Arkansas · Medical Malpractice
Arkansas medical malpractice damage caps and statute of limitations
Refreshed 2026. Constitutional prohibition damage cap. 2 years from act or omission. Full breakdown below.
Damage caps
AR Const. Art. 5, § 32Non-economic damages cap
None
Total damages cap
None
Status
constitutional prohibition
Notes
State constitution prohibits damage caps. AR Const. Art. 5, § 32.
Statute of limitations
AR Code Ann. § 16-114-203Standard SOL
2 years from act or omission
Discovery rule
Limited; generally runs from date of act. Discovery rule may apply in foreign object cases.
Statute of repose
None separate; 2-year limit is effectively both SOL and repose
Minor exception
Tolled during minority; SOL begins at age 18
Wrongful death SOL
3 years from date of death
Notes
One of the more restrictive states with limited discovery rule.
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Arkansas med-mal FAQ
What is the medical malpractice statute of limitations in Arkansas?+
2 years from act or omission. Limited; generally runs from date of act. Discovery rule may apply in foreign object cases. Statute of repose: None separate; 2-year limit is effectively both SOL and repose. Wrongful death: 3 years from date of death. One of the more restrictive states with limited discovery rule. Source: AR Code Ann. § 16-114-203.
Does Arkansas have a medical malpractice damage cap?+
No. State constitution prohibits damage caps. AR Const. Art. 5, § 32.
How does Arkansas handle the discovery rule in med-mal cases?+
Limited; generally runs from date of act. Discovery rule may apply in foreign object cases.
What is the Arkansas minor exception for medical malpractice?+
Tolled during minority; SOL begins at age 18
What is the wrongful death statute of limitations for Arkansas medical malpractice?+
3 years from date of death
Other state lookups
This tool is informational. It is not legal advice. Arkansas damage caps and statute of limitations periods change frequently. Always verify against current statute and consult a licensed Arkansas attorney before relying on a deadline. Data refreshed May 2026.