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How long do I have to file a property damage claim in Arkansas?

3 years

Arkansas property damage: 3 years from the incident.

Governing statute: Ark. Code § 16-56-105. Verified against the published code: 2026-06-22.

Arkansas Property Damage Deadline Calculator

Clock generally starts on the date the property was damaged or destroyed.

The bottom line

In Arkansas, you generally have 3 years to file a property damage lawsuit, counted from the date the property was damaged or destroyed (Ark. Code § 16-56-105). Damage to real property versus personal property, and trespass versus negligence theories, can fall under different statutes.

Don't risk your deadline

Missing the statute of limitations usually ends your case permanently. Talk to a property damage attorney—most offer a free consultation.

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Frequently asked

How long do I have to file a property damage lawsuit in Arkansas?
3 years, generally from the date the property was damaged or destroyed (Ark. Code § 16-56-105).
When does the property damage clock start in Arkansas?
the date the property was damaged or destroyed. Damage to real property versus personal property, and trespass versus negligence theories, can fall under different statutes.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Filing after the statute of limitations almost always means the court will dismiss your case and you lose the right to recover. A few narrow exceptions (tolling, the discovery rule, minority) can extend it — an attorney can tell you whether any apply.

Arkansas deadlines by claim type

Claim typeDeadlineStatute
Personal Injury3 yearsArk. Code § 16-56-105
Breach of Contract5 yearsArk. Code § 16-56-111 (written)
Medical Malpractice2 yearsArk. Code § 16-114-203
Defamation (Libel / Slander)1 yearArk. Code § 16-56-104
Property Damage3 yearsArk. Code § 16-56-105
Not legal advice. This page is informational only and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney. Statutes of limitations are subject to many exceptions — tolling, the discovery rule, minority (under-18) and incapacity rules, government notice-of-claim deadlines (often far shorter), and statutes of repose — any of which can shorten or lengthen the deadline in your specific case. The governing statute citation and the date it was verified are shown above so you can confirm the current text yourself. Never rely on this page to decide whether you can or cannot sue. Consult a licensed attorney in your state before your deadline.