You may have up to 3 years to file—but that doesn’t tell you how long your case will take.

In Little Rock, Arkansas, you have up to 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, per Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105. However, that statute only sets the outer limit. It doesn’t speak to the complexities, delays, or decisions that determine your timeline.

Every case is different. Some resolve in months. Others take years. At Ludwig Law Firm, we believe in preparing our clients for the road ahead. That’s why we’re breaking down the average phases of a personal injury case, what tasks happen in each, and how an expert personal injury attorney can speed up the process.

As always - if you have a legal question you want answered in a future blog, submit it via the form on this page. Now, let's dive in with an overview of a typical case timeline.

Why it matters — Timing affects finances, recovery planning, emotional wellbeing.

As you can see above, these cases have the potential to take several months. And, when you’re injured, those months feel like they're measured in bills, stress, and uncertainty. Delays definitely don’t bring you peace of mind.

Financially, delays can be devastating. You may be facing medical bills, lost income, and ongoing expenses without the support you need. The longer a case drags on, the longer you may have to wait for a settlement or verdict that helps you get back on your feet. For many injury victims, that wait adds pressure to settle too early—often for less than what the case is worth.

Physically and emotionally, uncertainty can take a toll. Recovery is hard enough without the added stress of legal limbo. Not knowing how long the process will take—or what stage your case is in—can make it difficult to plan your care, stay optimistic, or move forward with your life.

And from a legal strategy standpoint, timing matters because it influences how evidence is gathered, how witnesses remember events, and how opposing parties behave. Cases that drag on too long without direction can lose momentum—or worse, value.

Of course, these elements all depend on the case. Some cases might take longer in the trial phase, while others might have a longer investigation phase. Let’s take a look at some actual cases that happened in Arkansas, with special attention given to the delay point:

You Don’t Have Time to Wait

If you want a law firm that will fight for you and prepare you for every step, call 501-838-4043 or visit ludwiglawfirm.com.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Reading this blog or interacting with Ludwig Law Firm through this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal case is different, and you should not act or rely on any information in this blog without first consulting with a licensed attorney about your specific situation. For legal guidance tailored to your needs, please contact Ludwig Law Firm directly.

1. Schweikle v. City of Benton – $32M Verdict Overturned After Police Shooting

Type: Wrongful Death / Civil Rights
Location: Benton, Arkansas
Timeline: 2016–2024 (Ongoing)
Delay Point: Post-trial appeals and legal reversals

The Schweikle family’s case illustrates how post-trial motions and appeals can add years to a legal fight—even after a jury awards damages. In 2024, a federal jury awarded the family $32 million for the police shooting of 17-year-old Keagan Schweikle, citing failures in training and supervision by the city and police chief.

However, a federal judge later overturned the verdict, finding the officer acted lawfully. The family is now preparing for a third appeal, prolonging the case well beyond its initial trial.

“It’s going to be months and months more of the same waiting game,” said Keagan’s father, Dominic Schweikle.

This goes to show that, even after a trial, legal outcomes can be reversed, leading to years of additional litigation in civil rights and wrongful death claims.

2. Millerd v. United States – $2.06M VA Malpractice Award

Type: Medical Malpractice (Veteran Injury)
Location: Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (Little Rock)
Timeline: Oct. 2018 – May 2023 (~4.5 years)
Delay Point: Pretrial investigation and trial scheduling

After suffering a life-threatening infection misdiagnosed as bronchitis, Grayson Millerd sued the VA hospital in Little Rock. The case proceeded to a bench trial (no jury), where a federal judge ruled that VA staff breached the standard of care by ignoring signs of sepsis and failing to follow up on symptoms.

The lawsuit took nearly five years from injury to judgment—most of which occurred during pretrial medical investigations, expert reviews, and court scheduling delays. The final verdict awarded $2.06 million in damages.

“We brought this case to make sure there was accountability,” said Millerd’s attorney.

Takeaway: Complex medical malpractice claims often require years of expert discovery, multiple evaluations, and court backlog navigation—especially in federal courts.

3. Fayetteville VA Pathologist Lawsuits – Trial Phase Begins

A broader case involving misdiagnoses by a former VA pathologist in Fayetteville began moving toward trial in 2022, following years of internal investigation. The government initially denied negligence, but trial testimony from affected families—including those whose loved ones died—was finally heard six years after the initial harm occurred.

Because this involved systemic misconduct and potentially hundreds of affected patients, the delay stemmed from gathering medical records, identifying patterns, and managing multiple filings.

Takeaway: In cases involving institutional negligence or multiple victims, the case development phase—including investigations and discovery—can cause years of delay before trial even begins. But, not if you hire a lawyer early.

Tips to speed things up

At Ludwig Law Firm, we make sure the process goes smoothly and quickly. Here are some tips that will help you get started:

• Get medical treatment quickly and follow up consistently

• Hire an attorney early so evidence can be preserved

• Keep documentation organized

• Be responsive to attorney requests

• Be realistic about negotiation timelines