Expert Witness Opinion Admissibility

Expert witnesses are frequently utilized when there is a technical or complex issue (e.g., medicine, property valuation) present and an expert opinion would aid the judge or jury in deciding a given matter.

Even if expert testimony is not required, “it is admissible when the topic at issue is one which lay witnesses and fact finders are unfamiliar.” Penzel Constr. Co., Inc. v. Jackson R-2 Sch. Dist., 544 S.W.3d 214, 229 (Mo. Ct. App. 2017). Experts are permitted “to address issues in areas in which the fact-finder lacks experience or knowledge.” Id. Indeed, “as long as the witness has some qualifications, the testimony will be permitted.” The depth and breadth of a given expert’s opinion goes to the weight to be given the testimony, not admissibility. Id.

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