Mississippi Bill Requires Expert Opinion at Filing of Negligence Suit

A bill that cleared the Mississippi Senate on Friday would make it more difficult to file a negligence lawsuit.

Under the bill, an expert’s statement of merit would have to be included in any complaint alleging professional negligence.

The statement would have to list the facts of the case. The requirement would apply to all negligence lawsuits filed against professionals who need a license to practice in Mississippi, including engineers, architects, nurses, teachers and attorneys.

The expert would have to practice in Mississippi or a state with similar licensing requirements.

Supporters say the bill could help reduce frivolous lawsuits. Opponents say plaintiffs could have a hard time finding experts willing to testify against colleagues in their field.

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The bill is Senate Bill 3073.