{"id":371647,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:25","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-06T12:15:01","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T17:15:01","slug":"arkansas-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arkansas Civil Statute of Limitations Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arkansas Civil Statute of Limitations Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The civil statute of limitations is a set of statutory time limits for filing a lawsuit. The time limits typically range from one to three years for most civil causes of action. The clock generally begins to run when the alleged injury or other disputed event occurs.<\/p>\r\n

Some exceptions and conditions apply. An individual unknowingly exposed to asbestos<\/a> 20 years ago may just now discover the injury after receiving an asbestosis diagnosis. Per the discovery rule, the clock generally doesn’t begin running until the injured person discovers the harm. This typically gives them ample time to file suit.<\/p>\r\n

On the criminal side of the ledger, a defendant who is in hiding, out of the state, or is evading police may also toll or stop the statute of limitations from running. If you’re facing charges, FindLaw’s Arkansas Criminal Statutes of Limitations<\/a> article can let you know how long the state has to file charges.<\/p>\r\n

These time limits are important for a couple of reasons. First, they prevent potential plaintiffs from threatening someone with a lawsuit indefinitely. Also, they ensure greater integrity of the evidence and a more efficient case. The time limits tend to promote reliable witnesses and a speedier resolution of the dispute.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an overview of the civil statute of limitations laws<\/a> in Arkansas.<\/p>\r\n

Arkansas Civil Statute of Limitations: Summary<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Several common civil causes of action have three-year limitation periods in Arkansas. These include personal injury claims, property damage, and libel claims. Depending on the type of claim, the time limit to file varies between one and 10 years.<\/p>\r\n

The table provides access to Arkansas civil statute of limitations laws. Links to other relevant FindLaw Articles are also provided below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations Code Sections<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Arkansas Code \u00a7\u00a7 16-56-102<\/a> to 16-56-130<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Assault and Battery<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

One year<\/b> (Ark. Code \u00a7 16-56-104(2)(A)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Collection of Debt on Account<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Collection of Rents<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Three years<\/b> (Ark. Code \u00a7 16-56-105(2)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Contracts<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for False Imprisonment<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

One year<\/b> (Ark. Code \u00a7 16-56-104(2)(B)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Injury to Person<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Three years<\/b> (Ark. Code \u00a7 16-56-105<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Injury to Personal Property<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Three years<\/b> (Ark. Code \u00a7 16-56-105(6)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Judgments<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Ten years<\/b> (Ark. Code \u00a7 16-56-114<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Libel\/Slander<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Professional Malpractice<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Trespass<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Three years<\/b> (Ark. Code \u00a7 16-56-105(4)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Wrongful Death<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Three years<\/b> (Ark Code \u00a7 16-62-102(b)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations for Other Actions<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

If an action is not listed in Ark. Code \u00a7\u00a7 16-56-104, 16-56-105, 16-56-108, or 16-56-109, the statute of limitations is five years<\/b> after the cause of action’s accrual. (\u00a7 16-56-115<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws often change through the enactment of newly passed legislation, through higher court decisions, and other means. Contact an <\/i>Arkansas civil litigation attorney<\/i><\/a> or conduct your own legal research to verify the Arkansas law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Arkansas Statute of Limitations: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Visit the links below for more information about Arkansas’ statute of limitations laws and related topics:<\/p>\r\n