Springdale Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a family member is seriously injured in a truck wreck or work-related accident, you may feel overwhelmed. There are medical bills, lost wages, uncontrolled pain, inconvenience, and confusing paperwork. Your situation may be made even worse when your own insurance company refuses to pay your claim. While hiring an attorney and prosecuting a lawsuit is the last thing you want to do, sometimes, legal action is the only way to receive the treatment and benefits the insurance companies are legally and contractually obligated to pay. So many people say that they do not want to hire a Springdale personal injury lawyer, but they feel that they have no other options since the insurance companies are low-balling or downright denying their claim.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury, call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. today at (479) 361-3575 to receive a risk-free consultation with one of our experts. We have the experience you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Helping Injury Victims In Northwest Arkansas With Their Recovery

At the Springdale Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we know exactly what to do to provide you with the best legal help possible following such incidents as:

Car Wrecks – Auto accidents resulting from inattention, texting, DWI and speeding result in serious personal injury to those involved in the collision. Our Springdale car accident lawyers will allow you to focus on recovering physically while we help you recover financially.
Truck Wrecks – These are also referred to as semi-truck or tractor trailers accidents. They are known to cause serious personal injuries due to the mere size differences between the vehicles and a truck accident lawyer in Springdale is often necessary to obtain compensation.
Motorcycle Accidents – Inattentive drivers often fail to see or yield right of way to motorcyclists, resulting in catastrophic personal injuries. Obtaining compensation for these injuries requires not only proper evaluation of current damages, but also future damages, something a Springdale motorcycle accident lawyer is well-versed in.
Bicycle Accidents – Inattentive drivers, especially those who are texting while driving, may swerve into cyclist causing serious personal injury or even death.

This image shows a bicycle about to be hit by a car as it rains. — Bicycle accidents cause serious injuries, with the victims often needing long-term care. Call Jason M. Hatfield today to have a lawyer fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Crosswalk Accidents – Motorists often fail to follow the laws and safety rules put in place to protect pedestrians when using crosswalks. A Springdale personal injury lawyer can make you sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Construction Site Accidents – Many construction companies cut corners and fail to follow OSHA safety rules. The Springdale construction site accident lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. pursue all types of accidents.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents – These are referred to as premises liability personal injury cases. Businesses are responsible to provide reasonably safe conditions for their customers, which are called invitees under the law. Slip-and-fall accident lawyers in Springdale have seen a wide array of cases that fall under this category.
Workers Compensation Injuries – The Springdale workers’ compensation lawyers with the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. represent workers regarding all types of injuries, including spinal cord injuries, shoulder injuries, and amputations.
Nursing Home Abuse – Nursing home negligence is more frequent than any of us want to admit. Corporate nursing homeowners commonly cut staffing, which results in increased resident falls, bedsores, and often wrongful death. Our Arkansas nursing home neglect lawyers
Defective Products – Defective drugs, medical devices, or other products can cause serious personal injury.
Wrongful Death – Negligence in any form can result in death. Our judicial system allows individuals and families the constitutional right to hold corporations and insurance companies accountable for unsafe conduct and their disregard of the rules. These companies will come prepared with a team of attorneys and you need to have a Springdale wrongful death lawyer fighting for you.
Drunk Driving and Texting While Driving – Driving while under the influence or texting while driving are common causes of accidents and can lead to punitive damage awards.
Catastrophic Injuries – These include amputations, neck and back injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, loss of vision, and even death.

This image shows an unconscious man with a severe head injury. — Catastrophic injuries are life-altering events and when they are caused by someone else’s negligence, victims deserve to be compensated.

8 Stages of the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process in Arkansas

The Arkansas personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. have outlined the eight stages of how the personal injury process works in the state.

Personal Injury Settlements and Litigation

The attorneys at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. are all experienced trial attorneys with years of successful cases under their belts. We aggressively pursue fair settlements of personal injury claims. We thoroughly advise our clients throughout the process and assist with all insurance benefits. Despite the propaganda put out by insurance companies, we know that most people do not desire litigation. Litigation involves opening your life and medical history to insurance companies. Litigation involves written questions under oath, depositions, hearings, trials, and appeals. Litigations are time-consuming and stressful. We seek to exhaust all avenues of reasonable resolution before recommending the filing of a lawsuit. Before filing a lawsuit, we advise our clients the pros and cons of the case, and we discuss the variety of expenses involved with litigation.

Below is a description of three categories of torts:

Negligence – This is one of the most common claims made. Negligence is claimed when a corporation breaches a duty of care and causes your injury. Examples are car wrecks, truck wrecks, and premises liability claims.
Strict Liability – These claims are most common with defective product claims when products are manufactured defectively.
Intentional Tort – Intentional wrongs can be defined when there was a deliberate intention to do harm, such as assault, battery, and intentional death. Generally, these claims are not covered by insurance policies.

What Damages Are Recoverable?

All personal injury claims are not created equal and must be handled on a case-by-case basis. There are a variety of factors that can impact the amount of compensation you can recover. Over the years, our office has pursued and recovered financial compensation for the following:

Past and Future Medical Bills

These include ambulance, hospital, radiology, anesthesia, doctor visits, physical therapy, and prescription medications. A Springdale personal injury attorney will insure that you are compensated for your future bills, not just your current bills.

Lost Wages

These are wages you would have earned if you were not restricted from working under a medical professional’s care.

Lost Ability to Earn

This encompasses wages you would have earned had you not been permanently restricted from earning as a result of your related injuries.

This image shows a man laying on the couch with a broken leg. — If you are at home on the couch because of an injury, you aren’t making money. Call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. to seek compensation for your damages.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages arise from the injury itself and are available to any injured plaintiff. We often argue these to be quality of life damages in that you are no longer physically capable of doing things you once enjoyed. This may also cover being unable to perform them without an increased degree of discomfort which makes them less enjoyable. Classic examples are fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, etc.

Scarring and Disfigurement

These damages are usually associated with more serious injuries that involve surgeries and amputations. This can also include someone, such as a model, who uses their likeness to earn a living and loses that ability after suffering permanent scarring or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

We call these punishment damages and are only allowed in cases of willful and wanton conduct or a conscious disregard for safety. Examples of when these damages are allowed are when defendants cause harm while engaged in intentional torts, drag racing and driving while intoxicated. Another example is the McDonald’s hot coffee case where McDonald’s intentionally disregarded multiple OSHA violations and customer complaints for serving coffee so hot they couldn’t drink it. The jury punished McDonald’s for one day of coffee sales. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant’s bad conduct and, for the most part, is not directly associated with the victim’s injuries.

As your attorney, we are dedicated to addressing all of your legal needs during your personal injury case — as well as your workers’ compensation claim if you were injured at work — answering every question you have and compassionately guiding you to a successful result.

“Jason did an excellent job for me. I know many times I had a ton of questions and he was always right there to answer them – and he always kept me informed as to the status of my case.” — As submitted to lawyers.com

Why Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer?

No matter what type of injury you sustained, or how you received the injury, it is best to consult a Springdale personal injury lawyer soon after an accident to help keep you from making mistakes that could otherwise be avoided. We have years of experience and know-how to handle these situations.

Below we have outlined many reasons why you should consult with our office regarding your accident and injuries.

Free No-Obligation Consultation

Our experienced injury attorneys can do several things for you. First off, our office provides a free no-obligation consultation to answer your questions and to assess your personal injury claim. We have years of experience assessing personal injury settlements and litigating personal injury claims to judges and juries.

Secondly, we will always give you our honest opinion and make sure that you know what your options are and what you can expect. It is good to have someone who can give you an objective evaluation and advice as to what steps should be taken to maximize your claim.

This image shows an elderly man speaking with a Springdale personal injury lawyer. — Speaking with the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. is a win-win for any personal injury victim. You get expert advice and representation and pay nothing unless you win.

Identifying the Need for Representation

At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. we do not sign up every case. Based on case details we may conclude that we cannot prove your case. Many times we can provide advice on what you need to do. For example, workers’ compensation claims must be proven by objective medical evidence, and we often recommend you obtain an MRI for the proof needed to prevail in court. Sometimes the workers’ comp carrier is paying your benefits, and you do not need legal representation at the moment. However, we will give you advice on what to expect in the future and when you should call us back for assistance closing out your claim. We can also give you advice on whether or not you have been given a fair settlement offer.

Most of our potential clients end up coming back to our office seeking representation due to unreasonable settlement offers or denial of medical treatment. Insurance companies are big business and insurance adjusters are trained and even sometimes rewarded for getting you to take a settlement offer below what should have been paid.

Determining Fault

Because of Arkansas’ modified comparative negligence laws, determining fault can be quite confusing. If there is a dispute as to who’s at fault in the accident, or if someone was seriously injured you should contact our office immediately to discuss the facts of the case. Whether you are responsible for the injury or not, our attorneys help ensure you know how to handle certain situations and ensure you don’t make a decision against your best interest. For example, injured workers are often encouraged to quit their job as it would be “easier” for the company. This is NEVER in your best interest. Our attorneys know how to answer tricky questions, which will help you from making statements that will be misinterpreted or falsely construed. We attempt to get your past medical records for review. There are frequently notations in those records that you have either forgotten or just aren’t accurate, and it is important to know before you give a recorded statement or a deposition.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are likely to start asking questions immediately after the injury and will set up recorded phone interviews. Remember, they are big business and are in the business to save their company as much money as possible by offering a low settlement. For example, State Farm’s CEO in 2007 earned 11.7 million dollars and State Farm had $5.5 billion in profits. Insurance companies do not make those types of salaries and profits making fair settlement offers to injured victims. We highly advise that you speak with a Springdale personal injury lawyer from our office as soon as possible after an accident or injury so we can help guide you with how to handle these situations ensuring you are building a strong case.

Medical Care / Medical Bills

The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. works with your health care providers to ensure you are receiving the best care for your injuries. We will provide them with your health insurance information, and we work with your own insurance company. We do not urge you to settle your claim before you are healed, and we work hard to make sure that outstanding bills are covered under your settlement. We can also assist you, when necessary, to obtain a second opinion or in some case request a change of physician if one has been assigned to you in such cases as with a Workers’ Compensation claim.

In addition, our office requests all medical records related to your case and we ensure that before we settle or go to court that we include all medical bills related to the case. Many times, we are able to work with your medical providers and insurance company to reduce the bills ensuring you are receiving the most amount of money possible.

This image shows a woman in a wheelchair being loaded into a taxi with a lift. — Permanent injuries require long term care and costs. Contact Jason M. Hatfield to obtain fair compensation for your damages.

Cost of Representation for Personal Injury Cases

Our office sets all new personal injury cases up on a contingency fee model, which means you only pay if we win your case. Without contingency-fee arrangements, most Arkansans would not be able to afford legal representation to pursue their personal injury claims, regardless of the strength of their cases. In exchange for the personal injury attorneys’ risk of getting no payment at all if they lose, clients agree to give the attorneys a percentage of the eventual recovery if their injury claim is successful. Contingency-fee arrangements are a true win-win situation.

Hiring a lawyer can be a big decision. If you have questions about lawyer fees or want to know more about the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we are available 24/7 and will happily answer any and all questions you may have.

Why Hire the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A.?

There are many scenarios in which you may need to consult with a personal injury attorney, and in each scenario, it is best to at least meet with us about your case to see what is best for you. It doesn’t hurt to get an opinion, and we can always give you an unbiased one that can help you in the long run, at no charge. The sooner you call the sooner a dedicated and compassionate Springdale personal injury lawyer can start working to ensure you receive a fair settlement that matches your injuries.

The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. represents injured Arkansans from all over Northwest Arkansas including Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Berryville, Fort Smith, Harrison, and Huntsville.

Arkansas Personal Injury Guide Infographic

Experience. Dedication. Compassion. Call Today For a Risk-Free Consultation

Negligence happens every day and a serious injury can be devastating. With more than 20 years of experience, we understand the struggles you may face. Our office is dedicated to ensuring you obtain the maximum financial compensation for your injuries and to ensure you are not left paying massive medical bills. Call us at (479) 361-3575 today to schedule your free consultation.

The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert legal advice to any suffering from a personal injury. We have the experience you need to obtain the compensation you deserve for your damages. Contact us today to get started on the road to financial recovery with the help of the best Springdale personal injury lawyer.

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Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyer

Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyers

We pursue fair compensation on behalf of accident victims throughout Sebastian County

Suffering a serious injury can throw your life into a tailspin. You may suddenly find yourself in the hospital, missing weeks of work, and wondering what your future will look like. When will doctors say you can go home? When will you be able to return to work? Will there be any additional follow-up medical treatment you’ll need to pursue? How are you going to pay for all of this? These are common questions anyone would ask themselves if they were in your position. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we are a compassionate team of Fort Smith personal injury lawyers who are here to help accident victims on their road to recovery. Our lawyers will take the time to sit down with you and listen to your story because we believe the more we know about your case, the better we can help.

We handle a variety of Fort Smith personal injury cases

For more than 20 years, the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield has provided exceptional representation to Fort Smith accident victims and their families. We believe that by holding people accountable for the harms caused by their negligent actions, we are not only helping clients, we are also helping make Arkansas a safer place.

Accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable injury in Arkansas and across the United States. At the Law Offices of Jason M. Hatfield, we proudly represent clients who suffered injuries related to any of the following accidents.

Car Accidents

Motor vehicles are necessary in today’s society; however, our reliance on them creates a situation where many drivers overlook the dangers these vehicles present. Motorists owe a duty of care to the others on the road. This means that a driver who negligently causes a car accident that injures another motorist, passenger, bicyclist or pedestrian can be held liable for the injured party’s damages. In most cases, these Fort Smith car accident lawsuits are filed against the at-fault driver, and that driver’s insurance company has a duty to assign that negligent driver an insurance defense lawyer to defend the case under the insurance policy. A knowledgeable Fort Smith car accident lawyer can help accident victims effectively prepare their claims.

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Over 500 people are killed in fatal Arkansas car accidents and another 2,000 seriously injured each year. Roughly 20 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in the state involve a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.

Truck Accidents

Arkansas truck accidents make up only a small percentage of the total number of traffic accidents in the state. However, they comprise a much larger portion of those accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

About one in six fatal Arkansas motor vehicle accidents involves a large truck like a semi-truck.

Most truck drivers understand the dangers of driving a huge vehicle and take the necessary precautions. However, unfortunately, that is not always the case. Truck drivers are under tremendous time pressure to travel as many miles as they can each day, which increases the chances of distracted driving or drowsy driving accidents. If you or a loved one were involved in a Fort Smith truck accident, speaking with an attorney is an excellent first step to gaining a greater understanding of how to hold a negligent truck driver accountable for their actions.

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Motorcycle Accidents

While many people think motorcycle accidents usually involve a single vehicle, that is not the case.

Motorcycles are involved in about ten percent of all fatal and non-fatal traffic accidents in Arkansas.

Many people are under the false impression that most motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents. However, that is not the case; more than half of all Arkansas motorcycle accidents involved at least one other vehicle.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of protection motorcycles offer to riders, injuries in these accidents tend to be severe. Even if you are wearing a helmet, you can still suffer life-changing injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, severe burns and more. Fort Smith motorcycle accident victims should reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to help them prepare their claim.

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Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls are among the most common causes of injury among older adults; however, every age group is at risk. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their property safe for invited guests. The extent of a property owner’s duty varies, depending on the type of location they own and the nature of your visit. However, typically, a landowner must warn guests of known hazards that could threaten their safety. And when it comes to business, they have a heightened duty to conduct routine inspections to discover potential hazards that could be dangerous for customers. Fort Smith slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including:

Grocery stores
Shopping malls
Department stores
Public buildings
Hospitals and doctor’s offices
Parking lots and parking garages

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FREE CONSULTATION

8 Stages of the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process in Arkansas

Sustaining an injury after a severe accident can be a very stressful experience. Most people considering a personal injury lawsuit have little to no experience with the process. Going through the personal injury process with an expert attorney can make the process less intimidating & more manageable. The Arkansas personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. have outlined the eight stages of how the personal injury process works in the state.

Damages in a Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawsuit

Those who successfully bring a Fort Smith personal injury lawsuit can recover financial compensation for their injuries. While every case is unique, and it’s impossible to pinpoint what a damages award will look like without an in-depth case analysis, Arkansas law generally allows accident victims to recover for their economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages pay you back for the money you were forced to spend (or could not make) because of the accident. For example, medical bills, lost wages, decreased earning capacity and property damage are all types of economic damages. Proving economic damages is generally pretty straightforward, as you can present objective evidence of the amount of damages. For instance, we can present the court with your total medical bills to prove the cost of your medical treatment.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are a little more complicated. These damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological effect the accident had on your life. For example, the following are all types of non-economic damages:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of familial relationships

Arkansas Personal Injury Guide Infographic

If you have been injured by someone’s negligence, whether from a car crash or a construction site accident, you may be able to receive economic recovery to help you move forward with your life. Here is a quick guide to Arkansas personal injury law to help answer questions you may have.

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Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

What are common injuries for a personal injury case?

The most common personal injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Whiplash
Amputations
Crush injuries
Back injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Fractures
Internal organ damage
Broken bones
Deep disfiguring cuts
Burns
Nerve damage
Paralysis
Scarring
Penetrating wounds from flying objects
Airbag injuries, including broken nose and/or jaw
Dislocations

Personal injuries are very common and each year across the nation, roughly 39 million Americans need medical treatment for a wide range of such injuries. Of great concern is the fact that medical errors and accidental injuries are the third leading cause of death.

What documents do I need for a personal injury lawsuit?

For your personal injury attorney to help you build a case seeking compensation for your injuries, several pieces of evidence would be helpful. Those documents include:

Police reports
Statements made by witnesses
Survivor/client statement – this is a crucial document that outlines, in the survivor’s words what happened and how it affects their life.
Medical documents, including E.R. Records, doctor treatment notes, rehabilitation reports, and autopsy reports.
Any reports dealing with past safety concerns of a vehicle and/or past safety violations.
Pictures and/or video of the accident scene and injuries.
Any private investigation reports available (can be obtained through discovery).
The service history of the vehicle involved in the crash.
The 911 call transcript.
Any audio recordings available captured on a smartphone.
Relevant W2 forms that indicate lost wages
All receipts of medical expenses related to the accident, vehicle rental, payments to others to transport you.
Keep all your files relating to the crash together and keep a digital and physical copy. Use a spreadsheet to indicate what you have and what you still need to obtain.

Your attorney may have other documents they could use to build your case. They ask for those when they discuss your case with you when you find out your legal rights, and determine if you want to proceed with a personal injury claim.

What to do after an injury in an accident?

If you have been hurt in an accident, there are some things that you need to do immediately, if possible. You want to protect your rights while seeking compensation for your injuries from an insurance company. Here are things you need to do as quickly as possible:

Call the police and make sure you get the accident report.
If possible, get the contact information of other witnesses.
Get medical help immediately or as soon as possible. Do not wait.
Describe all of your injuries no matter how small or big they are, as the doctor documents them for the medical record. These records are helpful for your personal injury attorney while seeking compensation for your injuries.
No matter what tests are ordered, get all of them done as instructed. Ask for x-rays, scans, or an MRI if the injuries are serious. Get the results of those tests for your attorney.
Do not provide “any” statement whatsoever to any insurance company, including your own. While you can notify them of the accident, do not provide any other details until you have retained a car accident attorney.
If you do not have an experienced car accident attorney, make sure you hire one as soon as you can.
Keep personal records of all your injuries, how you feel, your experiences, what medical treatment you obtained, what the outcome was, and keep receipts for all expenses related to the accident.
No matter how you feel, follow through on ALL doctor, therapist, and therapy appointments. Always show up and do what you were instructed to do, and do not skip any appointments.
Throughout this process of recovering from injuries in a car accident, dealing with insurance companies and your attorney, have patience. The process to recover compensation for your injuries can be a long one.

What's a type of personal injury case?

Personal injury cases can happen at any time and anywhere. The most common types of personal injury cases include:

Nursing home abuse, neglect
Traumatic brain injuries
Birth injuries
Aviation, boating accidents
Spinal cord injuries
Medical malpractice
Wrongful death claims
Slip and fall accidents
Car accident claims
Medical malpractice
Wrongful death claims
Dog bites
Defamation claims, as personal injury cases do not always involve physical injuries
Assault
Accidents in the workplace
Premises liability claims
Product liability claims
Construction injuries

Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

While almost every accident victim can point to some type of damage they suffered due to the accident, identifying the full extent of your damages is critical to your full recovery. You only get one chance to bring a case, so you want to make sure you get it right. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., represents injured workers from all over Northwest Arkansas including Fort Smith, Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Berryville and Harrison.

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Fort Smith Wrongful Death Cases

Preventable accidents claim thousands of lives in Arkansas every year. Whether a loved one is lost after a motor vehicle accident, workplace accident or any other type of accident, the result is tragic. While many accident victims can physically recover from their injuries, sadly, many do not. Families who have lost a loved one in a preventable accident can pursue a Fort Smith wrongful death case against the at-fault party.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

A wrongful death claim is a type of personal injury case except that, instead of being brought by the accident victim, it is brought by their surviving family members. Wrongful death claims can be filed after any type of accident. The following family members can file a wrongful death claim:

Spouses
Children
Parents
Siblings
The personal representative of the accident victim’s estate

What damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit?

The damages available through a wrongful death claim are similar to those in a personal injury claim and include:

Medical bills and expenses
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Lost benefits (such as health insurance premiums)
Compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering
Compensation for your own mental anguish

Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

If you or a loved one was recently involved in a Fort Smith accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. In the aftermath of a fatal accident, families may be looking for answers that are hard to come by. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, our compassionate wrongful death lawyers can help you understand your options so you can make the decision that is best for your family. For more than two decades, attorney Hatfield and his dedicated team have served Fort Smith and the surrounding communities. As skilled negotiators, we can often resolve our clients’ cases without the need for a trial; however, we are also aggressive litigators and will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement offer. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a Fort Smith, personal injury lawyer, give us a call today at 479-361-3575. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.

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Springdale Personal Injury Lawyer