If you’ve been injured on the job in Arkansas, it’s important to understand your rights and what the state’s workers’ compensation system can offer. Whether you slipped in a Little Rock office or were hurt in an industrial accident in Fort Smith, the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission (AWCC) oversees claims and benefits for injured employees.
Who Is Covered?
Almost all employers in Arkansas with three or more employees are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage. This includes both full-time and part-time workers. Independent contractors, farm laborers, and domestic workers are generally not covered, though there are some exceptions depending on the situation.
Benefits Available to Injured Workers
Injured workers in Arkansas may be entitled to the following benefits:
- Medical treatment for all approved work-related injuries
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits while you recover and cannot work
- Permanent Partial or Total Disability payments if your injury causes long-term impairment
- Death benefits for surviving dependents
- Rehabilitation services in limited cases when you can’t return to your former job
Reporting Your Injury
You should report your injury to your employer immediately—ideally on the same day it occurs. Arkansas law requires that a claim be filed within two years of the date of injury or the last payment of benefits, whichever is later.
Can You Choose Your Doctor?
In Arkansas, your employer or their insurance carrier has the right to select the initial treating physician. If you go to a different doctor without prior approval, you may have to pay out of pocket. You can request a change of doctor through the AWCC, but approval is not guaranteed.
What to Do if Your Claim Is Denied
If your claim is denied or delayed, you can request a hearing with the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission. These hearings provide an opportunity for you to present evidence, bring witnesses, and explain your situation to a judge. Legal representation may be helpful, especially in complex cases.
Time Limits and Deadlines
- Notice to Employer: Report as soon as possible, ideally within a few days.
- Filing a Claim: Must be filed within 2 years of the injury.
- Statute of Limitations for Benefits: Applies to future wage loss and medical claims and varies based on the situation.
Common Injuries Covered
In Arkansas, workers’ compensation commonly covers injuries such as:
- Overexertion from heavy lifting
- Slip and fall injuries
- Equipment or machinery accidents
- Chemical burns and exposure
- Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel
Should You Get a Lawyer?
Many straightforward workers’ comp claims proceed without legal help. However, if your benefits are denied, your injury is serious, or your employer disputes the facts, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights and push your case forward.
Final Note
Arkansas workers’ compensation laws are there to support injured workers—but navigating the system can feel overwhelming. Make sure to report your injury quickly, follow proper procedures, and know where to go for help if something goes wrong.