Arkansas Workers' Compensation Guide — Benefits, Claims & Rights
Workers' compensation coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, and dispute resolution in Arkansas.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system — you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. But the process still requires specific steps in a specific order: reporting the injury, filing a formal claim, and getting treatment through authorized providers. If the insurer disputes your claim, the process shifts to hearings and appeals. Acting quickly matters, because most states impose strict deadlines for reporting and filing.
Who Is Covered?
Arkansas requires workers' compensation insurance for 3 or more employees §11-9-102(11)(A). The Exclusive remedy doctrine means that in most cases, workers' comp is your sole remedy against your employer for workplace injuries §11-9-105.
Key Deadlines
Benefit Overview
Workers' compensation in Arkansas provides several categories of benefits:
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Temporary Total Disability (TTD) | 66.67% of average weekly wage; Until MMI; subject to statutory maximums §11-9-501 |
| Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) | Yes, scheduled and wage-loss benefits available §11-9-521; §11-9-522 |
| Death Benefits | Tiered percentages of average weekly wage to dependents (e.g., 35% to a widow/widower with no child, 15% per child), capped at a total of 65%; burial expenses up to $6,000 §11-9-527 |
| Medical Treatment | All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the work injury |
Medical Treatment
Employer or insurer has the right to select the authorized treating physician §11-9-514. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment causally related to the workplace injury must be covered by the employer or insurer.
Ready to Talk to a Lawyer?
Submit a short intake form and a participating Arkansas attorney who handles this type of matter may reach out to you. No commitment required.
Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.
- 3 or more employees
- 3 or more employees
- 66.67% of average weekly wage
- Until MMI; subject to statutory maximums
- Employee must report the injury to the employer on a form prescribed by the Commission; no fixed statutory period, but the employer is not responsible for benefits prior to receipt of the report
- 2 years from date of injury; additional compensation within 1 year from last payment of compensation or 2 years from injury, whichever is greater