Arkansas Offer of Judgment — Personal Injury refers to a legal mechanism available in Arkansas that allows parties involved in a personal injury lawsuit to make settlement offers or counteroffers in order to resolve the dispute. This process is governed by Arkansas Rule of Civil Procedure 68. The Arkansas Offer of Judgment — Personal Injury is a strategic tool that can be used by both plaintiffs and defendants to incentivize settlement negotiations and potentially avoid prolonged litigation. By making an Offer of Judgment, a party is essentially proposing a specific amount they are willing to accept or pay to resolve the case. There are two types of Arkansas Offer of Judgment — Personal Injury: plaintiff's offer and defendant's offer. 1. Plaintiff's Offer of Judgment: This occurs when the injured party (plaintiff) proposes a specific amount they are willing to accept as a settlement from the defendant. The plaintiff uses this tool to encourage the defense to negotiate seriously and potentially settle the case. If the defendant rejects the offer and later secures a judgment at trial that is less favorable than the plaintiff's initial offer, the defendant may be liable for additional costs, such as attorney fees and court costs. 2. Defendant's Offer of Judgment: In this case, the defendant makes an offer to the plaintiff to settle the personal injury claim for a specific amount. The defendant may utilize this tool to push the plaintiff towards accepting a reasonable settlement, especially if they believe the plaintiff's claims are exaggerated or unlikely to prevail at trial. If the plaintiff rejects the defendant's offer and fails to receive a judgment at trial, a potential consequence may be the plaintiff having to pay the defendant's lawyer fees and court costs. The purpose of the Arkansas Offer of Judgment — Personal Injury is to promote fairness, efficiency, and preservation of resources within the legal system. It serves as a mechanism for incentivizing parties to honestly evaluate their case, engage in reasonable settlement discussions, and potentially reach a mutually beneficial agreement. It is crucial for individuals involved in personal injury lawsuits in Arkansas to consult with experienced attorneys who can guide them in comprehending the potential benefits and risks associated with making or rejecting an Offer of Judgment.