Discovery - Experts

Discovery: Experts

MONTANA SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

Hawkins v. Harney, et al. [3/27/03] 2003 MT 58 In non-workers' compensation case, Montana Supreme Court held that trial judge abused discretion in finding inadequate supplemental disclosure of expert witness that identified expert by address, age, schooling, and employment, stated that the subject matter of his testimony would be the way in which the subject veterinary case was handled, identified the substance of facts and opinions to which expert was expected to testify, and addressed the grounds for his opinion as "standard veterinary teaching and practice." The disclosure was sufficient to prevent surprise and promote effective cross-examination.

MONTANA WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT DECISIONS

Darrah v. ASARCO [5/8/01] 2001 MTWCC 17A Parties must comply with the Court's requirement in its scheduling orders for automatic disclosure of expert witnesses and the substance and bases of their opinions.

Darrah v. ASARCO [5/8/01] 2001 MTWCC 17A Where the general nature of the testimony of an expert witness should be obvious, and the party objecting to use of expert testimony (because disclosure regarding the opinions was insufficient) failed to move to compel further disclosure, the appropriate remedy is to vacate the trial and order adequate disclosure.

Kuntz v. Travelers Insurance Co, et al. [1/26/96] 1996 MTWCC 9 Expert witness disclosure was inadequate where it does not set forth the opinions of vocational expert or the factual basis for those opinions.

Mavity v. Champion International [04/13/95] 1995 MTWCC 27 In the context of ongoing disputes regarding the timeliness and adequacy of expert witness disclosure, respondent filed a motion to allow expert testimony. Where trial is set within two weeks, any issues regarding experts that remain at trial will be sorted out at that time. The parties are directed to list their experts in the pretrial order, along with any objection to opposing experts, supported with reasons.

Mavity v. Champion International [04/13/95] 1995 MTWCC 27 Trial counsel embroiled in expert witness dispute are admonished that the Court takes a dim view of gamesmanship in the discovery process. Attorneys are expected to make full and fair disclosure and to cooperate with each other. With the Court’s impatience with pretrial games well known, it is prepared to impose sanctions for abuses.