Arkansas Workers' Compensation Attorneys
The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. has spent years helping injured workers across Arkansas get the medical care and financial support they need after a workplace accident. We represent injured workers across Northwest Arkansas, including Springdale, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Rogers, Berryville, Bentonville and Harrison. If you've been hurt on the job, call (479) 361-3575 today for a review of your case.
Your rights as an injured employee
Getting hurt on the job changes everything, fast. One day you're doing your work, and the next you're facing medical bills, lost wages, and a claims process that feels designed to confuse you.
To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you must suffer some injury, disability or illness related to your employment. Almost all accidents that occur on the job will meet this requirement.
The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. helps injured workers across Arkansas understand their rights and fight for the benefits they're owed. Call (479) 361-3575 today for a free review of your case. Here's what you need to know about workers' compensation law in this state. We understand what is at stake in these cases and take them as seriously as you do.
If you suffered injuries in an on-the-job accident and are wondering whether you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield.
What is workers' compensation in Arkansas and who does It cover?
Workers' compensation is insurance that covers medical bills and lost wages when you're hurt on the job. Arkansas law requires most employers with three or more employees to carry this coverage. It's found in the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Act, codified at Arkansas Code Annotated Section 11-9-101 and following.
This system is considered "no-fault." That means you don't have to prove your employer did something wrong to get benefits. You only have to show your injury happened while doing your job.
Nearly every type of worker qualifies, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. Independent contractors are usually excluded, but employers sometimes misclassify workers to avoid paying for coverage. If you're not sure how you're classified, that's a question worth asking a lawyer.
The Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission, often called the AWCC, oversees these claims. This state agency handles disputes, approves settlements, and enforces the law when employers or insurance companies don't play fair.
Injuries covered include one-time accidents like falls, cuts, and equipment injuries. They also include repetitive stress injuries and occupational illnesses that develop over time, such as hearing loss from years of loud machinery or lung damage from chemical exposure.
If your employer denies you were injured at work, or claims your job doesn't qualify for coverage, don't take that answer at face value. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. reviews these situations every day and can tell you quickly whether you have a valid claim worth pursuing.
Can I sue my employer instead of filing a workers' compensation claim
Generally, no. Workers' compensation is what's called the "exclusive remedy" for workplace injuries in Arkansas. This means that in exchange for no-fault benefits, you typically give up the right to sue your employer in civil court.
There are exceptions. If your employer intentionally caused your injury, or if a third party, someone other than your employer or a coworker, caused the accident, you may have a separate injury claim. Third party claims commonly arise from defective equipment, negligent subcontractors, or vehicle accidents involving someone outside your company.
These cases can allow you to recover damages not available through workers' compensation, such as full pain and suffering.
Figuring out whether you have a third party claim requires a close look at how your injury happened. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. investigates every angle of your accident to find every source of compensation you're entitled to, not just the workers' compensation claim.
How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim?
Arkansas law sets a strict statute of limitations for workers' compensation claims. Under Arkansas law (Ark. Code Ann. § 11-9-702), a claim for workers' compensation must generally be filed within two years from the date of the compensable injury. If you have received benefits, you should consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim remains timely, as the statute of limitations rules are complex and vary by circumstance.
Occupational diseases, including gradual conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or hearing loss, follow different rules. The clock often starts when you knew, or reasonably should have known, that your condition was work related.
These deadlines feel far away right after an injury, but they arrive quickly once paperwork, medical appointments, and recovery take over your life. Don't assume you have plenty of time. If you wait too long to contact a lawyer, your options shrink. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. reviews the timeline of your injury and makes sure every filing deadline is met, so a technicality never costs you the benefits you've earned.
What should I do after a workplace injury in Arkansas?
Make sure you do the following:
Arkansas employers often have the right to direct your medical care through an approved physician. This means you may not get to pick your own doctor right away. If you disagree with the treatment you're getting, you have options, but they require following specific steps under the law. These early steps matter more than most injured workers realize.
Report your injury to your employer immediately.
Tell your supervisor in writing, not just verbally. A written incident report creates a record that protects you later if the employer disputes your claim.
Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Your health comes first, and prompt treatment also creates medical records that link your injury directly to your job.
Write down everything while it's fresh.
Note the date, time, location, and how the injury happened. Get the names of any coworkers who saw it happen.
Keep copies of every document related to your injury.
Keep copies of every document related to your injury, including medical bills, pay stubs, and correspondence with your employer.
What benefits can I get under Arkansas workers' compensation law?
Injured workers in Arkansas can receive several types of benefits, depending on the severity of the injury. Medical benefits cover reasonable and necessary treatment related to your work injury. This includes doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and mileage reimbursement for travel to appointments.
Temporary total disability benefits replace part of your lost wages while you're unable to work and still recovering. Arkansas calculates this at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state maximums that change each year.
Permanent partial disability benefits apply when you're left with a lasting impairment even after reaching maximum medical improvement, the point where your condition is not expected to improve further. Permanent total disability benefits apply if your injury leaves you unable to work in any capacity going forward.
Death benefits are available to dependents when a worker dies from a job-related injury or illness, covering funeral costs and ongoing financial support.
What happens if my workers' compensation claim is denied?
A denial does not mean your case is over. Arkansas law gives injured workers the right to appeal a denied claim.
Under Arkansas Code Annotated § 11-9-704, and confirmed by the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission's official guidance, disputed claims are heard first before an administrative law judge. This judge reviews medical evidence, witness statements, and testimony.
If you disagree with the judge's ruling, you can appeal to the full Commission, and from there to the Arkansas Court of Appeals. Appeals involve strict procedural rules and short deadlines. Missing a step can end your case before a judge even hears the facts.
Insurance companies often deny claims, hoping the worker won't fight back. Don't let a denial letter be the final word on your case. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. has represented injured workers through the appeals process and knows how to build the evidence needed to overturn a wrongful denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a workers' compensation lawyer?
Employers and insurance companies have lawyers working to limit what they pay. You deserve someone working just as hard.
Studies on workers' compensation outcomes consistently show represented claimants recover more than those who handle claims alone. The paperwork, medical disputes, and legal deadlines involved make this a process most people shouldn't face without guidance.
The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. has spent years helping injured workers across Arkansas get the medical care and financial support they need after a workplace accident. If you've been hurt on the job, call (479) 361-3575 today for a review of your case. You don't have to face the insurance company alone.