TL;DR: Monsees & Mayer – Missouri Expert Witness Law Update
Monsees & Mayer are closely monitoring Missouri’s adoption of the Daubert standard for expert witness testimony. This change requires stricter vetting of expert opinions, impacting both plaintiffs and defendants. The firm is prepared to navigate these new challenges to ensure fair representation for their clients.
On March 28th, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens signed into law a bill that significantly alters how expert witnesses are used in Missouri courts. The new legislation adopts the federal Daubert standard, which has governed expert witness testimony in federal courts since 1993. This change means attorneys practicing in Missouri state courts must now meet a higher threshold when introducing scientific, medical, technical, or other specialized expert opinions in litigation.
For many law firms, this adjustment will require a dramatic shift in courtroom strategy. Attorneys who lack federal trial experience may struggle with the nuances of these rules, placing their clients at a disadvantage. Successfully introducing expert witness testimony now requires a deep understanding of the admissibility standards for reliability, relevance, and scientific validity.
At Monsees & Mayer, we are well-prepared for this change. A significant portion of our legal practice already involves litigating cases in federal court, where our attorneys have developed years of experience handling expert witness testimony under the Daubert standard. We know how to properly vet, select, and defend the experts we present—whether they are medical professionals, engineers, forensic specialists, or financial analysts.
Choosing the right attorney has never been more critical. Even otherwise competent attorneys may fail to meet the new standards if they have not practiced extensively in federal court. This could result in key expert testimony being excluded, severely weakening a case. Just as important, our attorneys are skilled at challenging and excluding improper or unsupported expert opinions offered by the defense.
The new law goes into effect on August 28th, 2017. If you are seeking legal representation for a personal injury or complex litigation matter, contact Monsees & Mayer, P.C. today. We offer free consultations and are here to ensure your case is built on the strongest foundation possible.
