Jury Trial In Missouri

Missouri Jury Trials Can Lead to Better Outcomes in Personal Injury Cases

During a personal injury case, lawyers and clients are often faced with a pivotal decision: should they settle or proceed to trial? While settlements may offer predictability, there is compelling evidence, both anecdotal and empirical, that jury trials can lead to more money for the injured client, particularly when plaintiffs are represented by experienced, trial-ready counsel.

Missouri juries often bring fairness, community values, and a human lens to civil cases that insurance companies and defense attorneys may undervalue or ignore. A jury trial in Missouri may yield better results.  The following is an overview of the civil jury trial process in Missouri state county circuit courts.

Why Go to Trial?

1. Missouri Juries Can Bring Fairness and Human Judgment

Insurance companies are trained to minimize claims. Jurors, however, are everyday citizens who can see the humanity in an injured plaintiff’s story. They bring empathy and shared community values into the courtroom. Unlike adjusters, jurors often appreciate the real-world impacts of pain, trauma, and disability.

Juries in Missouri are especially influenced by: Clearly visible and compelling injuries. Honest, relatable plaintiffs, Strong evidence of negligence or misconduct, Instances of bad faith or indifference from defendants

Note: In Missouri, unless a bad faith or uninsured/underinsured claim is directly pled, the jury is not informed that an insurance company is paying the defense verdict. This limits the plaintiff’s ability to appeal to anger toward insurers directly.

2. Missouri Verdicts Send a Message

Missouri jury verdicts do more than compensate victims; they serve a public accountability function. Verdicts can deter future negligent conduct, specifically in cases involving reckless driving, corporate negligence, or egregious safety violations. For this reason, defense counsel often increases settlement offers when trial appears imminent.  If punitive damages are a legitimate issue, this can also drive up settlements.

3. Jury Trial Reputation in Missouri Strengthens Settlement Leverage

Insurers carefully track which firms are willing to try cases. Law firms known for pushing every case to early settlement, often called “settlement mills” may receive lower offers. In contrast, attorneys who are actively preparing each case for trial from day one tend to command more respect and better settlements.

Client Tip: Seek out a law firm that maintains close contact with all their clients, has personnel who personally work up your case, and does not treat your claim as just another file in a high volume, massive advertisement law firm practice.

4. Missouri Jury Trial Awards Often Exceed Pretrial Offers

Empirical research supports what many trial lawyers already know: juries often award more than what insurers offer to settle, especially early on in the case.

Jury verdicts may fully account for long-term medical care and future damages

Plaintiffs with strong liability and sympathetic stories often fare better before jurors than in pre-suit negotiations

Median jury verdicts for personal injury cases often exceed average settlement values

5. Missouri Trials Provide Dignity and Closure

Beyond money, jury trials give plaintiffs a day in court and a chance to tell their story. Many injured clients report that being heard and validated by jurors feels better than just accepting a low settlement.

Of course, not every case should go to trial. Sometimes the insurance company offers policy limits or the facts are unfavorable. But every case deserves a careful analysis of trial value, risk tolerance, deep pockets, insurance policy limits, and strategy.

What Does a Civil Jury Trial Look Like in Missouri?

Civil jury trials in Missouri are conducted in the County Circuit Court.  They follow a well-defined process, governed by Missouri statutes, court rules, and case law. Below is a step-by-step guide to a typical personal injury jury trial in Missouri circuit court:

1. Missouri Jury Selection (Voir Dire)

Mo. Rev. Stat. §494.400 et seq. — Governs selection and qualification of jurors

494.415.  Qualified jury list — juror qualification

494.425 Ineligible Jurors

494.430 – Jurors Entitled to be Excused

Supreme Court Rule 69.01(b) — Regarding the rights and waiver of a jury trial

Voir dire allows attorneys to question prospective jurors and identify potential biases. Peremptory challenges and challenges for cause help shape an impartial jury.

1. Opening Statements in Missouri

Case Law: State v. Storey, 901 S.W.2d 886 (Mo. 1995) (opening statements are not evidence)

Opening statements allow each party to outline what they believe the evidence will show. Arguments and personal opinions are prohibited.

1. Case-in-Chief and Presentation of Evidence

Plaintiffs present their witnesses and exhibits first; defense follows

The burden of proof in civil cases is “preponderance of the evidence.”

1. Missouri Trial Motions

Rule 72.01(a) — Motion for directed verdict (now called judgment as a matter of law)

Either party may move for judgment as a matter of law if the evidence is legally insufficient to support the opposing claim.

1. Missouri Jury Instructions

Rule 70 — Governs the use of jury instructions

MAI (Missouri Approved Instructions) are mandatory when applicable

Instructions must be submitted and objected to in accordance with Rule 70 or the issue is waived on appeal.

1. Closing Arguments in Missouri

Permitted as a matter of right, but controlled by the trial judge

Case Law: Evans v. State, 21 S.W.3d 196 (Mo. Ct. App. 2000)

Closing arguments summarize the evidence and tie it to the law. Attorneys may draw reasonable inferences but may not reference inadmissible material or express personal opinions.

1. Jury Deliberation and Verdict

Rule 71.01 — Governs jury verdicts

Civil verdicts in Missouri must be unanimous, unless otherwise agreed

Juries deliberate in private and return a signed verdict form. If jurors have questions during deliberation, they are submitted in writing and answered on the record.

1. Post-Trial Motions

Rule 78.01 — Motion for new trial

Rule 72.02(b) — Renewed motion for judgment as a matter of law

Rule 74.06 — Relief from judgment for mistake, newly discovered evidence, or misconduct

These motions must be timely filed and often serve to preserve issues for appeal.

1. Entry of Judgment and Appeal

Rule 74.01(a) — Entry of final judgment

Rule 81.04 — Notice of appeal

After judgment is entered, either party may appeal to the Missouri Court of Appeals. The appellate court will review for legal error.

Conclusion: The Missouri Jury Trial Advantage

Missouri’s civil trial process is transparent, structured, and accessible to injured individuals. While trial is not the right choice in many cases, it often gives plaintiffs the opportunity to tell their story, hold wrongdoers accountable, and recover full, fair compensation.

For personal injury attorneys who are prepared, strategic, and unafraid to take cases to a jury, Missouri Circuit courtrooms in the county remain a powerful place to seek justice.

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, let the personal injury attorneys at Wallentine Injury Law, LLC, provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Contact us today to begin your journey toward justice. Free Consultation. No Obligation.  You Pay nothing unless we win.  Call (816)-934-6333 or reach out online to schedule your consultation.  You Need Jerry.