Little Rock Attorney Explains Third-Party Workplace Injury Claims

Joseph Gates of Gates Law Firm helps workers file separate lawsuits beyond workers' compensation for full damages.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Arkansas workers injured on the job by third parties can file separate personal injury lawsuits while maintaining workers' compensation benefits, pursuing full damages, including pain and suffering that workers' comp does not cover. Little Rock third-party workers' injury claims lawyer Joseph Gates helps injured workers coordinate workers' compensation claims with third-party lawsuits against equipment manufacturers, negligent drivers, property owners, and contractors whose actions caused workplace injuries.

Why it matters

Third-party claims allow workers to recover more than the limited benefits provided by workers' compensation, including full lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in cases of reckless conduct. This is especially important for severe injuries that significantly impact a worker's life and livelihood.

The details

Workers' compensation covers basic medical bills and partial lost wages, paying two-thirds of average weekly wages. However, it does not cover pain and suffering, full lost income, or future earning capacity when defective equipment, drunk drivers, or unsafe property causes injuries. Third-party claims can recover these additional damages through lawsuits against liable parties like manufacturers, negligent drivers, and contractors.

  • The Arkansas statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years from the date of injury.

The players

Joseph Gates

A Little Rock-based attorney who specializes in third-party workplace injury claims and has recovered over $162 million for injury victims across Arkansas.

Gates Law Firm

A Little Rock-based law firm dedicated to personal injury representation, including third-party workplace injury claims throughout Arkansas.

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What they’re saying

“If you are a construction worker in Little Rock and a crane manufactured by an out-of-state company collapses due to a design flaw, you can file a workers' comp claim with your employer's carrier and a product liability lawsuit against the crane manufacturer. The two claims proceed on separate tracks, and success in one does not prevent recovery in the other.”

— Joseph Gates, Little Rock third-party workers' injury claims lawyer (Gates Law Firm)

“Early legal involvement allows thorough evidence gathering while memories remain fresh and physical evidence exists. Waiting months to contact lawyers often means critical evidence has been destroyed, witnesses have disappeared, and recollections have faded.”

— Joseph Gates, Little Rock attorney (Gates Law Firm)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.