Section 490.525

Title XXXIII EVIDENCE AND LEGAL ADVERTISEMENTS

Chapter 490

Effective - 28 Aug 2004   

  490.525.  Affidavit stating amount charged was reasonable and necessary, effect — restrictions — service — counteraffidavit, requirements — notice. — 1.  This section shall apply to civil actions filed in any court of this state.

  2.  Unless a controverting affidavit is filed as provided by this section, an affidavit that the amount a person charged for a service was reasonable at the time and place that the service was provided and that the service was necessary is sufficient evidence to support a finding of fact by judge or jury that the amount charged was reasonable or that the service was necessary.

  3.  The affidavit shall:

  (1)  Be taken before an officer with authority to administer oaths;

  (2)  Be made by the person or that person's designee who provided the service;

  (3)  Include an itemized statement of the service and charge.

  4.  The party offering the affidavit in evidence or the party's attorney shall file the affidavit with the clerk of the court and serve a copy of the affidavit on each other party to the case at least thirty days before the day on which evidence is first presented at the trial of the case.

  5.  A party intending to controvert a claim reflected by the affidavit shall file a counteraffidavit with the clerk of the court and serve a copy of the counteraffidavit on each other party or the party's attorney of record:

  (1)  Not later than:

  (a)  Thirty days after the day he receives a copy of the affidavit; and

  (b)  At least fourteen days before the day on which evidence is first presented at the trial of the case; or

  (2)  With leave of the court, at any time before the commencement of evidence at trial.

  6.  The counteraffidavit shall give reasonable notice of the basis on which the party filing it intends at trial to controvert the claim reflected by the initial affidavit and must be taken before a person authorized to administer oaths.  The counteraffidavit shall be made by a person who is qualified, by knowledge, skill, experience, training, education or other expertise, to testify in contravention of all or part of any of the matters contained in the initial affidavit.

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(L. 1993 S.B. 88, A.L. 2004 S.B. 1211)