelming, but we’re here to make sure you get the justice you deserve.
Medical negligence cases take time and a lot of care. There are often many angles at play, including those held by insurance companies, hospitals, and independent contractor physicians. Our attorneys won’t be intimidated by insurance companies or large hospitals. When medical professionals make mistakes and bring harm to innocent people, they need to be held accountable for their actions. With us at your side, we’ll make sure your voice is heard.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in Arkansas?
When you come forward with a claim, it’s important to know that there is a time limit in which you can do so. In Arkansas, those injured in medical malpractice cases have two years from the date of their injury to file their claim. If you wait until you’re past that point, your case may not be valid because you didn’t act within the statute of limitations.
As with any rule, there are some exceptions. For instance, if the person who was injured had no reasonable way of knowing about their injury, then their circumstances with time to file a claim are different. Typically, this rule applies to those in Arkansas who have a foreign object in their body. This could have happened during a surgery where the surgeon left something behind like a tool or sponge. Over time, the person will start to feel symptoms of an injury or infection but won’t know it’s because of a foreign object.
Children also may have different medical negligence rules, which applies to injured children up to age nine. Parents can come forward with a claim on their child’s behalf within two years of the date of malpractice or up until the child’s eleventh birthday. If there is a situation where there isn’t a way of knowing about the injury, then there are additional rules to this as well. Parents have two years after the child’s injury is known, up until the child turns nineteen.
However, it’s best to begin your claim quickly so you don’t risk missing your window of time. This is why it’s so important for you to contact an attorney as soon as possible. If you’re trying to pay for medical treatment and pay for bills while you’re dealing with lost wages, a settlement could provide peace of mind. You’ll know that you have the financial stability so you can afford costs of living, giving you space to direct your attention to your recovery.
Get Sound Representation From McMath Woods P.A.
Keeping the different laws and rules in mind can be overwhelming. Luckily, we have years of experience with cases involving medical negligence. When doctors or nurses aren’t paying attention, their carelessness could cause an injury that can impact you for the rest of your life. This is not acceptable. Coming forward will show the negligent party that their actions cannot continue. Hopefully, by putting a spotlight on the issue, the hospital develops some new protocols or safety measures. This way, they avoid being involved in a lawsuit again. Your actions could possibly stop this from happening to another person.
To learn more, get in touch with us at your earliest convenience. We’ll schedule an initial consultation, free of charge. In this time, we’ll go over what happened and our attorneys will tell you if you have a potential case. Then, we can discuss your legal options for the future.
