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How does comparative fault work in Missouri?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-18

1. Negligence Elements. Missouri negligence requires duty, breach, causation, and damages (Lopez v. Three Rivers Elec. Coop., 26 S.W.3d 151). Foreseeability shapes duty.

2. Comparative Fault Regime. Missouri adopted pure comparative fault in Gustafson v. Benda, 661 S.W.2d 11 (Mo. 1983) (en banc), abandoning common-law contributory negligence. Adopted Uniform Comparative Fault Act §§ 1-6 by judicial decision. A plaintiff at any fault percentage recovers, reduced proportionally. MAI 32.28 patterns apply.

3. Joint and Several Liability. R.S.Mo. § 537.067 (revised 2005) — a defendant 51% or more at fault is jointly and severally liable for the full judgment; defendants less than 51% are severally liable only for their percentage. The 2005 revision restricted J&S; prior law was broader.

4. Last Clear Chance / Sudden Emergency. Last clear chance abolished by Gustafson. Sudden emergency remains as MAI 14.06.

5. Settling Tortfeasors. R.S.Mo. § 537.060 — settlement releases all claims unless terms otherwise; verdict reduced by settlement amount paid. Good-faith settlement discharges contribution under § 537.063.

6. Statute of Repose vs SOL. Personal injury SOL is 5 years (R.S.Mo. § 516.120) — among the longest. Med-mal SOL is 2 years with 10-year repose for minors (§ 516.105). Construction repose is 10 years (§ 516.097). Product liability has no general repose.

7. Caps. Med-mal noneconomic capped at $472,476 (2026 adjusted; statutory $400K base for nonfatal, $700K for catastrophic, $930K for death — R.S.Mo. § 538.210). Caps survived Sanders v. Ahmed, 364 S.W.3d 195 challenge after 2015 amendments restructured them as statutory rather than common-law. Punitive damages capped under § 510.265 at greater of $500,000 or 5× net judgment.

8. Wrongful Death Comparative. R.S.Mo. § 537.080 wrongful death applies comparative fault; decedent's fault reduces recovery.

9. Worker Injuries. R.S.Mo. § 287.120 WC exclusivity. Third-party suits apply Gustafson pure comparative.

This is legal information, not legal advice.

When to Talk to a Lawyer
  • Multi-defendant case where § 537.067 51% J&S threshold affects collectibility
  • Med-mal claim approaching § 538.210 tiered caps (death/catastrophic)
  • Punitive damages case implicating § 510.265 cap and Crime Victims' Fund allocation
Related Statutes & Laws
  • R.S.Mo. § 537.067
  • R.S.Mo. § 537.060
  • R.S.Mo. § 538.210

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.