Can You Sue the Government for a Slip and Fall in Arkansas?

Let’s say you’re walking into the post office to mail a birthday card. The sidewalk is slick—maybe it’s from a recent rain, maybe it hasn’t been cleaned in a while—and before you know it, your feet slide out from under you. One minute you’re walking, the next you’re on your back with a sharp pain in your hip. You’ve just had a classic slip and fall.

Now imagine that this accident didn’t happen at your local grocery store or restaurant—it happened on public property, owned and operated by the government. That changes things.

So, the big question is: Can you sue the government in Arkansas for a slip and fall injury? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—but we’re here to walk you through it.

Suing the Government: What Makes It Different?

Most of the time, if you’re injured because of someone else’s negligence—say, a spilled drink in a restaurant or an icy parking lot at a retail store—you can file a personal injury claim against the property owner. But when the property owner is a government entity, things get more complicated.

That’s because the government is protected by something called sovereign immunity. It’s an old legal doctrine that basically says you can’t sue the government unless the government says you can. Thankfully, Arkansas has carved out some exceptions—but there are strict rules and procedures you need to follow.

The Arkansas Claims Commission

If you’ve been injured on state-owned property, your first stop is likely the Arkansas State Claims Commission. This is the body that handles claims against state agencies, like the Arkansas Department of Transportation or the Department of Parks and Tourism.

Let’s go back to our earlier example. If you slipped and fell outside the post office, your claim might involve a federal agency (and that’s a different process). But if your fall happened at an Arkansas DMV, you’d file a claim with the State Claims Commission.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Time is critical: You generally have two years to file a claim, but it’s best to act fast. The sooner you document your injury and notify the state, the better.
  
• You can’t sue in regular court: The Claims Commission acts like a court in these cases, reviewing evidence and making decisions.
  
• There’s no jury: A commissioner will hear your case and decide if the state is liable.
  
• There are limits to what you can recover: Unlike a private lawsuit, you may not be able to collect punitive damages or certain costs.
  

What About Cities and Counties?

Now, what if your accident happened on city or county property—like a poorly maintained sidewalk in downtown Little Rock or a slick hallway in a county courthouse?

That’s where things get even trickier.

In Arkansas, municipalities and counties are generally immune from lawsuits for most injuries. However, there are some exceptions. If a local government’s negligence created an “unreasonably dangerous condition,” you might have a case. But proving negligence is tough—and you’ll need strong evidence.

This is why having a personal injury lawyer in Arkansas on your side is so important. We know how to investigate these cases, collect evidence, and navigate the legal maze.

Real People, Real Injuries

Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how these injuries can change lives.

One client—we’ll call her Mary—was leaving a county building after applying for a business license. She stepped out onto the concrete steps and slipped on a patch of moss that hadn’t been cleaned in months. She fractured her wrist and tore a ligament in her ankle. Mary was out of work for weeks and needed physical therapy to get back on her feet.

Because the accident happened on public property, her case required a deep dive into who was responsible for maintenance, whether the city had been notified of the hazard, and what policies were in place to keep visitors safe. It wasn’t easy, but we were able to help her get the compensation she needed to recover.

Stories like Mary’s are more common than you’d think—and they’re a big reason we’re so passionate about helping people understand their rights.

Proving Negligence: What It Takes

To win a slip and fall case—government or not—you have to show that someone was negligent. That means proving:

1. A dangerous condition existed (wet floor, cracked pavement, poor lighting, etc.)
   
2. The government entity knew or should have known about it
3. They failed to fix it or warn you
4. You were injured as a result

The catch with government cases is that even if all of these are true, immunity might still apply. That’s why these cases require a thorough and strategic approach.

If you’d like to understand more about how we handle these claims, visit our page on premises liability law in Arkansas.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall?

If you’re injured on government property in Arkansas, here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Report the incident: Let someone on-site know immediately and ask for a written report if possible.
   
2. Document everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and anything that might help show what happened.
   
3. Get medical attention: Even if the injury seems minor, have a doctor check it out. Medical records are crucial. According to the CDC, one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
   
4. Talk to a lawyer: Don’t wait to get legal advice. There are deadlines and procedures that must be followed precisely.
   

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

At Minton Law Firm, we know how overwhelming it can feel to go up against the government. It’s a big machine with lots of red tape, and most folks don’t know where to start.

That’s where we come in.

We’ve helped Arkansans from all walks of life get the justice they deserve—even when the path was complicated. Whether your injury happened at a state park, a local courthouse, or on a poorly maintained city sidewalk, we’re ready to dig in and fight for you.

Slip and fall injuries can have a lasting impact on your health, your job, and your daily life. You shouldn’t have to bear that burden alone—especially if someone else’s negligence caused your pain.

Let’s Talk About Your Case

If you’ve been hurt on public property and you’re not sure what to do next, give us a call. We offer free consultations and there’s no obligation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you figure out the next step.

Your recovery is our priority—and we’re here to help you move forward.

Call us today at 501-222-HURT or fill out our online form to get started.