Arkansas workers' compensation
Everything to know about workers’ compensation for
Arkansas
businesses
What does workers’ compensation cover?
A standard workers’ comp policy covers four primary areas: medical expenses, lost wages, employer liability and ongoing rehabilitation. EverPeak policies ensure your crew gets the care they need to return to work safely while protecting your business from the costs of workplace accidents.
Medical care
Coverage for the necessary treatment resulting from a work-related injury or illness.
Lost wages
Partial pay for employees unable to work while recovering from an injury.
Legal protection
Financial support for your business if an employee files a lawsuit related to an accident.
Ongoing care
Rehabilitation and training to support employees re-enter the workforce, and ongoing benefits for permanent injuries.
Death benefits
Financial support for the families.
What are
Arkansas
's workers' comp laws?
Situated in the heartland of the United States, Arkansas offers a unique mix of Southern charm and a pioneer spirit. From the bustling vibrancy of Little Rock to the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, the Natural State beckons both adventure seekers and business visionaries.
With a thriving economy and a diverse range of industries, Arkansas provides ample opportunities for businesses to prosper. When it comes to protecting your business and your employees, it's essential to find the right workers' compensation insurance.
What is workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation is a system of insurance required for employers with three or more employees. It’s designed to provide employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses with medical treatment and indemnity benefits.
Without workers’ compensation, the cost of a work-related injured or ill employee’s medical treatment could become the responsibility of your business.
Arkansas workers' compensation laws and rules
Arkansas workers’ comp coverage is legally required for all businesses with three or more full-time or part-time employees (excluding sole proprietors). Note: Employers involved in building trades or construction must carry coverage if they have two or more employees.
Arkansas's workers' compensation laws are designed to protect both employees and employers in the event of workplace injuries or illnesses.
Key aspects include coverage for medical expenses, wage replacement benefits, and compensation for permanent disabilities.
Employees who are injured on the job must report their injuries to their employer promptly, usually within 30 days. Employers must then report the incident to their workers' compensation insurance partner and the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission.
Employees can verify online if their employer has coverage.
Who is covered and exempt from
Arkansas
workers' comp?
Who is covered?
Policies include protection for full-time and part-time workers.
Exemptions from workers’ compensation in Arkansas may include, for example:
- Railroad and maritime workers
- Agricultural farm labor
- Domestic help
- Non-profit employees
- Religious, charitable or relief organizations
Covered injuries and illnesses
Workers' compensation covers a range of work-related injuries and illnesses, including physical injuries resulting from an accident and occupational diseases that may develop over time due to job conditions.
Benefits provided
Arkansas workers’ comp insurance provides three types of benefits for work injuries:
- Medical benefits
- Lost wages
- Death benefits
- Medical treatment for work-related accidents, injuries and/or illnesses
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Continued medical maintenance
- Death benefits to dependents
Arkansas workers’ compensation rates
Arkansas laws place a limit on how much an employee can receive in combined temporary disability benefits and permanent partial disability benefits. The cap changes each year and you can find the current rate here.
How much does workers’ comp cost in
Arkansas
?
How do you file a workers’ compensation claim in
Arkansas
?
Filing a workers' compensation claim
Step 1: Employee reports injury to employer
The employer should be notified of the injury as soon as possible so they can complete the required forms in a timely manner.
Step 2: Seek medical care
Workers are to seek care from a doctor chosen by their employer or the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance partner.
If the employee is not satisfied with the care of the chosen doctor, they may elect to exercise a one-time right to request a change of physician.
Employers should not file a Change of Physician Request form for employees unless the employee has specifically chosen the doctor being requested.
Step 3: Employer reports injury
Arkansas workers’ compensation law requires employers to file a report and related Arkansas workers’ compensation forms within 10 days of the injury.
Step 4: Receive benefits
If the workers’ compensation claim is accepted, an injured employee may begin to receive workers’ compensation benefits, such as lost wages and medical benefits.
Step 5: Return to work
Following their recovery, a worker is expected to resume work safely. If an employee is unable to return to their previous position or any other type of work due to their work-related injury, they may be entitled to permanent total disability benefits.
How to get workers' compensation
Insurance requirements for employers
Generally, employers in Arkansas with three or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance or qualify for self-insurance. Compliance with these requirements is essential to protect both the employer and employees.
Choosing the right insurance partner
When selecting a workers' compensation insurance provider, consider factors such as the provider's experience in the industry, financial stability, coverage options, claims process, customer service, and cost.
We recommend requesting multiple quotes and comparing the offerings before making a decision.
Covering your business and employees with a trusted insurance partner — like EverPeak — brings peace of mind so you can focus on your bottom line.
FAQs
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that benefits employers and employees in the case of a work-related injury or illness.
Reach out to our customer service team directly at 833.929.0523, or fill out our contact form, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Workers' compensation can cover staff injuries that happen on the job, including incidents involving patients, depending on the circumstances and your policy's terms.
Many general contractors, property owners or permitting offices require proof of insurance — often a certificate of insurance — before work begins. Confirm with the requesting party what's required for your specific job.
In many cases, yes — general contractors often require subcontractors to carry their own coverage before starting work. Requirements vary by project and state, so confirm with your contractor and an agent.
Enforcing safety protocols, providing proper employee training, maintaining a clean and hazard-free work environment, and regularly reviewing safety practices can significantly reduce workplace injuries.
Your premium is primarily determined by your industry payroll classifications, geographic location and total annual payroll. Your business’s safety history can also play a major role in determining your final rate. Three key factors influence your base insurance rate:
- Industry classification codes: Higher-hazard trades naturally carry higher baseline rates.
- Geographic location: Rates and statutory benefit structures fluctuate heavily by state lines.
- Historical safety record: Maintaining an accident-free workplace lowers your Experience Modification Rate (E-mod), resulting in built-in premium discounts.
Work-related injuries or illnesses should be reported immediately or within a few days of occurrence. State statutes typically set strict deadlines—for example, Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80) requires notice within 30 days of the accident. Prompt reporting ensures timely medical care and protects your right to benefits.
Why choose EverPeak for workers’ comp coverage?
EverPeak protects the hardest-working businesses in
Arkansas
with simple, reliable workers’ comp starting as low as $18 a month. Backed by over a century of specialized experience, customers get multi-state coverage, fast and easy claims support, and a vast network of brokers.
Arkansas
workers’ comp resources
Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Insurance FAQs
Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Forms
Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission
Customer Care
Learn more about workers’ compensation in your state
Learn more about specific workers' comp insurance requirements and local compliance guidelines in your state.