Bill > SB1565

This bill modifies how fault is determined in products liability claims, which are lawsuits brought when a defective product causes harm. Currently, in some situations, a plaintiff's own fault could completely prevent them from recovering any damages. This bill abolishes that complete bar and instead adopts a system of "pure comparative fault," meaning a plaintiff's fault will only proportionally reduce the amount of damages they can recover, not eliminate it entirely. The bill expands the definition of "fault" to include a broader range of actions or omissions that contribute to an accident or harm, such as negligence, assumption of risk, breach of warranty, and misuse of a product. Importantly, defendants can now present evidence of fault not only by the plaintiff but also by any other person or entity, and this fault will diminish the damages awarded. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that in these claims, each defendant is only responsible for their allocated percentage of fault, and this allocation will be determined by the fact-finder (judge or jury) considering the fault of all parties involved, including those not named in the lawsuit.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=992592