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Sebastian County Personal Injury Lawyers

Dedicated Injury Attorneys Serving Residents of Greenwood, Fort Smith, and the Surrounding Areas

Accidents can take a tremendous toll on your life for years to come. In the immediate aftermath of a serious accident, your focus is understandably on recovering from your physical injuries. However, as time goes on, the financial impact of the incident becomes clearer. Medical expenses, lost wages, and potentially decreased earning capacity are all very real consequences for many accident victims. However, you should not be the one to shoulder these financial burdens.

At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, our Sebastian County personal injury lawyers have a long and successful history of helping accident victims obtain meaningful compensation for their injuries. We proudly represent clients in Greenwood, Fort Smith, Huntington, Lavaca, and throughout Sebastian County. We also offer free consultations to all accident victims, so there is no risk in giving us a call to learn more about your options.

Sebastian County Accident Statistics

Located along the west side of Arkansas, Sebastian County is the fourth-largest county in the state. With slightly over 130,000 residents, just under five percent of the state’s population lives in Sebastian County. Despite its relatively low population density, Sebastian County contains several cities, including Greenwood, Fort Smith, Huntington, Lavaca, and Bonanza.

In terms of Sebastian County accident statistics, the county doesn’t keep track of the number of accidents. However, when looking at Arkansas as a whole, accidents have historically been the third leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2,046 accidental deaths in Arkansas in 2021, resulting in an accident mortality rate of 65 fatalities per 100,000 residents.

Motor vehicle accidents and falls are two of the leading causes of accidental deaths in Arkansas. For example, motor vehicle accidents were responsible for more than 550 deaths in 2023. Falls are among the most common cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries in residents over the age of 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a third of all Arkansas residents over the age of 65, or about 166,000 people, experienced a fall in 2020. Of these falls, 37 percent required some form of medical treatment, and just over 200 were fatal.

Types of Sebastian County Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Car Accidents

After a car accident, dealing with injuries and financial loss can be overwhelming. Legal assistance is crucial to navigate insurance claims and secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Personal injury lawyers who regularly handle car accident cases can advocate for your rights and ensure fair settlement to support your recovery.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities and are often complicated because of the involvement of trucking companies and multiple insurance companies. A Sebastian County personal injury attorney with experience in truck accidents can help untangle these complexities, identify liable parties, and pursue adequate compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents

Motorcyclists and bicyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of an accident. Not only that, but motorcyclists too often face bias in claims processes due to the incorrect perception that motorcyclists are aggressive drivers. Sebastian County personal injury attorneys skilled in handling these cases can protect your interests, ensuring you receive fair compensation for injuries, damage, and any long-term impacts on your quality of life.

Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Victims of nursing home abuse and neglect suffer physically and emotionally. A personal injury lawyer specializing in nursing home abuse and neglect law can help hold responsible parties accountable, seeking justice and compensation for medical care, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from mistreatment or negligence.

Product Liability

Injuries from defective products can lead to complex product liability claims. Personal injury attorneys in this field work to prove that the product was defective and caused harm, aiming to secure compensation for your medical costs, lost earnings, and other related expenses.

Construction Accidents

Construction accidents can lead to significant injuries, impacting your ability to work and live normally. Personal injury lawyers experienced in construction site laws can help navigate workers’ compensation claims and pursue additional damages against responsible parties for your full financial recovery.

Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere and might result in serious injuries. Personal injury lawyers assist victims in proving negligence by property owners and obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring a thorough and fair legal process.

Wrongful Death

In wrongful death cases, families face the emotional and financial toll of losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. Personal injury attorneys provide compassionate legal representation, striving to secure compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages, offering some solace in difficult times.

What Damages Are Available Through a Sebastian County Personal Injury Lawsuit?

In a Sebastian County personal injury lawsuit, you can pursue several types of damages to compensate you for your losses and suffering resulting from an accident. The available damages are designed to cover both economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages

These are the quantifiable losses you’ve incurred due to the accident. Often, your Sebastian County injury lawyer will establish economic damages by presenting evidence of the actual costs and expenses you incurred as a result of the accident. Economic damages include:

Medical Expenses: You can recover costs for medical treatment related to your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical care you may need.

Lost Wages: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for lost income. This includes salary, wages, bonuses, and other earnings lost during your recovery period.

Property Damage: If the accident resulted in damage to your property, such as your vehicle, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the non-tangible losses you’ve experienced, which are not directly measurable in monetary terms. These damages are more subjective than economic damages, as an accident will impact every victim’s life in different ways. Some of the non-economic damages that may be available through a Sebastian County personal injury lawsuit include:

Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages cover the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured because of the accident. They take into account the severity of your injuries and the impact on your quality of life.

Emotional Distress: Separate from pain and suffering, this compensates for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, affection, and support.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, you might be awarded punitive damages. These are not tied to the specific losses you suffered but are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Future Damages

If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may also be entitled to compensation for future losses, including ongoing medical care, loss of earning capacity, and future pain and suffering.

It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney in Sebastian County to accurately assess all possible damages and build a strong case for your compensation.

What You Need to Know About Personal Injury Cases in Sebastian County

Personal injury cases can be complex, and it’s likely you haven’t been through the process before. Below are a few important things to review before pursuing a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries:

Elements of a Personal Injury Claim

Before filing a lawsuit in Sebastian County, understand the basic elements of a personal injury claim. You must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury as a result, leading to damages. Establishing these elements is crucial for a successful claim.

Statute of Limitations

In Sebastian County, Arkansas, there is a specific time frame within which you must file your personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to sue. There may be exceptions to this general rule; however, it is best to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Comparative Fault Rules

Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partly at fault for the accident. If you are 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. Understanding how your own negligence can affect your case is important.

For example, suppose you are driving slightly above the speed limit, and another driver runs a red light, colliding with your car. In the resulting lawsuit, the court finds that the other driver is primarily at fault for running the red light. However, because you were speeding, the court also finds you 10% at fault for the accident. If the total damages are calculated to be $100,000, your award would be reduced by 10% (your share of the fault), so you would receive $90,000.

This example illustrates how comparative fault works in Arkansas, reducing your compensation in proportion to your degree of fault in the incident.

Damage Caps

Be aware of any caps on damages in personal injury cases. While Arkansas does not generally limit economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, there are caps on punitive damages. Knowing these limits can help set realistic expectations for the potential compensation you can receive.

Insurance Company Interactions

Dealing with insurance companies can be tricky. They may offer a settlement quickly, but it’s essential to assess whether it fully covers your losses. Consult with a personal injury attorney before accepting any offers, as they can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Have You Suffered Serious Injuries in a Sebastian County Accident?

If you or a loved one was recently hurt in a car accident, workplace accident, slip and fall or another type of preventable accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for all you’ve been through. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, our Sebastian County personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience aggressively pursuing maximum compensation on behalf of accident victims in Sebastian County and throughout Arkansas. We take pride in helping our clients obtain the compensation they need to get back on their feet and on with their lives after a serious accident. Our wrongful death lawyers also help grieving families who lost a loved one hold the party responsible for their loved one’s death accountable for their loss. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield at 479-361-3575. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.

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Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyer

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Sebastian County Personal Injury Lawyers

Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyers

We pursue fair compensation on behalf of accident victims throughout Sebastian County

Suffering a serious injury can throw your life into a tailspin. You may suddenly find yourself in the hospital, missing weeks of work, and wondering what your future will look like. When will doctors say you can go home? When will you be able to return to work? Will there be any additional follow-up medical treatment you’ll need to pursue? How are you going to pay for all of this? These are common questions anyone would ask themselves if they were in your position. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we are a compassionate team of Fort Smith personal injury lawyers who are here to help accident victims on their road to recovery. Our lawyers will take the time to sit down with you and listen to your story because we believe the more we know about your case, the better we can help.

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We handle a variety of Fort Smith personal injury cases

For more than 20 years, the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield has provided exceptional representation to Fort Smith accident victims and their families. We believe that by holding people accountable for the harms caused by their negligent actions, we are not only helping clients, we are also helping make Arkansas a safer place. 

Accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable injury in Arkansas and across the United States. At the Law Offices of Jason M. Hatfield, we proudly represent clients who suffered injuries related to any of the following accidents.

Car Accidents

Motor vehicles are necessary in today’s society; however, our reliance on them creates a situation where many drivers overlook the dangers these vehicles present. Motorists owe a duty of care to the others on the road. This means that a driver who negligently causes a car accident that injures another motorist, passenger, bicyclist or pedestrian can be held liable for the injured party’s damages. In most cases, these Fort Smith car accident lawsuits are filed against the at-fault driver, and that driver’s insurance company has a duty to assign that negligent driver an insurance defense lawyer to defend the case under the insurance policy. A knowledgeable Fort Smith car accident lawyer can help accident victims effectively prepare their claims.
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Arkansas Car Accidents Infographic

Over 500 people are killed in fatal Arkansas car accidents and another 2,000 seriously injured each year. Roughly 20 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in the state involve a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. 

Truck Accidents

Arkansas truck accidents make up only a small percentage of the total number of traffic accidents in the state. However, they comprise a much larger portion of those accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

About one in six fatal Arkansas motor vehicle accidents involves a large truck like a semi-truck. 

Most truck drivers understand the dangers of driving a huge vehicle and take the necessary precautions. However, unfortunately, that is not always the case. Truck drivers are under tremendous time pressure to travel as many miles as they can each day, which increases the chances of distracted driving or drowsy driving accidents. If you or a loved one were involved in a Fort Smith truck accident, speaking with an attorney is an excellent first step to gaining a greater understanding of how to hold a negligent truck driver accountable for their actions.
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Smoke rising from a truck accident on highway

Motorcycle Accidents

While many people think motorcycle accidents usually involve a single vehicle, that is not the case. 

Arkansas motorcycle accident infographic

Motorcycles are involved in about ten percent of all fatal and non-fatal traffic accidents in Arkansas.

Many people are under the false impression that most motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents. However, that is not the case; more than half of all Arkansas motorcycle accidents involved at least one other vehicle.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of protection motorcycles offer to riders, injuries in these accidents tend to be severe. Even if you are wearing a helmet, you can still suffer life-changing injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, severe burns and more. Fort Smith motorcycle accident victims should reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to help them prepare their claim.

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Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls are among the most common causes of injury among older adults; however, every age group is at risk. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their property safe for invited guests. The extent of a property owner’s duty varies, depending on the type of location they own and the nature of your visit. However, typically, a landowner must warn guests of known hazards that could threaten their safety. And when it comes to business, they have a heightened duty to conduct routine inspections to discover potential hazards that could be dangerous for customers. Fort Smith slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including:
  • Grocery stores
  • Shopping malls
  • Department stores
  • Public buildings
  • Hospitals and doctor’s offices
  • Parking lots and parking garages
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8 Stages of the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process in Arkansas

Sustaining an injury after a severe accident can be a very stressful experience. Most people considering a personal injury lawsuit have little to no experience with the process. Going through the personal injury process with an expert attorney can make the process less intimidating & more manageable. The Arkansas personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. have outlined the eight stages of how the personal injury process works in the state.

Damages in a Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawsuit

Those who successfully bring a Fort Smith personal injury lawsuit can recover financial compensation for their injuries. While every case is unique, and it’s impossible to pinpoint what a damages award will look like without an in-depth case analysis, Arkansas law generally allows accident victims to recover for their economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages pay you back for the money you were forced to spend (or could not make) because of the accident. For example, medical bills, lost wages, decreased earning capacity and property damage are all types of economic damages. Proving economic damages is generally pretty straightforward, as you can present objective evidence of the amount of damages. For instance, we can present the court with your total medical bills to prove the cost of your medical treatment. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are a little more complicated. These damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological effect the accident had on your life. For example, the following are all types of non-economic damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life 
  • Loss of familial relationships
Arkansas personal injury lawyer

Arkansas Personal Injury Guide Infographic

If you have been injured by someone’s negligence, whether from a car crash or a construction site accident, you may be able to receive economic recovery to help you move forward with your life. Here is a quick guide to Arkansas personal injury law to help answer questions you may have.

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Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

The most common personal injuries include:
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Amputations
  • Crush injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fractures
  • Internal organ damage
  • Broken bones
  • Deep disfiguring cuts
  • Burns
  • Nerve damage
  • Paralysis
  • Scarring
  • Penetrating wounds from flying objects
  • Airbag injuries, including broken nose and/or jaw
  • Dislocations
Personal injuries are very common and each year across the nation, roughly 39 million Americans need medical treatment for a wide range of such injuries. Of great concern is the fact that medical errors and accidental injuries are the third leading cause of death.
For your personal injury attorney to help you build a case seeking compensation for your injuries, several pieces of evidence would be helpful. Those documents include:
  • Police reports
  • Statements made by witnesses
  • Survivor/client statement – this is a crucial document that outlines, in the survivor’s words what happened and how it affects their life.
  • Medical documents, including E.R. Records, doctor treatment notes, rehabilitation reports, and autopsy reports.
  • Any reports dealing with past safety concerns of a vehicle and/or past safety violations.
  • Pictures and/or video of the accident scene and injuries.
  • Any private investigation reports available (can be obtained through discovery).
  • The service history of the vehicle involved in the crash.
  • The 911 call transcript.
  • Any audio recordings available captured on a smartphone.
  • Relevant W2 forms that indicate lost wages
  • All receipts of medical expenses related to the accident, vehicle rental, payments to others to transport you.
  • Keep all your files relating to the crash together and keep a digital and physical copy. Use a spreadsheet to indicate what you have and what you still need to obtain.
Your attorney may have other documents they could use to build your case. They ask for those when they discuss your case with you when you find out your legal rights, and determine if you want to proceed with a personal injury claim.
If you have been hurt in an accident, there are some things that you need to do immediately, if possible. You want to protect your rights while seeking compensation for your injuries from an insurance company. Here are things you need to do as quickly as possible:
  • Call the police and make sure you get the accident report.
  • If possible, get the contact information of other witnesses.
  • Get medical help immediately or as soon as possible. Do not wait.
  • Describe all of your injuries no matter how small or big they are, as the doctor documents them for the medical record. These records are helpful for your personal injury attorney while seeking compensation for your injuries.
  • No matter what tests are ordered, get all of them done as instructed. Ask for x-rays, scans, or an MRI if the injuries are serious. Get the results of those tests for your attorney.
  • Do not provide “any” statement whatsoever to any insurance company, including your own. While you can notify them of the accident, do not provide any other details until you have retained a car accident attorney.
  • If you do not have an experienced car accident attorney, make sure you hire one as soon as you can.
  • Keep personal records of all your injuries, how you feel, your experiences, what medical treatment you obtained, what the outcome was, and keep receipts for all expenses related to the accident.
  • No matter how you feel, follow through on ALL doctor, therapist, and therapy appointments. Always show up and do what you were instructed to do, and do not skip any appointments.
  • Throughout this process of recovering from injuries in a car accident, dealing with insurance companies and your attorney, have patience. The process to recover compensation for your injuries can be a long one.
Personal injury cases can happen at any time and anywhere. The most common types of personal injury cases include:
  • Nursing home abuse, neglect
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Birth injuries
  • Aviation, boating accidents
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Medical malpractice
  • Wrongful death claims
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Car accident claims
  • Medical malpractice
  • Wrongful death claims
  • Dog bites
  • Defamation claims, as personal injury cases do not always involve physical injuries
  • Assault
  • Accidents in the workplace
  • Premises liability claims
  • Product liability claims
  • Construction injuries

    Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

    While almost every accident victim can point to some type of damage they suffered due to the accident, identifying the full extent of your damages is critical to your full recovery. You only get one chance to bring a case, so you want to make sure you get it right. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., represents injured workers from all over Northwest Arkansas including Fort Smith, Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Berryville and Harrison.
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    Fort Smith Wrongful Death Cases

    Preventable accidents claim thousands of lives in Arkansas every year. Whether a loved one is lost after a motor vehicle accident, workplace accident or any other type of accident, the result is tragic. While many accident victims can physically recover from their injuries, sadly, many do not. Families who have lost a loved one in a preventable accident can pursue a Fort Smith wrongful death case against the at-fault party.

    Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

    A wrongful death claim is a type of personal injury case except that, instead of being brought by the accident victim, it is brought by their surviving family members. Wrongful death claims can be filed after any type of accident. The following family members can file a wrongful death claim:

    • Spouses
    • Children
    • Parents
    • Siblings
    • The personal representative of the accident victim’s estate
    What damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit?

    The damages available through a wrongful death claim are similar to those in a personal injury claim and include:

    • Medical bills and expenses
    • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
    • Lost benefits (such as health insurance premiums)
    • Compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering
    • Compensation for your own mental anguish

    Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

    If you or a loved one was recently involved in a Fort Smith accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. In the aftermath of a fatal accident, families may be looking for answers that are hard to come by. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, our compassionate wrongful death lawyers can help you understand your options so you can make the decision that is best for your family. For more than two decades, attorney Hatfield and his dedicated team have served Fort Smith and the surrounding communities. As skilled negotiators, we can often resolve our clients’ cases without the need for a trial; however, we are also aggressive litigators and will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement offer. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a Fort Smith, personal injury lawyer, give us a call today at 479-361-3575. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
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