Opinion ID: 1368892
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Did the trial court err in admitting the testimony of plaintiff's expert witnesses?

Text: The defendants challenge the admission of the testimony of two expert witnesses since the plaintiff did not provide the names of the witnesses to the defense until sometime during the trial. In response the plaintiff asserts the defense had notice he would present the type of testimony offered by the experts and the exclusion of the testimony would be an improper remedy for any failure to disclose since it was not intentional or unconscionable. CR 26(e)(1) requires a party seasonably to supplement his response [to a request for discovery] with respect to any question directly addressed to ... the identity of each person expected to be called as an expert witness at trial, the subject matter on which he is expected to testify, and the substance of his testimony. CR 26(e)(4) states failure to comply with the rule will subject the party to such terms and conditions as the trial court may deem appropriate. In Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Ctr. v. Holman, 107 Wn.2d 693, 732 P.2d 974 (1987), we recently stated: With regard to alleged discovery violations, it is an abuse of discretion to exclude testimony as a sanction absent any showing of intentional nondisclosure, willful violation of a court order, or other unconscionable conduct. Holman, at 706 (quoting Smith v. Sturm, Ruger & Co., 39 Wn. App. 740, 750, 695 P.2d 600, review denied, 103 Wn.2d 1041 (1985)). Here, the record indicates no intentional misconduct by the counsel for the plaintiff. Counsel apparently had difficulty determining before trial what experts would be available to testify, and told the opposing counsel the names as soon as he was himself certain who would be testifying. The record gives no indication the delay was due to tactical considerations. See Barci v. Intalco Aluminum Corp., 11 Wn. App. 342, 522 P.2d 1159, review denied, 84 Wn.2d 1012 (1974) (names of expert witnesses provided to opponent as soon as possible; no intentional delay found). We find no error.