Arkansas: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 10 topic we track for Arkansas on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Arkansas compares.

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Malpractice rules · Small claims limits · Small estate limits · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Medicaid expansion · ACA marketplace · Claim deadlines · Estate and inheritance tax

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Medical malpractice	2 years
Wrongful death	3 years

Malpractice rules Single detailed source

Damage cap	No cap (barred by the state constitution)
Expert affidavit or certificate	Statute required an affidavit within 30 days of filing, but courts have struck it down
Before you sue	None required

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$5,000
Filing fee	About $30 to $65
Lawyers	Not allowed

Small estate limits Single detailed source

Small estate limit	$100,000 (not counting homestead and allowances)
Wait after death	45 days
Real estate	Yes

Debt time limits

Credit cards / open accounts	5 years
Written contracts	5 years
Promissory notes	5 years

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 50% or more at fault

Medicaid expansion Single detailed source

Expanded?	Yes
Since	Jan. 1, 2014

ACA marketplace

Marketplace type	State-based, using the federal platform
Where to enroll	HealthCare.gov

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	15 working days
Accept or deny	15 working days after proof of loss
Pay	10 working days after the claim is ready for payment

Estate and inheritance tax

Estate tax	No state estate tax
Inheritance tax	No inheritance tax