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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally 2 years under Ark. Code § 16-114-203.

2 YEARS
Medical Malpractice · Arkansas
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Medical malpractice Deadlines in Arkansas

How long do you have to file a medical malpractice claim in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally 2 years under Ark. Code § 16-114-203.

When does the clock start for medical malpractice in Arkansas?

Two years from the date of the wrongful act — a year less than the general three-year tort period.

Can the Arkansas deadline for medical malpractice be extended?

This is the trap in Arkansas: people assume all injury claims get three years. A surgical error or misdiagnosis runs on two. Arkansas has no dedicated medical malpractice statute of repose, but the discovery rule is applied narrowly. Repoint the URL.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Arkansas?

Often, yes. Generally 3 years; immunity limits apply under Ark. Code §§ 21-9-301, 19-10-204. Arkansas grants municipalities and political subdivisions tort immunity under § 21-9-301 except to the extent of liability insurance coverage, so the threshold question is usually whether the claim is actionable at all rather than whether it is timely. Claims…

How does Arkansas compare to other states for medical malpractice?

Arkansas's 2 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 51 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for medical malpractice ranges from 1 year to 4 years, and 2 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Medical Malpractice Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the medical malpractice deadline in Arkansas:

01 Surgical errors and wrong-site surgery
02 Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
03 Medication errors and dosage mistakes
04 Birth injuries to mother or child
05 Anesthesia errors
06 Hospital-acquired infections from negligence
07 Failure to monitor or treat properly
08 Premature discharge causing harm
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Other Filing Deadlines in Arkansas

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed Arkansas attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in Arkansas, or compare medical malpractice across all states.
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