Top-Rated Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers Advocate for Those Harmed in Serious Accidents
From its origins as a railroad stop serving fruit orchard farmers, Centerton has grown into a full-fledged community within the Northwest Arkansas (NWA) region. In 2019, Centerton’s population neared 20,000 residents, up from just under 500 people in 1990.
Centerton regularly ranks as one of Arkansas’ safest and fastest-growing communities. All this growth can come with risks, however. Unintentional injuries can occur when another person or company fails to take due care to prevent harm.
If you’re injured in a Centerton accident, you don’t have to fight for compensation alone. Speak to an experienced Centerton personal injury lawyer. The team at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is here to discuss your situation and your options. Contact us at (479) 361-3575 to learn more.
Serious Injuries in Arkansas and Benton County
Between 2019 and 2023, unintentional injuries caused 59.7 deaths per 100,000 Arkansas residents. This rate is similar to that of the US as a whole – but not all Arkansas counties are equally affected.
Benton County recorded an accidental death rate lower than the state average, at 45.9 deaths per 100,000 people. However, over the last several years, this rate has been rising. This trend shows that Benton County residents face increasing risks of death and serious injury.
The Arkansas Department of Health estimates that 5,000 Benton County residents need hospital care for serious injuries each year. Thousands more receive treatment for severe injuries in the county’s emergency rooms, urgent care centers and doctors’ offices.
Most unintentional injuries are preventable. When they occur, it’s because someone failed to use the due care necessary to prevent harm. An injured person can often seek compensation from a person or company whose failure to take care caused injuries.
Where Do Serious Injuries Occur in Centerton?
Serious injuries can happen in many ways. In Centerton, common causes of personal injuries include car accidents, bicycle and pedestrian crashes, falls, and injuries inflicted by defective products.
These are common scenarios of personal injury. Yet they aren’t the only way someone can be harmed. If you’ve been injured in Centerton, reach out to a local personal injury lawyer to better understand your legal options.
Car Accidents
Centerton is served by several busy highways and roads, including I-49, US-71B, and state and county highways 279, 102, 72, and 12. These roads play a crucial role in allowing Centerton locals and visitors to travel, but they can also be the sites of serious accidents.
About ten percent of all hospital admissions in Benton County each year result from car accident injuries. In 2022, Arkansas ranked fourth in the United States for roadway deaths, with 641 deaths or 21.1 deaths per 100,000 residents. Nationwide, about 12.8 people per 100,000 die in car accidents each year.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes
Of the 641 roadway deaths Arkansas recorded in 2022, 75 percent affected people in motor vehicles – drivers and passengers. Another 13 percent involved motorcycles. Bicyclists and pedestrians made up the remainder.
In 2022, about 11 percent of those killed in Benton County roadway crashes were pedestrians, and about 1 percent were bicyclists. Pedestrians are significantly overrepresented in Benton County’s roadway fatality numbers. Only about two percent of those who use the roads in Benton County are pedestrians, yet pedestrians make up about 11 percent of those who suffer fatal injuries.
Injuries in Public Venues
Unintentional falls cause about half of all injury-related hospital admissions in Benton County and about 14 percent of all accidental workplace deaths each year. They’re also the leading cause of death for adults ages 65 and older in the U.S.
Falls can occur in the home or in public venues, such as businesses and parks. In a public venue, falls are only one source of potential injury. Broken railings, defective furniture and equipment such as escalators, insufficient lighting, staff failure to clean up hazards or warn visitors, and inadequate security can also lead to preventable injuries.
Defective Product Injuries
Hidden defects in consumer products can cause serious harm. These injuries are often traumatic as well, since the injured person may not know about the danger until it strikes.
Since 2020, defective product injuries have been rising in the US. In 2023, 12.7 million US residents suffered injuries severe enough to require emergency room care after encountering a hidden defect in a consumer product, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Common sources of defective product injuries include stairs, ramps, flooring, beds, mattresses, chairs, and sofas. Young children are at higher risk of injuries from soaps, television sets, and ovens.
Work-Related Injuries
In 2023, 92 Arkansas workers died of injuries suffered on the job. This number is significantly higher than 2022’s total of 75 work-related deaths.
Construction, transportation, and manufacturing were the riskiest occupations, posting the highest number of deaths and serious injuries. Yet both fatal and non-fatal injuries can occur in any workplace. Those who are injured can often seek workers’ compensation and may also have a claim against a third party in some cases.
If you were seriously injured at work, talk to an experienced Centerton work injury lawyer today. An attorney can help you discuss your recovery plan and document your doctor’s visits, medications, and follow-up appointments.
How the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield Handles Personal Injury Claims
Navigating a personal injury claim can be tough. Insurance companies have considerable resources, all focused on one thing: minimizing the amount the insurer has to pay for your needs.
At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, we start investigating our clients’ claims as soon as we begin working with a client. We keep in mind Arkansas’s rules for personal injury cases, building a strong claim that can withstand trial while also working for a full, fair resolution at each step.
What Are The Time Limits For Filing a Claim?
Arkansas law allows three years to file a personal injury claim after an accident. This three-year window typically starts on the date of the injury. Only a few exceptions apply.
The three-year limit applies to lawsuits, but not to insurance claims. Insurers set their own time limits, which can be much shorter. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the easier it is to understand your time limits and protect your right to file.
What Compensation Can I Get For My Accident?
Compensation in your case will depend on your specific injuries and how they impact your life. Many personal injury claims seek compensation for losses like:
- Medical bills for both past and expected future care,
- Lost wages and compensation for lost future earning capacity,
- Costs of fixing or replacing any damaged property (like a totaled car),
- Physical pain and suffering,
- Mental and emotional anguish,
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Other losses may also be compensated. Since no two awards are identical, it’s important to talk to a lawyer to understand your compensation options.
Speak to an Experienced Centerton Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Life after a serious injury is a daily struggle. Whether you’re dealing with severe injuries or grieving the loss of a loved one, moving forward can feel overwhelming.
You don’t have to do it alone. Talk to the team at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. Reach out to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Centerton personal injury attorney today.
FAQs About Personal Injury in Centerton
I think I was partly responsible for my injuries. Can I still file a lawsuit?
Yes, but your total compensation might be lower if you are partly at fault. Arkansas uses a “modified comparative fault rule” to calculate damages when an injured person is partly responsible for their own injuries. An attorney can help you determine how this rule will apply in your case.
My loved one died from their injuries. Does my family have a case?
If injuries are fatal, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. This claim seeks many of the same damages as a personal injury claim. It can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other losses.
The person who injured me is also facing criminal charges. Can I file a personal injury lawsuit, too?
In some cases, the same accident can give rise to both criminal and civil claims. For instance, a drunk driver who injures a pedestrian may face criminal charges for DUI. The injured person can often file a civil personal injury claim as well. The civil claim can ensure the injured person receives full compensation. Consult with an attorney to understand how these types of cases can interact with one another.
How long does it take to resolve a personal injury claim?
Some personal injury lawsuits are resolved within a few months. Complex cases, such as those involving serious injuries or multiple parties, may require more than a year to resolve.
Do I really need a lawyer for my personal injury case?
Arkansas law allows an injured person to file a lawsuit without the assistance of a lawyer. However, an injured person will be held to the same standards as an experienced attorney when presenting before a court. This is a heavy burden to carry alone, and it’s harder when you’re already struggling with the aftermath of a serious accident. An experienced Centerton personal injury lawyer will handle the hard work of presenting a strong case, so you can focus on healing.